Brantford Police Service is a proud partner in rail-safety, supporting Operation Clear Track
The Brantford Police Service is proud to be joining forces with law enforcement agencies across North America today for "Operation Clear Track”— the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America.
Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada and the U.S. — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held annually during Rail Safety Week (September 18-24, 2023).
"This Rail Safety Week we remind the public to always treat rail crossings throughout the city and region with extreme caution and respect. Passenger and freight trains travel at a high rate of speed and do not have the ability to stop quickly. Please obey all rail crossing indicators for your safety and the safety of others,” said Robin Matthews-Osmond, Corporate Communications Manager, Brantford Police Service.
"Ignoring railway signs and signals, being distracted at rail stations or crossings, or using tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path can have tragic consequences,” said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. "Operation Clear Track’s goal is to encourage people to think twice before engaging in unsafe behaviours, and to learn how to keep themselves safe around tracks and trains.”
Hundreds of police and sheriff departments across North America have signed up for Operation Clear Track this year; they’ll be promoting rail safety by enforcing rail crossing and trespassing laws, distributing rail-safety tip sheets to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, sharing Operation Lifesaver’s #STOPTrackTragedies videos and social media messages, and by posting rail-safety content to their department websites.
For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit:operationlifesaver.ca
The Brantford Police Service is committed to enhancing safety for all, by engaging and supporting a unified community.
About Operation Lifesaver Canada
Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada is a national not-for-profit that works to prevent collisions at rail crossings and trespassing on railway property. OL is funded by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CPKC, VIA Rail, exo, West Coast Express, Metrolinx, and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through partnerships with safety organizations, law enforcement agencies, the trucking industry, and communities, OL works to prevent injuries and save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards associated with tracks and trains.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
CRIME BRIEF: September 14, 2023
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-41742
Location: Dunsdon Street and Bernard Avenue
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of a possible impaired driver in the area of Dunsdon Street and Bernard Avenue.
Officers attended and located the suspect vehicle, which was occupied by a lone female driver.
Speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment.
The accused was placed under arrest and transported to provide samples of breath as required by law. However, the accused refused to participate in the tests.
As a result, a 30-year-old female resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol
- Refusal to Comply with a Demand
Additionally, the vehicle was impounded, and the licence of the driver was suspended.
Type: Assault
Incident: 23-41690
Location: Darling Street
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at approximately 3:15 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to a Darling Street park after receiving a report of an assault involving two people.
A concerned citizen reported that they observed a male hitting a female with a stick.
Officers attended and located the accused man, who was subsequently arrested.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result, a 54-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault
- Assault with a Weapon
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-41677
Location: Colborne Street and Garden Avenue
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at approximately 2:15 p.m. officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the area of Colborne Street and Garden Avenue after receiving a report of a possible impaired driver.
Officers located the suspect vehicle in a Sinclair Avenue parking lot.
Speaking with the male driver, officers observed signs of impairment and required the driver to complete a Drug Recognition Evaluation. The testing indicated the accused’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs.
As a result of this investigation, a 25-year-old male, non-resident of Brantford, stands charged with the following Criminal Code violation:
- Operation While Impaired - Drugs
Additionally, the vehicle was impounded, and the licence of the driver was suspended.
Type: Assault
Incident: 23-41279
Location: Fordview Court
On Friday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of an assault involving two females at a Fordview Court address.
Police arrived on scene and located the female victim with minor physical injuries. The female accused was located nearby and arrested.
As a result, a 38-year-old female resident of Brantford was arrested and stands charged with the following Criminal Code offence:
- Assault
Type: Weapon
Incident: 23-41019
Location: Icomm Drive
On Friday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 1:45 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to a weapons related call for service at an Icomm Drive location.
Information was received that an adult male victim had allegedly been shot by a young male with a pellet gun.
Officers attended and, as a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old youth, who is a resident of Brantford, was arrested and stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Robbery
- Uttering Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes,
- Using Imitation Firearm in Commission of Offence
- Causing Bodily Harm with Intent - Air Gun or Pistol
A bb gun was located and seized by police.
The youth was held for bail.
Please note, as the accused is a young offender, information has been released in compliance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
MISSING: Derek, 37
Image: Photo of missing person
Incident 23-36881
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person, 37-year-old, Derek.
Derek is described as 5’8”, 140 lbs, last seen wearing a red baseball hat. Derek may have a small German Shepherd dog with him.
Derek was last seen August 8, 2023, in Paris.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for Derek’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person.
Anyone with knowledge of Derek’s whereabouts are asked to please contact the Detective Van Holst with the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 ext. 2863. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Dispute leads to assault with weapon charges for two men
23-40011
On Friday, September 1, 2023, officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a disturbance involving two men at a location near West Street and Fairview Drive.
It was reported to police that a verbal dispute between the two men, who were unknown to each other, escalated to become violent.
One of the men, brandished a hammer and the other man, a tire iron during the assault.
One of the men sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the altercation and was transported to hospital for treatment.
As a result of the incident, a 44-year-old male who is a non-resident of Brantford stands charged with the Criminal Code offence – Assault with a Weapon, and a 42-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the Criminal Code offences of Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Warrant issued for arrest of man who fled from police in stolen vehicle
23-39966 / 23-39977
On Friday, September 1, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Brantford Police Service uniform patrol officers observed a vehicle which had previously been reported as stolen from a neighbouring jurisdiction parked at a Colborne Street motel.
A male and a female were occupying the vehicle at the time of police arrival. Upon seeing police, the driver fled the scene, travelling eastbound on Colborne Street, recklessly, and at a high rate of speed.
Officers located the stolen vehicle at a Colborne Street East gas station, occupied by both of the accused. Police attempted to arrest the male driver, who struck several police vehicles before fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle. A pursuit was not initiated in the interest of public safety. The female passenger was placed under arrest.
The accused male has been identified by police and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Richard Bomberry, 34, resident of Brantford.
The male is in violation of a valid probation order and eleven prohibited drive orders. When arrested, the accused will be held for a bail hearing and faces the following charges:
- Dangerous Operation x 2
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Failure to Stop After Accident
- Possession of Stolen Goods over $5000
- Occupant of Motor Vehicle Without Consent
- Operation While Prohibited by Order x 11
- Probation Order – Non-Compliance
The accused female, a 33-year-old resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Occupant of Motor Vehicle or Vessel without Consent
- Possession of Stolen Goods over $5000
If anyone has information that could help to locate the accused male, please contact Brantford police at 519-756-7050. Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
SIU invokes mandate after flight from police
Inc. # 23-40052
On Saturday, September 2, 2023, at approximately 4:10 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a call to report a suspicious vehicle located at the intersection of Market Street and Grey Street.
Officers attended, located the vehicle, which was occupied by a lone man who was observed be officers to be unconscious in the driver’s seat.
The male became conscious and fled the scene in his vehicle, colliding with a police cruiser, parked vehicle, and fire hydrant. The accused then vacated the vehicle and continued to flee the scene on foot.
Officers quickly located and arrested the accused at a West Street location.
Search of the vehicle, incident to arrest, located approximately 52 grams of suspected cocaine.
The accused, a 41-year-old male resident of Branford, stands charged with multiple Criminal Code offences including:
- Flight from peace officer
- Dangerous operation x2
- Operation of a conveyance while prohibited x8
- Failure to comply with judicial release order
- Resist arrest
- Cause disturbance
- Possession for the purpose, schedule 1 – cocaine
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
As the accused was transported to hospital for treatment of injuries, as required by law, Brantford Police Service has notified the province’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) which has invoked its mandate. As such, Brantford Police Service will be unable to provide further information or comment related to the incident.
Any further inquiries may be directed to SIU communications at: Kristy.Denette@ontario.ca
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Two men facing numerous weapons charges after firearm observed at bar
23-40199
Two men were arrested and are facing numerous weapons related charges after a concealed firearm was observed at a local nightclub.
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 12:50 a.m., members of the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a Market Street bar after receiving a call to report of a man in possession of a handgun.
It was reported that the man displayed a gun while in the bar and was leaving in a vehicle. A description of the suspect and vehicle was provided to police.
Officers attended the area, quickly located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Dalhousie Street and Brant Avenue.
Three men were arrested without incident. Investigation determined that the male driver of the vehicle was found not to be involved in the criminal offence and released.
A search of the vehicle, incident to arrest, located a loaded, modified, firearm which had been illegally modified allowing it to change from semi to fully automatic, ammunition, and two loaded magazines. One of the magazines was an extended magazine capable of carrying over 30 rounds of ammunition.
Image: Image of evidence
Additional information received indicated that both men were in violation of several firearms prohibition orders.
As a result of the investigation, a 32-year-old male who is a non-resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Careless Use of a Firearm
- Carry a Concealed Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon
- Occupant of a Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
- Making an Automatic Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of a Prohibited Device - Magazine x 2
- Firearm or Weapon: Possession contrary to Prohibition Order x 3
Additionally, a 32-year-old male, who is a resident of Brantford, stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Careless Use of a Firearm
- Carry a Concealed Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon
- Occupant of a Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
- Making an Automatic Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of a Prohibited Device – Magazine x 2
- Firearm or Weapon: Possession contrary to Prohibition Order
Both men were held for a bail hearing.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
CRIME BRIEF: September 5, 2023
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-40446
Location: Jo Whitney Court
Incident: 23-40446
Location: Jo Whitney Court
On Monday, September 4, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service Traffic Unit were conducting traffic enforcement along Mount Pleasant Street when a vehicle was observed travelling at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a traffic stop. The accused travelled for several blocks before stopping for police.
When speaking with the accused, officers observed signs of impairment.
Roadside testing was conducted, which indicated a "fail”. The accused was then placed under arrest and transported to provide samples of breath as required by law.
Both samples provided were over the legal limit.
As a result, a 21-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act violations:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration
- Speeding (87 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone)
Additionally, the vehicle was impounded, and the licence of the driver was suspended.
Type: Weapons
Incident: 23-40020
Location: Clarence Street and Henry Street
On Friday, September 1, 2023, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of a suspicious person believed to be in possession of a handgun at a location near Clarence Street and Henry Street.
Officers attended and quickly located the suspect who was arrested. Search incident to arrest located a replica firearm (bb gun) which was turned over to police.
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-39666
Location: Charing Cross Street and West Street
On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a call to report a possible impaired driver in the area of West Street and Charing Cross Street.
Officers located the subject vehicle at the intersection of West Street and Charing Cross Street and initiated a traffic stop.
Speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment. Roadside testing was conducted to determine the sobriety of the driver. The driver failed the testing, was arrested, and transported in order to provide additional samples of breath as required by law.
Both samples provided indicated the accused was over the legal limit.
As a result, a 63-year-old female resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Operation While Impaired - Alcohol
- Operation While Impaired - Blood Alcohol Concentration
Additionally, the vehicle was impounded, and the licence of the driver was suspended.
Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-39613
Location: Grand Street
On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at approximately 11:15 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a call to report a possible impaired driver in the area of Grand Street.
Officers attended and located the subject vehicle within a Grand Street parking lot. Officers were approached by a man who advised he was the owner of the vehicle. Signs of impairment were observed by officers when speaking with the accused.
Roadside testing was conducted to determine the sobriety of the driver. The driver failed the testing, was arrested, and transported in order to provide additional samples of breath as required by law.
Both samples were over twice the legal limit.
As a result, a 67-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the Criminal Code offence of Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration.
Additionally, the vehicle was impounded, and the licence of the driver was suspended.
Two arrested, facing numerous charges after road rage incident with firearm
23-38420
Officers with the Brantford Police Service have arrested a man and woman after a road rage incident involving a firearm.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a Paris Road location after receiving a report of an active road rage incident involving two vehicles.
The accused is alleged to have been travelling as a passenger in a vehicle, behind the victim’s vehicle, westbound on Powerline Road towards Paris Road.
Officers were advised the victim continued to drive to get away from the accused.
The two vehicles continued onto Paris Road, northbound, when the victim pulled over to the side of the road. It was reported to police that the accused also stopped, left his vehicle, and began to punch the passenger side window of the victim’s vehicle.
At this time, officers arrived on scene and observed the accused drop a firearm on the road before running to his vehicle.
Officers attempted to arrest the accused, who ignored police commands, resisted arrest, assaulting an officer in efforts to flee.
After a short time, the accused was taken into custody and the loaded, semi-automatic handgun he was in possession of, was seized by police.
The female driver of the vehicle the accused was travelling in was also arrested.
Search incident to arrest found the accused man was in possession of approximately 11.4 grams of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $2850 in addition to a quantity of Canadian currency. The accused woman was found to be in possession of approximately 0.8 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $80.
Information was received to indicate that the accused man was in violation of a valid release order.
As a result, a 20-year-old male, non-resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code and CDSA offences:
- Careless use of firearm
- Carry firearm in unsafe manner
- Pointing firearm
- Possess prohibited firearm
- Possess prohibited device – magazine
- Possess weapon dangerous
- Carry concealed weapon
- Unauthorized possession of firearm
- Possession of firearm in vehicle
- Assault with intent to resist arrest
- Fail to comply with judicial release order
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
And a 19-year-old female resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code and CDSA offences:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession a controlled substance
The accused man was held for bail and the accused female was released on a Form 10.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
UPDATE - Person of interest identified
23-39354, 23-39355, 23-39360
UPDATE: Person of interest identified
Investigators have now identified the person of interest.
At this time, we would ask media outlets to remove the previously released photograph from circulation.
UPDATE: August 30, 2023
BPS Seek to identify person of interest - updated to include photo
Investigators with the Brantford Police Service have received a photograph of the person of interest detailed below and are circulating the photograph in hopes that additional information from the public will help to identify this person.
- photo removed -
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Brantford police at 519-756-7050.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
ORIGINAL RELEASE: August 29, 2023
The Brantford Police Service is investigating three separate suspicious incidents and are seeking additional information from the public in an effort to identify the suspect.
On Monday, August 28, 2023, police received three separate calls to 300 King George Road, all occurring between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. All three calls are believed to involve the same suspect man and vehicle.
In all three incidents, it was reported that the man approached youth within the parking lot, located at King George Road and Powerline Road. No physical injuries were reported as a result.
The suspect was described to police as follows: white male, 40-50 years of age, large/ muscular build, with long brown/grey hair in a ponytail, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts.
The suspect is reported to have left the parking lot, driving a vehicle described to police as a dark blue pick-up truck (possibly a Dodge Ram).
The investigation is active and ongoing.
Police are asking any members of the public who were near the location of the incidents, and who have not already done so, to review any video surveillance or dash cam footage. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Brantford police at 519-756-7050.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community