Accessible Version

Three Kitchener Youth Arrested After Robbery at Financial Business on King George Road

Jul 28, 2020

Incident #20-28629

On Monday July 27, 2020 at approximately 12:30 pm. Brantford Police Service responded to a 9-1-1 call at a financial business located on King George Road.  Three unknown males disguised with face covers, long clothing and gloves entered the business armed with a knife and a gun demanding money.  A fourth suspect remained outside in a waiting vehicle.  The suspects ordered the employees to the ground while they began to ransack the business and damage property.  During the incident one of the victims was stuck in the head by an accused and received non-life threatening injuries.   The three suspects fled the area on foot after taking personal property belonging to the victims.  Community Patrol Officers, members of the Emergency Response Team and a K9 Unit responded to the area where they were able to locate and arrested the three suspects after a short foot pursuit.  Officers were able to recover the personal property that was taken along with a knife and a replica firearm (BB Gun) that was used during the robbery.  The fourth suspect fled the area in a vehicle and is still outstanding.  All three accused are young offenders and were held for a bail hearing.   
 
Accused #1 – A 17 year old male from Kitchener is charged with:
 
ROBBERY
USE FIREARM WHILE COMMITTING OFFENCE
WEAPONS DANGEROUS
ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON
DISGUISE WITH INTENT
MISCHIEF UNDER $5,000.00
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH JUDICIAL RELEASE
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SENTENCE ORDER

Accused #2 – A 16 year old male from Kitchener is charged with:
 
ROBBERY
USE FIREARM WHILE COMMITTING OFFENCE
WEAPONS DANGEROUS
ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON
DISGUISE WITH INTENT
MISCHIEF UNDER $5,000.00
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH UNDERTAKING 

Accused #3 – A 15 year old male from Kitchener is charged with:

ROBBERY
USE FIREARM WHILE COMMITTING OFFENCE
WEAPONS DANGEROUS
ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON
DISGUISE WITH INTENT
MISCHIEF UNDER $5,000.00
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH JUDICIAL RELEASE
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SENTENCE ORDER

Suspect #4 – Outstanding

      Description unknown
      Vehicle – white pickup truck

The Brantford Police Service is continuing to investigate this incident and are asking anyone that may have been in the area or who have video surveillance to contact police at 519-756-7050.  Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous 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.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251

Police Look to Speak with Witnesses of Serious Motor Collision

Jul 25, 2020

On July 24, 2020 at approximately 3:25pm, members of the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a serious motor vehicle collision involving three vehicles in the area of Clarence Street and Darling Street. Members of Brantford Fire and Brant/ Brantford paramedics also attended to assist with the injured parties.

Preliminary investigation suggests that three vehicles were involved in a motor vehicle collision at this location. Two of the drivers involved were transported to the hospital with one driver sustaining serious injuries. 

The area of Clarence Street at Darling Street was closed for most of the afternoon and evening while investigators from the Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted their investigation.

Some witnesses came forth at the scene, however, the Brantford Police Traffic Unit would like to speak with anyone that has further information regarding this incident. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Constable Kelly Renzini at 519-756-0113 ext. 2212.

Road Safety Initiatives July 27 - Aug 3: Excessive Noise

Jul 23, 2020

The Brantford Police Service makes educating the public in safe driving practices a road safety priority. An essential part of our job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways. Our ongoing enforcement initiatives focus on impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving and speeding. These behaviours endanger drivers, passengers, all road users and pedestrians at risk of serious or fatal injury collisions. 

During the week of Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 3, 2020 BPS Traffic Unit will be conducting enforcement in regards to vehicles making unreasonable and unnecessary noise.
Leading up to this week, the BPS Traffic Unit will be conducting public education in an effort to promote safe driving behaviours and ensure motorists are aware of the rules of the road.

The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario indicates that a person having control of a vehicle shall not "make unreasonable noise, and a driver of any motor vehicle shall not permit any unreasonable amount of smoke to escape from their motor vehicle, nor shall such driver at any time cause the motor vehicle to make any unnecessary noise.” This will include any driver who squeals the tires to a motor vehicle or rev’s the vehicle engine and draws attention to those in proximity.

The local roadways are to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, please keep this in mind when operating a motor vehicle.

The Brantford Police Service is committed to increase public compliance with safe driving in order to prevent collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. 

Brantford Police Service Reminds of the Dangers of Impaired Driving

Jul 22, 2020

Over this past weekend, several incidents occurred resulting in a number of impaired by alcohol and drug charges to be laid. As a result of these incidents, Brantford Police Service feels the need to remind the public of the dangers of impaired driving.
Impaired driving means operating a vehicle (including cars, trucks, boats, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles) while your ability to do so has been compromised to any degree by consuming alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two. Impaired driving is a very serious offence that endangers the lives and safety of everyone on our roads. 

Alcohol — even one drink — can reduce your ability to react to things that happen suddenly. The effects of alcohol also include blurred or double vision, impaired attention and slowed reflexes. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario’s roads.

Brantford Police Service would also like to remind drivers that both prescription and non-prescription drugs are an impairment while driving. 

Penalties for Impaired Driving
If police determine that you are driving while impaired by alcohol or any drug, including cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, you will face severe penalties as well as potential criminal charges if convicted in court.

The penalties vary depending on the driver’s age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and the number of times you have been convicted. 

Impaired drivers will face the following penalties (depending on circumstances): 
  • Licence Suspension (3 days to lifetime)
  • Vehicle Impoundment (7 days)
  • Financial Penalties Payable ($250 to $550)
  • Licence Reinstatement Fee ($281) 
  • An ignition interlock device may be required (6 months to 10 years)
  • Attendance of mandatory education or treatment program(s)
  • A  mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
 
If convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, driver’s can also face additional fines and jail time.

Throughout Canada, the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for fully licensed drivers is to be under 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08. Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence and the penalties are severe.

In Ontario, you will also face serious consequences if your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08. This is commonly referred to as the "warn range.”
 
Drivers age 21 or under and novice drivers of any age (with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses) must not have any presence of alcohol in their blood when behind the wheel. This is commonly referred to as the "zero BAC” or "zero tolerance” rule.

Young and novice drivers are also prohibited from having any presence of cannabis in their system as well as other drugs that can be detected using approved drug screening equipment. Ontario has a zero tolerance approach to both alcohol and drugs for all young and novice drivers.

Don’t Do It - Avoid Driving Impaired

Have a plan to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use public transit, call a friend or family member for a ride, call a taxi or ride share, or stay overnight.

There are simple steps you can take to stay safe and avoid driving while you are impaired by drugs or alcohol:
  • Have a plan to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use public transit, call a friend or family member for a ride, call a taxi or ride share, or stay overnight.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects related to driving when using prescription medication.
  • Read the information on the package of any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how a prescription drug could affect you. Remember that combining drugs and alcohol together can impair your ability to drive more than using either one alone.

Crime Brief Summary for Impaired Driving Offences July 17 – 19, 2020 

Date:                   Friday, July 17, 2020
Incident #:         20-27227 Impaired - Alcohol
Location:            Oxford and Palm Crescent

On Friday, July 17, 2020 at approximately 1:45 a.m., Brantford Police responded to a call at the intersection of Oxford Street and Palm Crescent. A concerned citizen had advised police that her vehicle had nearly been struck by a pick up truck towing an excavator. The citizen then witnessed the pick up truck being driven erratically, failing to stop at several stop signs. Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where the vehicle was located and a traffic stop was conducted. When speaking to the driver, officers observed signs of impairment and the accused was transported in order to provide a sample of his breath as required by law. The samples of the accused were 2x over the legal limit.  

As a result of the investigation, a 33 year old male from Brantford has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:
Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Impaired Operation – plus 80
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
The accused also received a notice of license suspension and his vehicle was impounded for 11 days. 

Date:                   Friday, July 17, 2020
Incident #:         20-27271 Impaired - Alcohol
Location:            King George Rd. and Fairview Dr.

On Friday, July 17, 2020 at approximately 8:00 p.m. Brantford Police responded to a call to report a possible impaired driver in a parking lot located near the intersection of King George Road, Fairview Road and Tollgate Road. Information was received that there was a male driver who appeared to be stumbling and consuming alcohol within his vehicle.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where the suspect vehicle and driver was located. When speaking to the driver, officers observed obvious signs of impairment and open alcohol in the vehicle. The accused was arrested and transported in order to provide a sample of his breath as required by law. The samples of the accused were 3x over the legal limit.

As a result of the investigation, a 48 year old male from Lynden has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:
  • Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Impaired Operation – plus 80
 
The accused was also charged with having care and control of a motor vehicle with unsealed liquor under the Liquor License Act. The accused also received a notice of license suspension and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days.  

Date:                  Saturday, July 18, 2020
Incident #:         20-27353  Impaired - Alcohol
Location:            Brant Ave. and St. James St.

On Saturday, July 18, 2020 at approximately 11:45 a.m. the Brantford Police Service was advised of a possible impaired driver as a vehicle was observed to be fluctuating in speed, swerving on the roadway, nearly striking a guardrail. The suspect vehicle was travelling on Highway 24 heading into the City of Brantford. Officers located the suspect vehicle travelling southbound on Brant Ave and subsequently conducted a traffic stop at Brant Ave and St James Street.    

When speaking to the driver, officers observed signs of impairment. The accused was transported in order to provide a sample of his breath as required by law. 
The samples of the accused were 3x over the legal limit.  

As a result of the investigation, a 36 year old male from Kitchener has been charged with the following: 
  • Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Impaired Operation – plus 80
The accused also received a notice of license suspension and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days.  

Date:                   Sunday, July 19, 2020
Incident #:         20-27469 Impaired - Alcohol
Location:            Dalhousie St. and Clarence St.

On Sunday, July 19, 2020 at approximately 3:00 a.m. a Community Patrol Officer was parked  on the north side of Dalhousie Street near Clarence with the four way hazard signals activated when the officer observed a vehicle travelling westbound on Dalhousie travelling at  high rate of speed.  

The suspect vehicle proceeded directly behind the police vehicle, coming to a complete stop.  The vehicle then proceeded to strike the rear of the police vehicle, and proceed west bound on Dalhousie Street for a short distance. Officers conducted a traffic stop where obvious signs of impairment were observed. The suspect was arrested and transported to provide a breath sample as required by law. The suspect refused to provide the required breath sample.   

As a result of the investigation, a 26 year old male from Brantford has been charged with the following:
  • Refusal to comply with demand 
  • Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle
The accused also received a notice of license suspension and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

                                          "Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community”

Crime Brief: July 20, 2020

Jul 20, 2020

Type:              Multiple Offences
Incident:         20-27456, 20-27445, 20-27467
Location:       Veteran’s Memorial Parkway, Salisbury Ave
Incident:

On Saturday, July 18 at approximately 11:20 pm Brantford Police responded to a call from a resident to advise that she was concerned for the well-being of her friend who had consumed a large quantity of cannabis edibles and was heavily intoxicated from the drug. The individual was reported to have left the residence on foot and was disrupting traffic on Erie Ave.

While responding to the call, community patrol officers observed a vehicle travelling eastbound on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. Officers observed the vehicle travelling in an extremely dangerous and erratic manner requiring multiple vehicles to serve in order to avoid collision.

The suspect vehicle travelled over several residential lawns, crossed the median into oncoming traffic several times and travelled in a manner with complete disregard for public safety. The suspect driver then swerved into a parking lot in the area of Veteran’s Memorial Parkway, Colborne Street West and Shellards Lane where officers were able to block the exits. 

In an attempt to flee, the suspect vehicle intentionally collided with a marked police cruiser, causing substantial damage to both vehicles. The suspect driver resisted arrest and was subsequently taken into custody just after 12 am, July 19, 2020.

While in the process of apprehending the suspect driver, community patrol officers learned that the vehicle involved had been hijacked from the area of Salisbury Ave. The owner of the vehicle sustained significant injuries during the incident when he was assaulted, forcefully removed from the vehicle, and subsequently dragged by the fleeing suspect, now in possession of the stolen vehicle. 

The victim of the vehicle hijacking was transported to hospital for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries. The suspect received minor injuries during the pursuit and was transported to hospital by Emergency Medical Services.

As a result of the investigation, Kristopher Charles Mitchell, 41 years of age from London, ON has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
  • Theft of Motor Vehicle
  • Assault Causing Bodily Harm
  • Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm
  • Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle
  • Impaired Driving Causing Bodily Harm
  • Impaired Driving by Drug
  • Flight from Police (x2)
  • Failure to Stop After Accident
  • Robbery
  • Resist Arrest
  • Possession of Stolen Property
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”

Active Police Investigation in the Area of West St and Market St

Jul 18, 2020

On July 18, 2020, at approximately 4:00 a.m. Brantford Police Service responded to an incident in the area of West Street and Market Street.

While responding to the incident, a 41 year old male from Brantford was injured and has been transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
 
The Brantford Police Service notified the province’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) which invoked its mandate. As such, Brantford Police Service will be unable to provide further information.
 
As a result of the investigation, the area of West Street between Buffalo Street and Grey Street are currently closed. Updates will be provided on social media to advise when the streets are re-opened.
 
 Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community

Brantford Male Arrested in Relation to the Break and Enter to a Business on Colborne Street West

Jul 16, 2020

Incident #20-24560 

Brantford Police Service has arrested and charged a 28 year old Brantford male in relation to a Break and Enter investigation. 

On Sunday June 28, 2020 Brantford Police Service responded to a call at Dairy Queen located on Colborne Street West, Brantford regarding a Break and Enter.  Investigation revealed that an unknown male smashed a window at the business and gained entry just after 3:30 a.m. The suspect then took a large charity donation bin located inside the business and fled the scene.  

The Brantford Police Service continued its investigation and were able to identify a suspect with the assistance of video surveillance.  A 28 year old Brantford male has since been arrested and charged with Theft Under $5000, Break, Enter and Commit and Breach of Probation. 

Anyone with information is asked to Brantford Police at 519-756-7050  or Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous 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.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251  
 
______________________________________________________________________
Original 

On Sunday June 28, 2020 Brantford Police Service responded to a call at Dairy Queen located on Colborne Street East, Brantford regarding a Break and Enter.  Investigation revealed that an unknown male smashed a window at the business and gained entry just after 3:30 a.m. The suspect then took a large charity donation bin located inside the business and fled the scene.  

The suspect is described as a white male, wearing a blue t-shirt, black air Jordan track pants, grey shoes, a black flat brim hat with white graffiti on the front and a black mask.

BPS Warn Residents about Various Scams

Jul 13, 2020

Brantford Police Service are issuing a warning to residents after receiving reports of several ongoing scams. Some of the scams involve the following:

Automated CRA Phone Calls
Brantford Police Service are aware of ongoing scam phone calls involving persons claiming to be from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). This scam involves a threat to individuals for payment of a fictitious debt to avoid arrest. The victim is often asked to repay their false debt by wire transfer, cyber-based currency or with the purchase of gift cards. 

This scam often involves the use of technology which can cause a phone display to show a local telephone number, or a Brantford Police Service registered phone number. This technique is called "spoofing”. Caller ID spoofing allows fraudsters to disguise their calls and make them appear to represent a legitimate organization. Do not trust what is showing on your phone’s caller ID display. If you suspect a company or government agency is seeking personal information or money fraudulently, contact them directly to verify the validity of the request.

Residents are advised to be cautious of such scams and to be advised that no such calls are being made from any phone number associated with the Brantford Police Service.

Members of the Canadian Revenue Agency will not call you and ask for your banking information while threatening your arrest.  The Canadian Revenue Agency does not accept e-transfers or wire payments for any fees or services. The CRA never uses text messages or instant messaging such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with taxpayers. Any text or instant message claiming to be from the CRA is a scam.

The Canadian Revenue Agency can be reached at 1-800-959-8281, or you can monitor "My Account” online at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html

Gift Card Purchase
Reports have been received where the victim will receive an email from an individual posing as an authority figure requesting the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the activation pins for the cards. The gift cards are requested under the pretense that the victim’s bank account or credit card may have been tampered with and must be verified. Under no circumstances will a financial institution or employer request to verify your accounts in this manner.   

Online Buy and Sell Scams
The Brantford Police Service have received reports of online buy and sell scams. In these cases, the buyer responds to an ad posted online for the sale of an item or, occasionally a pet. In cases involving animals, the seller will frequently request that payment be transferred electronically and will often request an e-transfer for a deposit to hold the item or for additional costs to cover items such as shipping or pet insurance. Often the items is never received by the buyer.

Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant while responding to email requests to send money or when shopping online on buy and sell sites for items. 

The following safety tips should be considered when making purchases online:
  • DO NOT send a deposit or full payment without seeing the item.
  • Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the seller
  • Make purchases from known breeders or suppliers.
  • Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
  • When in doubt, consult police or someone you trust before sending funds.

From January 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020 Brantford Police Service has received 146 reports of fraud. During the same period last year, BPS received 148 reports.

The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim.  Please see below for tips on how to protect yourself from fraud. We also encourage spreading the word to those, such as the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these fraudsters and may be targets of these high-pressure scams.

TIPS:
  • DO NOT provide personal information (e.g. Social Insurance Number, passport number, banking information or credit card numbers) over the phone unless you placed the call and you know for certain who you are speaking to.
  • Accredited businesses and Government Agencies will never ask for payment using gift cards or bitcoin.
  • If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
  • Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email, especially overseas.
  • Resist the pressure to act quickly, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call List: https://lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/en
  • Consult with someone you trust before agreeing to provide large sums of money to anyone.
  • DO NOT write down passwords and carry them with you.
If you have already sent funds and/or your personal information, contact the police and your financial institution immediately. If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/online-reporting

If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the CRA scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
               
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”

BPS Investigate Assault - UPDATE

Jul 8, 2020

UPDATE

Brantford Police Service has an individual in custody in relation to this incident.

There is no threat to public safety at this time.

The Brantford Police Major Crime Unit continues their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous 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.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251

___________________________________________________________________________ 
July 8, 2020

The Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit continues their investigation and are seeking any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.  

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous 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.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251 

"Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community”

Public Awareness - Child Safety Concerns

Jul 2, 2020

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Brantford Police Service received a report from a concerned citizen to advise an unknown, adult male had been inappropriately communicating with a young child over a portable device and using the language "big daddy”.

The citizen intercepted a conversation between the adult and child which indicated the child had been encouraged to meet the adult in a park near a port-a-pottie for an unknown reason. Officers attended Cedarland Park and searched the area however neither party were located.  

The Brantford Police Service is asking that the community be made aware of this incident. Any parents or caregivers who have children with portable devices are asked to monitor the transmissions as a result of current concerns for child safety.

The Brantford Police Service is encouraging parents to educate their children about age-appropriate messages and to remind them to not meet with strangers. 

The Brantford Police Service is continuing to investigate this incident and would ask anyone with information to please contact Detective Christine McCallum at the Brantford Police Service 519-756-7050 ext 2269.