Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Another Shooting In Kitchener

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested two males in connection to an ongoing shooting investigation in Kitchener.

On March 5, 2024, at approximately 9:40 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Wilson Avenue and Kingsway Drive. 

Through investigation, a vehicle located at the scene was determined to be involved in the shooting incident and was seized by police.

On March 7, 2024, members of WRPS’ General Investigations Unit (GIU) completed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized a loaded firearm and ammunition. Investigators also seized suspected cocaine and oxycodone. As a result of the investigation, two male occupants of the vehicle were identified.

On March 28, 2024, a 27-year-old Kitchener male was arrested and charged with the following: 

  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle
  • Tampering with serial number
  • Careless use of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of suspected cocaine
  • Possession of suspected oxycodone
  • Possession contrary to order
  • Fail to comply with probation order

On April 2, 2024, a 24-year-old Kitchener male was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle
  • Tampering with serial number
  • Careless use of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of suspected cocaine
  • Possession of suspected oxycodone

Both males were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured below in connection to the shooting.

Looking to identify and speak to this individual.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’8”, with a thin build. The male was wearing a black jacket, black and white pants, and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24060402 (917) 


PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are currently investigating a shooting in Kitchener.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at approximately 9:40 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Wilson Avenue and Kingsway Drive. 

Local businesses sustained moderate property damage. One person was injured during the incident, however, left before police arrival. 

Investigators believe this to be a targeted incident and there is no threat to public safety.

The investigation remains ongoing by members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s General Investigations Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24060402 (917) 

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Armed Gang Robbery In Waterloo – Suspects At Large

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating an armed robbery in Kitchener. 

On March 26, 2024, at approximately 11:35 p.m., police responded to a report of a commercial robbery in the area of Victoria Street North and Lancaster Street North.

During the investigation police learned five suspects entered the business and began to steal merchandise. At one point, two of the suspects brandished edged weapons towards an employee. The suspects left prior to police arrival.

The suspects were described as black males, wearing dark clothing.

There are no reports of any physical injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777,  Ext. 8255

To provide anonymous information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

9 Year Old Pedestrian Airlifted Following Collision

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services Unit is investigating a serious collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian in Waterloo. 

On March 25, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., emergency services responded to Sweet Gale Street for reports of a collision between a Hyundai and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 9-year-old Waterloo male, was transported by air ambulance to an out-of-region hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old Waterloo male, did not sustain any physical injuries.

Sweet Gale Street was closed for several hours for the police investigation.

The investigation is ongoing by Traffic Service Unit investigators, and charges are anticipated. 

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8856. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24078164 (951) 

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

AI Elon Musk Scams $800,000 From One Victim #MoreMoneyThanBrains

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate an online investment fraud resulting in over $800,000 in losses in Waterloo.

On March 12, 2024, police began an investigation after receiving a report of a victim defrauded in connection to an online investment scam.

The victim viewed a video promising high returns with a short turnaround time. The video utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to make it appear that the investment was endorsed by Elon Musk and encouraged viewers to contact a provided phone number.

After the victim registered by calling the phone number, he was contacted by a suspect claiming to be from an investment company. The suspect offered their services to assist and guide the victim through the investment process, and convinced the victim to download an app that provided the suspect with remote access to the victim’s computer.

Between January and March 2024, the suspect accessed the victim’s bank accounts and transferred over $800,000 that the victim was led to believe would be invested. When the victim requested to withdraw the money he believed the investment had earned, he was told that before receiving his money, he would have to pay fees and taxes totalling over $40,000.

In 2023, over $60,000,000 in financial losses were reported to the Waterloo Regional Police Service. A large portion of these losses were the result of investment fraud. Fraudsters will often use social media and AI to create fictitious online ads to lure people to invest. In some scams, fraudsters use AI to pretend that a prominent person is endorsing the investment.

Members of the public are advised to be cautious when it comes to scams such as this. #StopPauseThink and review the following safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim of online investment fraud:

  • Don’t engage in unsolicited investment opportunities seen online, and don’t provide personal information online to unknown persons or companies.
  • Be cautious of investments promising higher than expected rates of return. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pitches often claim that investing involves no risk and surefire profits.
  • Don’t allow unknown programs to be downloaded onto your computer or unknown persons to access your computer.
  • Ensure you are investing with a legitimate investment company. Conduct internet searches for the company and/or make a follow-up phone call to the company, as some fraudsters will use the name of a legitimate company.

If you have been a victim of an investment scam and suffered a financial loss, please report the incident online at www.wrps.on.ca/onlinereporting or call our non-emergency number at 519-570-9777.

If you were contacted about this type of scam but did not experience a financial loss, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

For more about investment fraud and how to protect yourself, visit Investment (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Have You Been Scammed By A “Contractor”?

Door to Door/in person scams/Reno fraud:

Despite the evolution of technology, one fraud still remains the same: Door to Door and in person scams.

The fraudsters use high-pressure sales tactics or offer a low price for some services and in return the victim gets services with no or little value. Typical frauds are services like home renovation, or paving jobs. For example, in our Region, between December 22, 2022 and November 2023, renovations fraud in the value of $639,193.96 were reported.

In these types of frauds, the person often starts with a service and either claims that more work has to be done and the price goes up significantly or once payments are received, they disappear. Always be aware about the high-pressure sales and compare the offer. If the offer is way below comparison, use caution. Ask for some references and other project the person has completed. Don’t just look up their social media or their homepage as they can create these accounts by using still images from other pages. Get some other opinions about the urgency of the work and what is all needed. Be aware that not every door to door sale is a fraud. If the work is done but not satisfying, it is a civil dispute.

Learn more during Fraud Prevention Month by following our social media posts and visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Pedestrian Fatally Run Down In Crosswalk #PedstriansMatter

Waterloo Region, Ontario – WRPS’ Traffic Services Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian collision in Kitchener.

On March 14, 2024, at approximately 8:45 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian on King Street East at Deer Ridge Drive.

Through the initial investigation, it was determined that a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle while in the crosswalk.

The pedestrian, a 56-year-old female was transported to a local hospital by Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services and was pronounced deceased.

The driver, a 55-year-old male did not report any physical injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

The roads were closed for approximately four hours while police conducted the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24068340 (953)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Another Pedestrian Sent To Hospital

Waterloo Region, Ontario – WRPS’ Traffic Services Unit continues to investigate pedestrian collision in Waterloo.

On March 14, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., emergency services responded to reports of a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian on King Street South at Willis Way.

The pedestrian, an 82-year-old female from Waterloo, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening physical injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, a 23-year-old Waterloo male was charged with Careless Driving.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24067840 (951)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Carjacking At Gunpoint – Suspects At Large

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a Kitchener robbery involving a firearm.

On March 11, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to a report of a carjacking in the area of Elmsdale Drive and Huntsworth Avenue.

Police learned that the victim was in the parking lot of their residence when they were approached by multiple suspects. The victim was forced out of their vehicle when a firearm was brandished towards them. The suspects stole the vehicle and left before the police arrived.

There were no reports of any physical injuries. The vehicle was later located in the area of Marina Avenue and Belmont Avenue.

The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have dashcam video or surveillance video in the area around the time of the incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police are reminding members of the community to be aware of their surroundings, and to report any observed suspicious activity immediately.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Armed Sexual Assault & Robbery Attempt – Suspect At Large

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are continuing the investigating of an attempted sexual assault and robbery incident involving a firearm in Waterloo.

On February 21, 2024 at approximately 11:45 p.m., a female victim was approached by an unknown male near Albert Street and Hickory Street.

The male took the victim’s personal belongings and attempted to sexually assault her while brandishing a firearm. While the victim fled from the area, the subject discharged a firearm.

There were no physical injuries as a result of the incident.

The subject is described as being a black male, thin build, approximately 5’6”, wearing an orange construction jacket or hoodie.

The subject was driving a white 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent hatchback.

white 2012 to 2017 hyundai accent hatchback

Anyone with information regarding this investigation and would like to speak with an investigator, is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24048605 (909) 

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Another Police Vehicle Collision

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police’s Traffic Services Unit is continuing to investigate a collision involving a Waterloo Regional Police Cruiser.

On February 29, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a collision in the area of University Avenue West and Hazel Street in Waterloo. 

A Waterloo male was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for minor physical injuries.

University Avenue West was closed for approximately 3 hours for the investigation, and has since reopened.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-camera footage is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Pervert Alert – Want Some Candy?

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a suspicious person in Waterloo.

On February 26, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., police responded to reports of an unknown male approaching children in the area of Brynhurst Boulevard and Keats Way.

The male told the children he had candy and continued to follow them as they attempted to leave the area.

There were no physical injuries reported.

The male is described as white, approximately 60 to 70 years old with a slim build, wearing a black hat, green jacket, black jeans and walking with a cane. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24052656 (947)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Another Swarming In Waterloo

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Police arrest and charge four youth after responding to a person-on-person robbery at a Kitchener mall.

On February 24, 2024, at approximately 5:45 p.m., police responded to Fairview Mall for a report of a robbery.

Two victims were surrounded by four males with weapons while inside the mall and robbed of their personal belongings.

Officers attended the mall and arrested the four suspects. A baton was located and seized as a part of the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, three 15-year-old youth and a 17-year-old youth, all from Kitchener, were arrested and charged with Robbery.

There were no physical injuries reported as a result of this incident.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 4499.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24051074 (909)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Officers Claim Crowd Throwing Projectiles At Them #FTP #FilmThePolice

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested a male after responding to a demonstration in the area of Victoria Street North and Shantz Station Road in Woolwich Township. 

On February 24, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to a demonstration of approximately 100 people in relation to a planned event with approximately 200 attendees.

The demonstration was between members within the Eritrean community.

During the demonstration, protesters retrieved sticks and projectiles from vehicles and confronted police. 

Protesters blocked the roadway, throwing projectiles at officers. Protesters continued to arrive and entered the area through surrounding fields. 

Physical altercations ensued between the protesters and the attendees and non-life-threatening physical injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services provided medical treatment to injured individuals at the scene.

Roads in the area were closed for approximately four hours as police remained on scene throughout the demonstration to ensure public safety. 

A 29-year-old Toronto male was arrested and charged with Assault with a Weapon.

WA24050970 (931)

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Home Invader With Knife Sexually Assaults Victim #LockYourDoors!

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service is investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred in Waterloo.

On December 20, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., an unknown male entered a residence in the area of Fischer-Hallman Road and Erb Street West.

The suspect male was in possession of a knife at the time of the incident and sexually assaulted a female victim.

The suspect male is described as white, 5’10”, with an average build. The male was wearing a winter coat with a white logo on the left sleeve, a dark grey hoodie, loose fitting light grey or blue pants, and black shoes with white soles.

The investigation is ongoing by members of WRPS” Special Victims Unit, Forensic Identification Unit and Major Crime Unit.

Waterloo Regional Police are encouraging members of the public to keep all residential doors locked, even when home, and to report any suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. 

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Another Pedestrian Collision

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services Unit is investigating a collision involving a pedestrian in Kitchener. 

On December 6, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., emergency services responded to Manitou Drive near Courtland Avenue for reports of a collision involving a Chevrolet Equinox and a pedestrian.

Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services transported the pedestrian to an out-of-region hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Manitou Drive was closed for several hours for the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are anticipated.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have dash camera footage is asked to call WRPS’ Traffic Services Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.