Tag: Owen Sound Police

On June 2, 2014, at approximately 2:35 a.m., Emergency Services attended the 1800 block of 9th Avenue East for a house fire. The fire was at the rear of the house and had spread to an upper deck and roof of the residence. The owner of the house woke to discover the fire and escaped without injury. Fire crews quickly battled the blaze and prevented it from spreading to a neighbouring house which received some minor damage due to the heat generated from the fire. The fire initially appeared to be suspicious and investigators from the Ontario Fire Marshalls Office were called in to investigate. The scene was secured by the Owen Sound Police during the investigation. Investigators from the Fire Marshalls Office along with officers from the fire department and the Owen Sound Police Service examined the scene through the afternoon and evening. While the fire remains under investigation, it no longer appears to be suspicious or deliberately set.

On June 2nd, 2014 shortly before 6 pm, a vehicle travelling westbound on Superior Street, within the City limits, left the roadway and collided with a hydro pole. A passerby stopped at the scene and notified police.

The 54 year old Owen Sound male driver of the damaged vehicle was located at the scene of the accident and arrested by police. The male driver has been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and driving with over 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood.

The male has been released with a court date of June 19th, 2014.

The male driver sustained no injuries from the collision.

On May 30, 2014, shortly before 9:30 pm, a group of individuals were drinking with each other in an apartment situated at 241 10th Street East Owen Sound, Ontario when differences of opinions lead to an escalation of violence amongst the parties.

During the dispute one of the male individuals brandished a canister of ‘Bear Spray’ at which point he discharged it several times directly onto another male and female party inside the apartment. The contaminated male and female attempted to escape to the outside of the building but the male attacker followed them outside the building onto the sidewalk area where attempts were made to physically strike at the victim’s.

A passing Owen Sound Police car observed the disturbance and attempted to intercede. The male suspect armed with the ‘Bear Spray’ fled back through the apartment building and exited out a back entrance door. The victim’s were transported to the Grey Bruce Regional Health Center by ambulance where they were treated and released. The Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services attended to assist with decontamination of the building for inhalation/respiratory problems for people breathing the contaminated air inside the building.

Police have recovered the canister of ‘Bear Spray’ that was used at the scene.

A 31 year old Owen Sound male is currently being sought on numerous charges including (2) counts of assault with a weapon; weapons dangerous; (2) counts of breach of a prohibition order; and (2) counts of administering a noxious substance to the victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Owen Sound Police Services at (519) 376-1234 or Crimestoppers.

On May 31, 2014, shortly after 02:00 am, in the 900 block of 2nd Ave East a large disturbance escalated into a street brawl involving numerous individuals in the middle of the roadway.

The Owen Sound Police Services intervened and subsequently arrested (3) Owen Sound males. All of the (3) males were later released upon a charge of causing a disturbance by fighting with a future court date of June 26, 2014 for their involvement in the incident. One of the males was additionally charged with Assault to Resist Arrest as he turned upon police as they attempted to disperse the crowd. Another male faces a charge of possessing a small quantity of cannabis marihuana.

A 25 year old Owen Sound man is in custody, following an investigation by the Owen Sound Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch and Drug Unit, into Human Trafficking.

The investigation revealed that the accused had been coercing a 17 year old female to work as a prostitute for the past several months and used threats and intimidation, including threats with a firearm, to maintain control and compliance of the victim.

The accused was arrested late yesterday afternoon as he left his Lamson Crescent residence. Upon arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of a small quantity of cocaine.

A subsequent search warrant was executed at the accused’s residence. An additional quantity of approximately 95 grams of cocaine (approximate street value $9500) was located and seized as well as a small quantity of heroin and marihuana. Two rifles were also located and seized.

David D’Souza of Owen Sound is charged with:

1. Human Trafficking of a Person Under 18 years
2. Receive Financial Benefit from Human Trafficking
3. Living off the Avails of Prostitution -Under 18 years
4. Procure Prostitution
5. Make Available Child Pornography
6. Sexual Assault
7. Point Firearm
8. Use Firearm in Commission of Indictable Offence
9. Threaten Death
10. Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
11. Possession of Marihuana
12. Possession of Heroin
13. Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

The accused has been held in custody pending a bail hearing. The Owen Sound Police is continuing the investigation to determine if any additional victims are involved.

On May 28, 2014 members of the Owen Sound Police Service Drug Unit and the Criminal Investigation Branch executed a warrant on a downtown apartment. The search warrant followed the arrest of the apartment occupant on the main street after he left his residence.

Inside the apartment police located marihuana pre packaged for sale, scales, packaging and cash proceeds from the sale of drugs. In addition, police also located methadone, a schedule I drug used to treat opiate addiction that had not been prescribed for the suspect and a quantity of premium cuts of meat that had been stolen from local grocery stores.

Austin SOUCOUP, 53 years of Owen Sound has been charged with Possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, Possession of the proceeds of crime, Possession of property obtained by crime and Possession of a Schedule I substance. He has been held for a bail hearing on May 29 to answer to the charges.

At 10:25am emergency crews responded to a collision involving an ambulance at the intersection of 10th Street West and 1st Avenue West. A Toyota travelling southbound on 1st Avenue West collided with an ambulance travelling eastbound 10th Street West. The ambulance had its emergency lights and siren activated and was travelling to the hospital with a patient.

The driver of the Toyota was transported to hospital and treated for minor injuries. No one in the ambulance was injured as a result of the accident. The patient was transferred to another ambulance and transported to hospital.

Both the Toyota and the ambulance had to be towed from the intersection.

Owen Sound Police are continuing to investigate and charges are pending.

The Owen Sound Police would like to bring to the public’s attention a fake website for an Owen Sound restaurant. This site appears to be trying to fraudulently obtain credit card information from customers.

It was discovered by the owner’s of the Chef Wok, a prominent Owen Sound restaurant on the west side of the city, that a fake website bearing their name, address, menu and other particulars could be accessed over the internet. The concerning factor is that this fake website offers the ability for the customers to order and pay for their food by credit card on line. At this time it is not known if anyone has fallen victim to this apparent attempt to defraud customers of money and /or credit card information.

The owner’s of Chef Wok would like to notify their customers that they have a legit website which offers information such as their location and menu but it does not allow you to order your food on line and never asks for your credit information on the website.

Police warn customers who may happen upon this website or similar sites to not supply any credit card information until they confirm the legitimacy of the website.

Police continue to investigate and have notified the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (former “Phone Busters”).

Just after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday May 17th police responded to an alleged assault call in the area of 9th Street and 8th Avenue West Owen Sound. Upon arrival police were flagged down by a citizen who directed police to a male who was still in the area as being responsible for the alleged assault.
Police spoke to a female victim who alleged that she was fondled by a male who was known to her near 10th Street and 8th Avenue West. The female did not sustain any injury from this assault.
A 42 year old male residing in Owen Sound was arrested at the scene for sexual assault. He was released from custody with an upcoming court date to answer to the charge of sexual assault.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. overnight a single motor vehicle collision occurred involving a light standard in the 200 block of 10th Street East. Police were in the downtown core area during bar closing time when their attention was drawn to the sound of the impact and the vehicle leaving the scene, westbound on 10th Street. The driver pulled the disabled vehicle into a parking lot at 10th Street and 1st Avenue West as police arrived. The vehicle and light standard sustained significant damage.

The 20 year old female driver from South Bruce Peninsula was arrested by police for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. Subsequent breath tests provided by the female resulted in readings just under twice the legal limit. The female was released from custody with an upcoming court date to answer to charges of Impaired Operation and Blow over 80 milligrams contrary to the Criminal Code. Other charges included Fail to Remain contrary to the Highway Traffic Act and Drive motor vehicle with open liquor contrary to the Liquor Licence Act.

During the early morning hours on the 16th of May 2014, two Owen Sound area males decided to go on a theft spree. The men first opted to each steal a bicycle to assist them in moving from one place to another. They then located a minivan parked in the upper east side of Owen Sound. The vehicle had its keys left in the ignition and the thieves took advantage and left with it. They then made their way into Georgian Bluffs as the thieves had keys for a pick-up truck that had been stolen a couple of nights prior. That vehicle had been located and returned to the owner only for the thieves to steal it a second time. The two men then drove both vehicles back into Owen Sound and parked them at a local motel, where they rented a room. Both vehicles were reported stolen to police. The owner of the minivan happened to be driving by on his way to work when he saw his stolen vehicle. Owen Sound Police were advised and upon arriving located the minivan parked beside the stolen pick-up truck. Police subsequently located the men inside and arrested them. Also located in the room were items consistent with thefts from other vehicles.

Jason Copp, 18 years of age, was held for bail court and will face 15 charges that include property related offences, driving while disqualified and breach of probation charges.

Bradley Schmidt, 20 years of age, was held for bail court and will face 11 charges that include property related offences and breach of probation charges.

Both men were remanded and will return to court on the 20th of May.

Owen Sound Police were alerted by a citizen about a possible impaired driver. Police were able to track down the vehicle a short time later and arrested a 36 year old Toronto woman after she failed a roadside test. She was transported to the Owen Sound Police Station and provided two breath samples measuring 220 milligrams. The woman was charged with driving over 80 milligrams and is scheduled to appear in the Owen Sound court on May 15th.

In another incident, Owen Sound Police were called to a single vehicle accident in the 2300 block of 3rd Avenue East. A Toyota Prius had left the road and struck a hydro pole. The 19 year old female driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for minor injuries. She was also arrested for impaired driving and provided two breath samples that measured in excess of 240 milligrams each. The road was closed temporarily while a hydro crew made repairs. The 19 year old Owen Sound woman has been charged with impaired driving and driving over 80 milligrams. She is scheduled to appear in the Owen Sound court on May 29th.

The Owen Sound Police Service investigation of a car versus cyclist collision at the intersection of 8th Street and 4th Avenue East on April 29th has been concluded.

Police investigators have spoken to several witnesses and obtained video evidence which has been very helpful in identifying and confirming the facts in issue.

At approximately 8:35 p.m. a 2008 Pontiac 4-door sedan was travelling eastbound in the 300 block of 8th Street East. As the 43-year old driver entered the intersection at 4th Avenue East, the cyclist, who was riding westbound along 8th Street East, initiated a left-turn directly into the path of the automobile. There was insufficient opportunity for the Pontiac’s driver to take evasive action. The collision with the cyclist was immediate, ejecting him from his bicycle, striking the windshield and coming to rest at the south crosswalk of 8th Street East. A number of witnesses and motorists immediately provided assistance to the involved parties.

The 34-year old Owen Sound cyclist remains in critical but stable condition with serious head and leg injuries in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, in Toronto.

Police wish to remind bicycling enthusiasts that even the most experienced riders can have an unexpected fall or collision. Bicycle helmets are not just for inexperienced riders and children. The proper use of an approved bicycle helmet is an essential part of bicycle safety. In addition, bicycles are required under the Highway Traffic Act to have an audible warning device such as a bell or horn and lighting to the front and rear when riding after daylight hours.

On 05 May 2014 Emergency Services responded to an accident between a truck and a pedestrian at the intersection of 9th Street East and 3rd Avenue East.

The investigation revealed that a GMC pickup truck was travelling southbound on 3rd Avenue East and stopped at 9th Street East facing a red light. The 63 year old driver checked in all directions and when it was clear proceeded to make a right turn onto 9th Street East. A 65 year old pedestrian who had been walking eastbound on 9th Street East decided to head southbound against the red light and stepped into the intersection in front of the pickup truck.

The pedestrian was transported to the hospital where he was treated for lacerations and bruising.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding this accident can contract PC Glenn Tremblay at 519-376-1234 x-178

The Owen Sound Police Service has concluded another investigation into acts of unsightly graffiti in the City’s downtown core area.

This investigation involved the graffiti tag “LOOT” and “LOOT – TFY” which had been spray painted and written on several businesses, signs, government buildings and public areas. The identification of the accused resulted from information provided by citizens and diligent police work from the Uniform Branch and the Criminal Investigation Branch.

On Friday morning, members of the Criminal Investigation Branch took the accused into custody and seized additional evidence in the case.

A 25 year old man from the City of Owen Sound has been charged with Mischief in connection with numerous acts of graffiti. He will appear in court on June 5th to answer to the charges.