Police briefs: Barrhaven assault, Orleans assault, Renfrew drug bust

BARRHAVEN – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) West Criminal Investigative Section is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect responsible for an assault in Barrhaven on Aug. 24.

“At approximately 7:40 p.m., the suspect and victim had an interaction in which the suspect became aggressive and assaulted the victim with a weapon, the suspect then fled the area on foot,” the OPS released in a statement today (Aug. 30). “The victim sustained minor injuries.”

The suspect is described as a white male, between 5’10” (178 cm) and 6’0” (183 cm) tall, with a medium build. At the time of the incident he was seen wearing a blue hooded jacket, black hat with a light brim, plaid pants, black, blue and white Nike running shoes and black gloves. 

Anyone with information as to the identity of this suspect, dash camera video, or surveillance footage of this incident is asked to contact Det. Bradley of the West Criminal Investigative Section at 613-236-1222 extension 2235. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

Orleans assault arrest

ORLEANS – A suspect in an assault in the Orleans area has been arrested by Ottawa police.

“The OPS East Criminal Investigation Section is advising the suspect has been identified, arrested and charged,” the OP released in a statement today (Aug. 30). “The accused has also been charged in relation to a similar incident from April 2024, also in the Orleans area. At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, the victim was walking in the area of Princess Louise Drive and Thurlow Street when the suspect grabbed her from behind, put his hands around her waist, covered her mouth and pulled her back towards him.” T

he victim was able to get away and the suspect took off on foot. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries.

 Juste Jimbere, 19 of Ottawa, has been charged with:

• Assault, two counts
• Forcible Confinement, two counts

He will appear in court later today.

“We wish to thank the public and media for their assistance,” the OPS said. “Investigators believe there may be other incidents and are seeking further victims.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other incidents involving JIMBERE is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.

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

Charges laid in Cummings Avenue arson

GLOUCESTER – The OPS Arson Unit has charged a man following a fire in the 1100 block of Cummings Avenue last week.

“On Tuesday, Aug. 22, at approximately 7:10 a.m., officers were called to the area in response to a disturbance in the apartment building,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Aug. 30). “The fire caused significant damage and left some residents without shelter.”

Shawn LePage, 33 of Ottawa, has been charged with:

• Arson causing property damage
• Arson endangering life
• Uttering death threats
• Resisting arrest
• Assault police officer, two counts

He will appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4587 or by email at arson@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

$50,000 reward for hit-and-run tips

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP – A $50,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a fatal hit and run collision near Smiths Falls.

The body of Steven Tate, 34 of Montague Township, was found Nov. 8, 2023, adjacent to Highway 15. He had been reported missing on Nov. 3, 2023, and was last seen alive earlier that day.

“A dark coloured hatchback or sedan, believed to be a Mazda, is believed to have been involved,” OPP media relations coordinator Bill Dickson released in a statement yesterday (Aug. 29). “It would have had damage to the front passenger side. A video of the suspect vehicle was released earlier this year. Detectives want to speak with anyone who may have seen a damaged car potentially matching the description anytime after 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2023.”

In addition to the reward, a billboard has now been placed adjacent to Highway 15, close to the location where Tate’s body was found.

“It’s hoped this could prompt someone to report any small detail they might remember from last November,” Dickson said.

Members of the Lanark County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to investigate with the assistance of OPP Collision Reconstructionists and the Technical Collision Investigation team, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information should contact the Lanark OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Traffic stop in Renfrew results in significant drug seizure

RENFREW – Two people face drug trafficking charges after the OPP Community Street Crime Unit found the drugs following a traffic stop in Renfrew.

“Street crime unit members, assisted by Renfrew OPP officers, stopped a vehicle on O’Brien Road on Tuesday, Aug. 27, shortly before noon,” OPP media relations coordinator Bill Dickson released in a statement Wednesday (Aug. 28). “One person in the vehicle was arrested on outstanding warrants and a second person was also taken into custody.”

A search of the car then resulted in the seizure of suspected crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin, fentanyl patches, cannabis resin and dried cannabis. Officers also seized three imitation firearms, pepper spray, a collapsible baton, cash and items typically associated with drug trafficking.

Shannon Amikons, 44 of North Algona Wilberforce, and James Dennis, 43 of Cornwall, have each been charged under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act with: 

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – five counts
• Possession of a Schedule 3 substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling
• Possession of over 30-grams of dried cannabis in a public place
• Possession of illicit cannabis

Dennis is also charged with:

• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Having care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available
• Operating a vehicle without insurance
• Using a plate not authorized for a vehicle
• Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime-under $5,000

Both of the accused were held in custody, with bail hearings scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on Wednesday, Aug. 28. 

Labour Day weekend, Back to school dangerous times on the road

WEST CARLETON – Ahead of the Labour Day Long Weekend and the start of the school year, OPP is calling on drivers and other road users to share roadways safely and to recognize that a significant number of lives can be saved by doing so.       

By mid-August, 227 people died on OPP-patrolled roads this year. This significant number of deaths was attributed to speeding, inattentive driving, impaired driving and the choice to not wear a seatbelt. Twenty-one pedestrians and six cyclists were among those who lost their lives.  

“With roadways, sidewalks and crosswalks about to get busier, please think about the people you are sharing the road with every time you head out. It is as important to them, as it is to you, to get home safely every day,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Whether you are driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist, never take risks that jeopardize your safety or the safety of others.”   

Service Ontario fraud in Carleton Place

CARLETON PLACE – The Lanark County Detachment of the OPP warns residents of Carleton Place, and other areas, to be on guard against a fraudster.

“The male has been going to homes in the Sarah Street area telling the residents that there is a lien on their property and that he is working with Service Ontario to remove that lien,” OPP media relations coordinator released in a statement Aug. 27. “If the homeowner pays an up-front fee. The scammer even provides a realistic looking receipt that appears to be from the government agency. This is a service scam. If you encounter this individual or anyone making such a claim, ask them to leave.”

When in doubt, contact Service Ontario directly.

When you sign a contract with a business or individual to buy or lease products or services, the Consumer Protection Act protects you from unfair practices. Find out how you are protected by the Consumer Protection Act. Visit this site for more information:

ontario.ca/page/notices-security-interest

If you have been a victim of fraud, contact police. If you’re in OPP jurisdiction, call 1-888-310-1122.   

Report suspected or potential frauds to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can also visit the Fraud Centre’s website to learn more about current and emerging scams and how to avoid them.

Bath inmate faces sex assault charges

KINGSTON – The OPP-led Joint Forces Penitentiary Squad has laid charges after an assault at Bath Institution in Kingston.

“On May 30, the Correctional Service of Canada contacted the Penitentiary Squad after an inmate reported being sexually assaulted the previous evening,” OPP media relations coordinator Bill Dickson released in a statement Aug. 27.

“On Aug. 12, as a result of the investigation, members of the Penitentiary Squad arrested inmate Kirk Williams, 52, and charged him under the Criminal Code with:

• Sexual assault
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Assault
• Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm

The accused remains in the custody of the Correctional Service of Canada and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee on Sept. 19.