Apr 25, 2019

Incident #19-14626

Update

The Brantford Police Service – Major Crime Unit has continued to investigate the shooting incident that occurred in the downtown on April 24, 2019.

Investigation revealed that two individuals were responsible for the shooting incident. They were identified as Chad Wray-McCombs and Lori Staats.  Both are facing a number of charges including Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Careless Use of a Firearm and Discharge Firearm with Intent – Endanger Life under the Criminal Code.

On Thursday April 25, 2019 at approximately 1:00 a.m. Lori Ruth Ann Staats was arrested and is currently in custody for a bail hearing.  The second accused has been taken into custody after he was involved in an investigation with the Toronto Police Service.  Police successfully negotiated with Wray-McCombs who surrender peacefully after he was holed-up inside a residence this afternoon.  The Toronto Police Service will conduct an investigation relating to any charges in their jurisdiction.  Chad Wray-McCombs will subsequently be brought to the Brantford courts at a later date in order to face the charges in relation to the shooting investigation. 

The Brantford Police Service would like to thank the public and our media partners for their assistance in this investigation.  Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Det. Mark Whitworth of the Major Crime Unit at 519-756-0113 ext. 2266   

Apr 25, 2019

Incident #19-14405

The Brantford Police Service – Major Crime Unit is continuing to investigate a stabbing
that occurred on Kennedy Street.

On Monday April 22, 2019 just before 4:00 p.m. Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-
1 call about an assault on Kennedy Street near Sydenham Street.   Community Patrol
Officers attended to the area where they located a 41 year old male who was suffering
from a stab wound to the abdomen.  The victim was transported to hospital with serious
injuries and remains in critical condition. 

The Brantford Police Service under a section 110 order under the Youth Criminal
Justice Act are identifying the suspect as 17 year old Brantford
male.  He is currently wanted for the charges of Aggravated Assault and Assault with
a Weapon in relation to this investigation.  He is described as a Black male, 5’11”,
medium build, black hair and brown eyes. 

The Brantford Police Service- Major Crime Unit continues to investigate this incident. 
Investigation into the incident revealed that this was not a random act of
violence and that the victim and suspect were known to each other.  Caution should be
used if the suspect is observed, do not approach and contact 9-1-1.  Anyone who may
have information is requested to contact Det. Jason Sinning of the Major Crime Unit at
519-756-7050 ext. 2265. 

Apr 25, 2019

 As part of Brantford Police Service’s commitment to community safety, a Task Force has been created to focus enforcement efforts on gun-related crime

The City of Brantford witnessed a substantial increase in the prevalence of guns and gun violence over the past 15 weeks. Since January 2019, there have been 16 gun-related incidents, including the seizure of four loaded handguns and eight shooting incidents, which resulted in seven shooting victims, one a homicide. These incidents were not random criminal acts; the persons involved are believed to be entrenched within criminal and high-risk lifestyles, and in most cases were known to each other. Regardless, these incidents and the increased presence of guns in our City pose a significant risk to community safety.

"It is of great concern that a number of these incidents could have resulted in innocent bystanders being harmed”- Chief Geoff Nelson

"The behaviour and utter disregard for community safety demonstrated by the persons responsible for gun violence within Brantford will not be tolerated. All incidents will be investigated to the highest standard and degree.” – Inspector Scott Williams

On April 8, 2019, the Brantford Police Service created a new Task Force to specifically focus on gun-related crime. Today, additional resources have been added to the Task Force.

"The creation of this Task Force was absolutely necessary. Elimination of gun violence in our City requires a properly resourced and specialized unit to focus its efforts exclusively on those individuals who pose a threat to the safety of our community. These individuals will have the full attention of the Task Force.”  – Chief Geoff Nelson

2019 Gun and Gun Violence Incidents
1. Arrest Possession of a loaded handgun
2. Arrest Possession of a loaded handgun
3. Arrest Possession of a sawed-off shotgun
4. Arrest Possession of a shotgun
5. Arrest Possession of a loaded handgun
6. Arrest Possession of a loaded handgun
7. Arrest Shooting suspect
8. Shooting Male victim shot; residence window shot out
9. Shooting Male victim shot
10. Shooting Two males exchanged gun shots; male victim shot
11. Shooting Shots fired inside a residence
12. Shooting Shots fired into a residence
13. Shooting Two male victims shot
14. Shooting Homicide
15. Shooting Male victim shot
16. Seizure Sawed off rifle

All 16 gun-related incidents in Brantford this year have involved individuals from Brantford, as well as persons connected to several other Ontario communities.

"This is not just a Toronto or Ottawa issue. Gun violence is an Ontario issue. The Task Force will not only focus on threats that exist within Brantford, it will work collaboratively with Gun and Gang Task Forces in other communities.” – Chief Geoff Nelson

Brantford Police Services will continue to work with community partners and stakeholders to develop and implement immediate and long-term strategies that will help enhance safety for everyone in the community.

Community safety is a responsibility we all share. The support of the community is essential for police to be effective in what they do. The Brantford Police Service is asking that anyone with information about criminal activity involving guns, or other crimes of violence, to please call the Task Force Tip Line at 519-756-0113 Ext. 2853, or email the Task Force at TaskForce@police.brantford.on.ca

Apr 25, 2019

Apr 24, 2019

Incident #19-14626

Brantford Police Service is actively investigating a shooting that occurred in downtown
Brantford last night. 

On Wednesday April 24, 2019 just before 4:30 a.m. Brantford Police Service received a
report of a suspected gunshot in downtown Brantford.  Community Patrol Officers
attended to the area and investigation revealed that an incident had taken place in the
alleyway behind a Dalhousie Street complex between Queen Street and King Street. 
As Officers were securing the scene a second call was received about a 23 year old male
victim who was located at a different location that was suffering from a gunshot wound
to his upper body.  Officers attended to that area along with Emergency Medical
Services.  The male was transported to hospital for medical treatment due to the severity
of the injury.  

The Brantford Police Service – Major Crime Unit is investigating the incident that
occurred last night and do not believe that this was a random act of violence.  Preliminary
investigation has revealed that the two incidents are associated to each other.   Anyone
with information is asked to contact Det. Mark Whitworth of the Major Crime Unit at
519-756-0113 ext. 2266. 

Apr 23, 2019

Type:  Robbery 
Incident: 19-14481
Location: English Lane         
Incident: On Tuesday April 23, 2019 just after 2:00 a.m. Brantford Police Service responded to a 9-1-1 call about a robbery at an address on English Lane.  Two unknown parties wearing bandanas over their faces had entered the residence and were demanding property from the victim.  One of the suspects brandished a knife and threatened to stab the victim if he didn’t comply.  Several items were turned over to the suspects including a cellular phone before the suspects fled.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the residence where they located the victim who was not injured as a result of the incident.  Offices searched the area where they were able to locate and arrest one of the accused without incident.  While dealing with the accused she provided police with a false name and was found to be in possession of some of the stolen property taken from the residence.  As a result of the investigation a 15 year old female has been charged with Robbery, Unlawfully in Dwelling, Utter Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm, Disguise with Intent, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000, Obstruct Police and Breach of Undertaking under the Criminal Code.  The accused was held for a bail hearing.            
 
Type:  Stolen Motor Vehicle 
Incident: 19-14284
Location: Tollgate Road        
Incident:        On Sunday April 21, 2019 just before 6:00 p.m. Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call about a single vehicle accident outside a residence on Tollgate Road.  A vehicle had hit a tree outside the residence and had flipped on its side.  Community Patrol Officers attended and located the accident.  Officers spoke to the female driver who was taken to hospital.  Investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Niagara area.  Further information revealed the name provided by the driver was false and that the driver was currently unlicensed.  While dealing with the driver she showed signs of impairment and was given a demand to provide a sample into a roadside screening device.  The driver provided a sample which registered a warning.  As a result of the investigation a 22 year old Hamilton woman has been charged with Theft of Motor Vehicle and Obstruct Police under the Criminal Code.  She has also been charged with Careless Driving and Driver Motor Vehicle – No Licence under the highway Traffic Act.  The accused was held for a bail hearing.         
               
Type: Weapons
Incident: 19-14119
Location: Icomm Drive      
Incident: On Saturday April 20, 2019 just after 9:30 a.m. Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call from the parking garage on Icomm Drive.  The victim a security officer had located three individuals hanging out in a stairwell.  They were asked to leave several times but refused.  During the conversation with the victim, a male pulled out a knife and a female showed the handle of a suspected firearm and they stated that they were not going to leave.  Fearing for his safety the victim left the area and called police.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where they located and arrested the two accused without incident.  While dealing with the accused, a knife was recovered but no firearm was found.  Investigation has revealed that the firearm may have been a pellet gun.  A 33 year old Brantford male has been charged with Assault with a Weapon and Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose under the Criminal Code.  A 17 year old Brantford woman has been charged with Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose under the Criminal Code.

Type: Impaired - Drugs
Incident: 19-14042
Location: Wayne Gretzky Parkway at Grey Street      
Incident:        On Friday April 19, 2019 just after 3:00 p.m. Community Patrol Officers observed a vehicle at the intersection of Wayne Gretzky Parkway and Grey Street stopped at a red light.  The driver was observed slumped over the steering wheel.  As Officers were attempting to assist the driver the vehicle began to roll into the intersection against a red light and into oncoming traffic.  Officers were safely able to stop the vehicle and get the attention of the driver.  Upon dealing with the female driver Officers observed signs of impairment and located drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.  The driver was arrested without incident.  The accused performed a drug recognition evaluation which she failed.  Further information revealed that the driver did not have a licence and that she was currently a suspended driver.  The driver was also unable to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle, produce the permit for the vehicle and that the permit was expired.  As a result of the investigation a 30 year old Brantford woman is charged with Operation while Impaired by Drug under the Criminal Code.  She is also charged with Drive While Under Suspension x2, Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence, Drive Motor Vehicle – No Currently Validated Permit and Fail to Surrender Permit for Motor Vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act.  She is further charged with Fail to Surrender Insurance Card under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.      

 "Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community”

Apr 18, 2019

Type:  Impaired – Alcohol 
Incident: 19-13752
Location: Colborne Street         
Incident: On Wednesday April 17, 2019 just after 5:00 p.m. Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call about a possible domestic dispute between a male and female on Colborne Street.  A male and female were seen arguing in a vehicle.  The female was seen exiting the vehicle with a group of children and the vehicle took off.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where they located and spoke to the female who was not injured as a result of the incident.  Investigation revealed that the two had gotten into an argument and when she exited the male took off with her vehicle.  Officers checked the area and located the vehicle as it pulled into a parking lot.  When the male observed Police he parked and tried to move to the passenger seat to make it appear that he wasn’t driving.  Information was received that the male was currently a suspended driver.  When Officers spoke to the male he became belligerent and tried to hit the officers with the door of the vehicle damaging a vehicle beside it and fought with police.  The male was arrested after a brief struggle.  When Officers spoke to the male they observed signs of intoxication and he was given a demand for a roadside screening device.  The male registered a fail on the screening device.  The accused was transported to the Brantford Police Service where he was to provide samples of his breath as required by law.  The accused refused to provide samples.  As a result of the investigation a 34 year old Brantford male is charged with Assault Police, Mischief Under $5000, Failure/Refuse to Comply with Breath Demand and 80 Plus under the Criminal Code.  He is also charged with Drive While Under Suspension under the Highway Traffic Act.      
 
Type:  Assault - Domestic
Incident: 19-13798
Location: Nelson St and Market St        
Incident:       On Thursday April 18, 2019 just after 1:00 a.m. Brantford Police Service responded to a possible domestic assault on Nelson Street at Market Street.  Witnesses observed a male and female arguing at the comer when they saw the male strike the female.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where they located the female victim and the male as he was walking away from the area.  Officers spoke to the female who was not injured as a result of the incident.  When Officers attempted to speak to the male be became agitated and aggressive towards police and attempted to fight with Officers.  The male was arrested without incident.  Information was received that the accused was currently bound by court orders with conditions that he was contravening.  As a result of the investigation a 35 year old Brantford male is charged with Assault, Assault Police, Fail to Comply with Undertaking and Fail to Comply with Probation.    
               
Type: Drugs 
Incident: 19-13758
Location: Murray Street     
Incident: On Wednesday April 17, 2019 just after 6:00 p.m. Community Patrol Officers observed a male that was known to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest enter into a business on Murray Street.  Officers approached the male and while speaking to him he attempted to flee the area.  The male was arrested after a brief struggle.  While dealing with the accused he was found to be in possession of a small amount ($150 value) of suspected cocaine.  A 35 year old Brantford male was arrested on the outstanding warrant and has been charged with Possession of a Controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.     

 "Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community”

Apr 15, 2019

 

 

Apr 11, 2019

Incident #19-12275

On Friday April 5, 2019 just after 11:30 p.m. the Brantford Police Service investigated a shooting at an address on William St.  When Community Patrol Officers arrived at the scene they found a male who was suffering from a gunshot wound.  The victim was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

The Major Crime Unit is continuing to investigate this incident.  Through investigation the victim and other persons at the residence where the shooting took place are believed to be known to each other and that this was not a random act of violence. 

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Detective Cabral of the Major Crime Unit at 519-756-0113 ext. 2206.

________________________________________________________________________

April 8, 2019

The Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit is continuing to investigate an incident at a William Street address as a homicide. 

On Friday April 5, 2019 just after 11:30 p.m. the Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call about an assault and possible shooting at an address on William St.  Community Patrol Officers attended to the scene where they found a male who was suffering from  a gunshot wound.  The victim was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  The victim has been identified as Gerald Robert Male, a 37 year old resident of Brantford.  A second male in a distraught state was located at the residence.  This male has spoken with police and is not a suspect.     

The Major Crime Unit is investigating this incident.  Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Kevin Cabral at 519-756-0113 ext. 2206.