Police briefs: 7,000 traffic charges, Caldwell killer arrested, COVID fraudsters caught

ONTARIO – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laid more than 7,000 charges during a safe driving blitz last week,

“Thousands of drivers failed to do their part to keep roads safe during Operation Safe Driver, with data revealing 7,084 OPP charges laid during the week-long traffic safety initiative,” OPP Highway Safety Division Sgt. Kerry Schmidt released in a statement today (July 18).

Drivers of passenger (and other non-commercial) vehicles racked up 6,180 of the charges, while commercial vehicle drivers were issued 904 of the offence notices.

Speeding, distracted, careless and impaired driving, following too closely, and other unsafe/illegal moving violations were among the offences on the part of both non-commercial and commercial drivers. 

Among other commercial driver charges were those related to speed limiters, defective equipment, unsecured load, unsafe lane changes and improper documents.  

“The OPP and its valued Ministry of Transportation road safety partners thank all drivers who own up to their responsibility of sharing the road safely every day – a measure that would dramatically reduce the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities if every driver followed their example,” Schmidt said.

Operation Safe Driver is an annual, national campaign, founded by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which ran from July 9 to 15, 2023.    

The OPP is committed to delivering on its Provincial Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce and prevent injuries and fatalities, and enhance safety on roads, waterways and trails.

Police seek witnesses in July 17 Lowertown shooting

LOWERTOWN – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Guns and Gangs Unit is investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday, July 17.

“At approximately 3 p.m., officers responded to the area of Nelson and Murray Street in response to gunshots heard,” the OPS released in a statement today (July 18). “A 21-year-old man was located with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries by Ottawa paramedics. Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident.”

Anyone with information, cell phone footage, or any other video of the incident is asked to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

Ottawa police see huge jump in 911 misdials

OTTAWA – In the first quarter of 2023, there has been a 49 per cent increase in “hang-up, pocket and misdialled calls” made to 911, representing 50,000 calls.

This represents 21,000 more calls received for that period compared to 2022.

Each ‘dropped’ call warrants a follow-up by the communications centre to determine if there was an emergency or not.

“If you dial 911 by mistake, please stay on the line and answer the operator’s questions who needs to confirm that there is no need for emergency services and that you are safe,” OPS Inspector Russell Lucas said. “Every 911 call has to be accounted for and unintentional calls, hang-ups and misdials can take valuable time away from actual emergency calls and life-threatening situations.”

Some of the increase is due to people activating the SOS function on their android phones. Various public safety agencies are working with the CRTC and manufacturers to reduce pocket/misdialled calls.

Here’s what you can do to avoid misdialling 911:

• Turn off the 911 auto-dial feature.
• Check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website, or call the service provider to determine whether your device has this feature and how to turn it off.
• Refrain from programming a wireless device to automatically or “speed dial” 911.

OPP Cadet Program hiring province wide

ONTARIO – If you are looking for a job to better discover a career in policing, why not consider becoming a cadet? The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is hiring cadets across the province.  

The OPP Cadet Program focuses on enhancing the career development and experience of future OPP police constable candidates. Cadets assist frontline officers with administrative duties and through engagement with their communities by supporting crime prevention and public safety initiatives.

Cadet positions are a one-year contract with the possibility of an extension for one additional year. Cadets undergo a two-week paid training course, and no previous experience in law or security is required.

To be eligible to become a cadet you must be between the ages of 18-25 years of age at the date of application. The position is full-time with flexibility to work part-time subject to the applicant being enrolled in and attending school.

Applications for the Cadet Program will be accepted beginning Monday July 17, 2023, through and until Friday August 11, 2023. After careful review, successful applicants will be identified for the first scheduled intake class taking place fall 2023. 

Candidates who are interested are encouraged to visit opp.ca/cadet to learn more about the role, minimum qualifications, and how to apply.

Fatal 401 crash closes highway July 17

MALLORYTOWN – The Leeds County Detachment of the OPP is continuing to investigate a fatal collision.

“On July 15, just after 10:30 a.m., officers, along with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Front of Younge Fire Department and Grenville Paramedic Services responded to a collision westbound on Highway 401 in Mallorytown,” OPP Const. Mike Mahon released in a statement yesterday (July 17). “Initial information indicates that an eastbound passenger car stuck an eastbound transport truck, before crossing the centre median and colliding head on with a second transport truck.”

The 31-year-old driver of the passenger car was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed for several hours while the westbound lanes were closed for the remainder of the day.

With assistance from the Technic Collision Investigators (TCI) and Reconstructionist, the investigation remains ongoing.

OPP make arrests in COVID relief fraud

OTTAWA – Members of the Serious Fraud Office for Ontario (SFO) have charged five people following a lengthy investigation into individuals receiving small business relief funds through fraudulent means.

In Fall 2020, the Ontario government announced and began rolling out small business relief programs to assist small businesses with operating costs and loss of revenue due to mandatory COVID-19 pandemic closures. 

“After reviewing the applications of four individuals from an Ajax residence and one individual from Ottawa, the Ministry of Finance deemed them suspicious and referred them to the SFO for investigation,” OPP media relations manager Bill Dickson released in a statement yesterday (July 17). “The accused parties are alleged to have applied for various relief funding from the government through fictitious or ineligible businesses to receive payments into their bank accounts. The grants found to be exploited were: The Ontario Small Business Support Grant, The Property Tax Program and The Energy Cost Rebate program.

As a result of the investigation, five individuals have been arrested and charged with offences contrary to the Criminal Code:

Kevin Lee, aged 50 years of Ottawa, is charged with:

• Fraud Over $5,000
• Disobeying Court Order

Keisha Campbell, aged 39 years of Ajax, is charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Fraud Over $5,000
• Fraud Under $5,000 
• Jaheim Carnegie, aged 21 years of Ajax, is charged with:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Fraud Over $5,000
• Fraud Under $5,000

Michael Patrick, aged 47 years of Ajax, is charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fraud Over $5,000
• Amber Robinson, aged 21 years of Ajax, is charged with:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fraud Over $5,000

The accused from Ottawa was released and has failed to attend court on multiple scheduled appearance dates. As a result, a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Lee.

The accused parties from Ajax have been released and are expected to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at 150 Bond St. East in Oshawa on Aug. 10.

The Serious Fraud Office will not comment further in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and court processes.

Bank Street shooter arrested 

CENTRETOWN – The OPS Guns and Gangs Unit charged a 17-year-old youth following a shooting incident Thursday (July 13) evening.

“At approximately 6:57 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Bank Street in response to shots fired,” the OPS said. “There were no reported injuries. Shell casings were recovered, and the suspect was quickly located and arrested. The young offender will not be identified per the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).”

He is charged with numerous firearm and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking charges.

He appeared in court July 14.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5050. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

 Police make arrest in Caldwell murder

CARLINGTON – The OPS has arrested and charged 21-year-old Tyler Leonard-MacLeod in the shooting death of 19-year-old Zachary Tiglik that occurred on June 29 in the 1500 block of Caldwell Avenue.

 Leonard-MacLeod appeared in court July 14.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPS Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

OPP execute search warrants in Cornwall, Brockville

SOUTHERN ONTARIO – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit executed search warrants this morning (July 14, 2023) at five locations in Cornwall and one in Brockville.

The search warrants were executed with assistance from the Cornwall Police Service, the Brockville Police Service, the Kingston Police Service and the OPS. Supports were provided by the OPP Community Street Crime Unit, the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the OPP Emergency Response Team.

“These warrants were in relation to ongoing investigations in these two communities,” OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau communications officer Allison Lawrence released in a statement July 14. “Further updates will be provided when available. Members of the public are reminded not to approach Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members, and of the dangers of wearing gang-related clothing or paraphernalia. In addition to supporting illegal activities by purchasing these items, you may also put yourself at risk of being targeted by rival OMGs.”

The BEU continues to tackle the criminal activities of OMGs through an integrated, intelligence-led approach, which has resulted in numerous successful investigations. The BEU monitors and provides support to frontline police officers at most large public events where OMGs are present.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspicious or illegal activity, call the Outlaw Biker Hotline at 1-877-660-4321. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). 

Missing swimmer recovered at Britannia Beach

BRITANNIA BEACH – The OPS Marine Unit has recovered the body of the swimmer who went missing on Wednesday, July 12, at Britannia Beach, the OPS released in a statement Friday (July 14).

“Our thoughts are with family and friends during this difficult time,” the OPS said.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident may contact the Ottawa Police West Investigations at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666.