BPS continue to investigate case of Baby Parker; with renewed appeal to community for information
05-26062
The Brantford Police Service remain dedicated to the investigation of Baby Parker and the search to identify the child’s mother and/or father, with a renewed appeal to members of the community for information.
On July 28, 2005, Brantford police responded to the area of the walking trails near Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive, after a citizen discovered the body of a full-term, newborn baby boy.
The death of the baby has since been the subject of an ongoing police investigation. To this date, neither the mother nor the father has been identified. As the identity of the baby is unknown, he was named Baby Parker by officers.
August 17, 2023, will mark the 18-year anniversary of the memorial service and date in which Baby Parker was laid to rest.
The investigation led to the largest canvass completed by Brantford police. Hundreds of DNA samples were collected from members of the public living in the neighbourhood where Baby Parker was found. The samples were sent to the Center of Forensic Sciences; however, none were found to have a biological link to Baby Parker.
Several ‘Persons of Interest’ have been identified over the years; however, investigators have since eliminated those individuals as being the mother or father.
Excerpts of a letter collected during the initial phases of the investigation were previously released, with the hopes that someone would recognize the handwriting. The letter, purportedly written by the mother of Baby Parker, indicated that she would be in contact with police in the coming days. No such person ever came forward.
The Ontario Provincial Police previously assisted with statement analysis through their Behavioural Sciences Section and generated a profile of the mother. Information previously released to the public indicated that in 2005, the mother may have been between 13-17 years old, with a connection to the Holmedale neighbourhood. The pregnancy was possibly kept secret by the mother from those close to her.
Although 18 years have passed, officers remain committed to finding Baby Parker’s mother, father, or anyone else who may have information to assist in providing closure on the case. Police continue to believe that there are members of the public who have information that will be beneficial to the case.
Detectives remain hopeful that information from the community, combined with the utilization of new investigative technology, may help build a familial lineage to move the case forward.
Anyone with any information related to the case of Baby Parker is asked to contact Detective Constable Chris Fleming at 519-756-7050 ext 2851.
Additionally, 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/
Brantford police close illicit psilocybin business
23-19550
Brantford police have shut down an illegal psilocybin mushroom business in the City of Brantford.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, members of the Brantford Police Service High Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), alongside the Brantford Police Service Better Enforcement Action Team (BEAT) completed a drug investigation regarding the sale of illicit narcotics (psilocybin or magic mushrooms) from a retail location on Colborne Street.
A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was granted and executed by members of the Brantford Police Service Emergency Response Team where the following items were located:
- Approximately 554 grams of psilocybin mushrooms (schedule III) with an estimated street value of $5,540
- Approximately 521.5 grams of psilocybin edibles (schedule III) with an estimated street value of $5,215
- Drug paraphernalia
- Canadian currency
The total estimated street value of drugs seized was $10,755.
A female was located and arrested at the location. Search incident to arrest of the accused located approximately 0.3 grams of suspected cocaine within her possession.
As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old woman, who is a resident of Brantford, stands charged with the following violations of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Psilocybin)
- Trafficking a Controlled Substance (Psilocybin)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
The Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public that psilocybin remains a schedule III drug and a restricted substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA).
Anyone that would like to report criminal activity within the community is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting 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/
BPS Traffic Unit seek witnesses of collision
23-32586
The Brantford Police Service is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed a collision that occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m., Thursday July 20, 2023, in the area of Colborne Street West and Shellard Lane.
A blue sedan vehicle was involved in a single vehicle collision that resulted in serious injury to the occupants.
Any witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage of the collision, is asked to contact Constable Brian LEE at 519-756-0113 ext. 2820.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
BPS seeking witnesses of collision
23-030619
The Brantford Police Service is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed a collision that occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2023, in the area of 22 Gladstone Avenue.
A female sustained serious injury after being struck by a grey sport utility vehicle. She was taken to hospital and later succumbed to her injuries.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage of the collision, is asked to contact Constable Kris REID at 519-756-0113 ext. 2881.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
50-year-old man charged with assault
23-30762
Officers with the Brantford Police Service have arrested a man believed responsible for a July 10, 2023, assault.
On Monday, July 10, 2023, at approximately 12:20 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a residence on Brant Avenue near St. Paul Avenue after receiving a 911 call from a concerned citizen. The citizen called to report a woman had been observed chasing a man with a knife.
Officers attended and located both individuals outside the residence.
Investigation revealed that the man had allegedly been within the home without permission and was reported to have assaulted the female who then chased him out of the home.
The female victim sustained minor physical injuries.
As a result, a 50-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault
- Unlawfully in a dwelling
The accused was held for bail.
Additionally, while responding to the call, officers located a man who was wanted on two outstanding arrest warrants. As a result, a 47-year-old male resident from Brantford was arrested on the strength of the outstanding warrants.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Brantford police warn residents about new grandparent text scam
The Brantford Police Service would like to advise older adult residents after becoming aware of a new version of what is referred to as the "Grandparent Scam” targeting older citizens via text messaging.
A text message is sent to the victim, from a scammer who is posing as the victim’s son or daughter. The text often starts with "Hi, Mom,” and continues to tell the victim that their phone has been damaged, they cannot access their banking information and need money urgently. They then ask for an e-transfer of funds. If questioned about the email address of phone number being used, the fraudster will often tell the victim that they owe money to a loan shark or are using a borrowed phone.
Additionally, in other versions of the "Grandparent Scam,” reports have been received where suspects have falsely identified themselves as a Brantford Police Officer and/or an R.C.M.P officer. If a member of the public ever has a concern regarding the identity of an officer, their identity can be confirmed by contacting BPS at 519-756-7050 with the name and badge number of the individual in question.
Grandparent or Emergency Scam – What is it?
This type of fraud occurs when the fraudster contacts the victim, claiming a family member is in crisis and needs money. Although the fraudster can claim to be any family member (e.g., aunt, uncle, child) or friend, grandparents may be particularly vulnerable.
A call or a text is made from someone claiming the victim's child, grandchild or family member is in trouble. They have even been reported to impersonate the child, grandchild or family member. Often, they say that they have been arrested or involved in a collision and need money. Usually, the victim is instructed to send money immediately.
Sometimes a second call will be made from someone pretending to be a lawyer or police officer. Scammers will advise the victim that a payment for bail or a fine is required to have their loved one released. If the victim agrees to pay the requested amount, suspects will arrange to pick up the funds in person with a "courier” or will ask the victim to send cash in the mail. The victims are often told they cannot talk about the investigation with anyone and advised that they will go to jail if they talk about it.
The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. 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 TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Take time to think. The fraudster will make it sound urgent and will pressure you.
- Contact the family member in question. Emotions may be running high but take the time to check.
- Ask questions only family members would know.
- Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call.
- If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
- Do not send any money.
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 and your financial institution immediately. 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 Grandparent scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
BPS TIGER Unit seize illicit drugs; 36-year-old man arrested
23-28763
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, members of the Brantford Police Service Tactical Intelligence Generating Enforcement and Response Unit completed a drug trafficking investigation.
As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old man was arrested, and the following illicit drugs and items were located in his possession:
- Approximately 25.4 grams of suspected cocaine
- Canadian Currency
- Digital Scale
- Drug packaging materials
- Multiple cell phones
A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was executed at a Charlotte Street location with the assistance of the Brantford Police Service Emergency Response Team.
As a result of the search warrant, the following items were seized:
- Approximately 180 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $18,000
- Digital scales
- Drug packaging material
- Canadian currency
- Ammunition
- Two extended pistol magazines (prohibited devices)
The total estimated street value of the seized illicit drugs is $20,540.
As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old male resident of Brantford, stands charged with the following:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession contrary to Prohibition Order x 3
The accused has been held for bail.
Anyone that would like to report criminal activity within the community is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting 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/
39-year-old female facing numerous weapons related charges after robbery
23-29211
Officers with the Brantford Police Service have arrested a woman believed responsible for a July 1, 2023, robbery.
On July 1, 2023, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a verbal dispute occurred between the accused and a female victim at the Mary Street residence when it is alleged that the victim was threatened at gunpoint and forced to attend a convenience store, located on Colborne Street to provide money to the accused.
The accused obtained money from the accused and left the scene. No physical injuries were reported by the victim.
Through investigation, officers with the Brantford Police Service located and arrested the accused near Dalhousie Street and Queen Street on July 3, 2023, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Information received indicated the accused was in violation of a number of firearm prohibition orders and probation orders.
As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old woman who is a resident of Brantford, has been arrested and stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Adult Carrying Concealed Weapon x 2
- Adult Point Firearm x 2
- Adult Possession of Weapons for Dangerous Purpose x 2
- Adult Firearm -Use While Committing Offence x 2
- Adult Careless Use of Firearm x 2
- Adult Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x 2
- Adult Firearm or weapon: possession contrary to prohibition order x 2
- Adult Robbery with Firearm x 2
- Adult Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x 2
- Uttering Threats x 2
- Intimidation x 2
- Breach of Probation x 2
The accused was held for bail.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Brantford Police Service and Dairee Delite partner to launch “Operation Delite”
With the start of summer vacation approaching, patrol officers with the Brantford police will be on the look out for Brantford youth who are caught in the act… of doing something good!
In partnership with Brantford’s Dairee Delite, BPS is launching "Operation Delite” to reward youth in Brantford for committing good deeds and demonstrating positive behaviour.
Youth who are caught in the act by an officer will be provided a coupon that can be redeemed for a free ice cream or yogurt cone at Dairee Delite, 10 King George Road, Brantford.
Celebrating their 70th anniversary this season, Dariee Delite continues to be a local favourite for Branford families. "Dariee Delite is thrilled to partner with the Brantford Police Service to help support the community who supports us,” stated Sarah Disher-Neddow, owner of Dairee Delite.
"BPS is excited to launch Operation Delite to recognize and reward the youth of Brantford for their positive behaviour. This program is a great way to foster a sense of community and build relationships with our youngest citizens,” stated Robin Matthews-Osmond, BPS Corporate Communications Manager.
Demonstrating community pride, participating in community activities, helping a friend, practicing personal safety – such as wearing bicycle helmets or observing road crossing rules, can all be reasons for an officer to issue a ticket.
Operation Delite will run for the duration of the summer.
The Brantford Police Service is committed to enhancing safety for all, by engaging and supporting a unified community.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
BPS seeking witnesses of motor vehicle collision
23-26643
The Brantford Police Service is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed a motor vehicle collision involving a motor vehicle and a man on an electric scooter which occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the intersection of Wayne Gretzky Parkway and Elgin Street.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dash cam footage of the incident is asked to contact Cst. Shannon Parks with the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 ext 2875 or sparks@police.brantford.on.ca
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
