Homicide #5/2018, Yonge Street, just south of Wellesly Street, Simon Zerezghi, 25

Homicide #5/2018, Yonge Street, just south of Wellesly Street, Simon Zerezghi, 25

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 11:01 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance with a Homicide investigation.

On Monday, January 29, 2018, at 8:11 p.m., police responded to a radio call for a stabbing in the Yonge Street, just south of Wellesly Street area.

It is reported that:

- multiple men were chasing a man northbound on Yonge Street

- the man was stabbed in the chest

Police arrived on scene and located the man. He was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced.

He has been identified as Simon Zerezghi, 25, of no fixed address. 

Homicide investigators are appealing to witnesses who were on Yonge Street or anyone with cell phone video of the altercation and/or stabbing, to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Numerous witnesses have contacted Homicide investigators and have been very helpful with this investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Gary Giroux, Homicide

Simon Zerezghi, 25, victim of Homicide #5/2018

Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Additional charges

Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Additional charges

Monday, January 29, 2018 - 11:35 AM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Bruce McArthur was arrested and charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder in relation to the deaths of Selim Esen, 44, and Andrew Kinsman, 49.

See previous release.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, on Monday, January 29, 2018, Bruce McArthur was charged with three additional counts of First-Degree Murder.

Police allege he is responsible for the deaths of:

1) Majeed Kayhan, 58, of Toronto, reported missing in October 2012
2) Soroush Mahmudi, 50, of Toronto, reported missing in August 2015
3) Dean Lisowick, 47, of no fixed address

Photographs of the five victims are being released.

Police continue to search properties associated to Mr. McArthur and are asking anyone who received landscaping services from him to contact police, if you have not been contacted already.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2021, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Hank Idsinga, Homicide

Andrew Kinsman, 49

Selim Esen, 44

Majeed Kayhan, 58

Soroush Mahmudi, 50

Dean Lisowick, 47

Public Safety Alert, Threatening on TTC, Man, 27, charged, Replica of semi-automatic pistol seized

Public Safety Alert, Threatening on TTC, Man, 27, charged, Replica of semi-automatic pistol seized

Sunday, January 28, 2018 - 10:26 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a Threatening incident on the TTC.

It is alleged that:

- on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at approximately 11:50 a.m., a woman, 20, was riding a TTC bus along Sherbourne Street and was seated near the back 

- a man boarded the bus, made his way to the rear, and sat next to the woman

- he then removed a bandana from his backpack and tied it around his head while using it to cover his face

- he pulled the hood from his jacket up over his head. 

It is further alleged that:

- the man then stood up in front of the woman, 20

- he opened his jacket and lifted his shirt to expose a firearm tucked into the waist area of his pants

- the woman, 20, was eventually able to pull the "stop chord" on the bus and immediately exited at the next stop where she contacted 9-1-1

It is further alleged that:

- officers from 51 Division Priority Response Unit attended to this emergency call and were eventually able to locate the man. 

- a search of the man was done and located was the bandana described as well as the firearm used

- further examination of the firearm determined it to be a realistic replica of a semi-automatic pistol.

Theo Dillenberg, 27, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: 

1) Assault with a weapon
2) Uttering Threats
3) Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose

He appeared in court at College Park on Friday, January 26, 2018, 10 a.m., room 501.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Scott Spratt, 51 Division

Homicide #59/2017, Kwsie Blair, 20, Update, Photograph of vehicle of interest released

Homicide #59/2017, Kwsie Blair, 20, Update, Photograph of vehicle of interest released

Saturday, January 27, 2018 - 8:59 AM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

On Monday, November 13, 2017, at 11:19 p.m., police were called for a sound of gunshots to the Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area.

Once on scene, police located a man in medical distress.

He was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. 

On Monday, December 11, 2017, Kwsie Blair, 20, of Toronto, was pronounced while still in hospital.

Homicide has taken over the investigation.

*****

On Friday, January 26, 2018, Homicide investigators released a photograph of a vehicle of interest. It is believed to be a 2012 two-door Honda Civic Ex2. The vehicle was last seen travelling westbound from the area immediately after the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Terry Browne, Homicide

Public Safety Alert, Purported Canada Revenue Agency scam involving Bitcoins

Public Safety Alert, Purported Canada Revenue Agency scam involving Bitcoins

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - 3:35 PM
14 Division:  416-808-1400

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing purported Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam involving Bitcoins. 

The public should be aware of any of the following activities and know that:

- the CRA will not ask for overdue tax payments to be made by Bitcoin

- the CRA will not send you QR codes to make such payment

- the CRA will not send police officers to arrest individuals for immediate non-payment

If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be an agent for the CRA, please be cautious regarding the information you are providing. Do not be afraid to ask for any credentials and to ask for a phone number to call once you have confirmed all the
credentials. 

Please contact your local police to report the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mickael Ferreira, 14 Division

Man, 57, faces 16 charges in downtown retail robbery investigations

Man, 57, faces 16 charges in downtown retail robbery investigations

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 - 3:51 PM
Hold Up:  416-808-7350

Toronto Police Service Hold Up would like to make the public aware of an arrest and charges laid in an investigation into four robberies.

It is alleged that:

- on Friday, January 19, 2018, a man committed four robberies within a span of fifteen minutes

It is further alleged that:

- at 1:45 p.m., a man approached a woman, 48, and her nine-year-old son near The Esplanade and Jarvis Street

- the man indicated he had a weapon in his pocket and demanded the victim give him money

- the victim and her son were able to flee from the man

It is further alleged that:

- at 1:50 p.m., the same man stepped in front of a woman, 44, walking in the area of St. Lawrence Market and blocked her way 

- he demanded she give him all her money and stated he had a gun

- the man had an object concealed inside his pocket

- security in the area approached and he walked away

It is further alleged that:

- at 1:55 p.m. the same man walked back to the St. Lawrence Market and approached a booth

- he had his hand concealed inside his pocket and stated to a 30-year-old woman that he had a gun and made a demand for cash

- he did not obtain any money


It is further alleged that:

- at 1:57 p.m., the same man entered a convenience store at Front Street East and Lower Jarvis Street

- the man stated to a 45-year-old woman that he had a gun and demanded cash, the whole time keeping his hand inside his coat pocket

- a witness contacted police and the man was arrested while still inside the store

Regis Plourde, 57, of Toronto, was charged with:

1) four counts of Robbery
2) 12 counts of Fail to Comply Probation

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Monday, January 22, 2018, 9:30 a.m., room 501.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Acting Inspector Domenic DiPassa, Hold Up

TPS launches new Core Values and Competencies

TPS launches new Core Values and Competencies

Friday, January 19, 2018 - 1:07 PM
Strategy Management:  416-808-7018

The TPS has launched its new Core Values and Competency Framework that represent the principles and behaviours that members from the Service and the communities believe are reflective of a modern, community-centric police service. The public launch took place at the Police Services Board meeting which provided an opportunity to share the new values and the framework with the Board, the public and members. 

The Toronto Police Service’s new Core Values and Competency Framework were developed through a collaborative and inclusive process including interviews with almost 200 Service members, uniform and civilian, from all ranks, and another 100 people from community advocates to members of Community Police Liaison Committees.

There are four new Core Values: Service at our Core, Do the right thing, Connect with Compassion and Reflect & Grow.

“These are the foundational behaviours that tell us who we employ, what behaviours we need to develop, the behaviours that will be recognized and rewarded, and the behaviours necessary for promotion and greater responsibly within our ranks and leadership,” commented Chief Mark Saunders. “I would like to thank everyone – members and the community – for their help in this important process.”

The new Competency Framework was created to help guide the implementation of the People Plan – the three-year plan that provides a roadmap to improve how the Service hires, develops, promotes and preserves the wellbeing of its members. 

About the Action Plan: The Way Forward 
Mandated to look beyond the way policing is currently done in Toronto, the Transformational Task Force (TTF) proposed a modernized policing model for the city that is innovative, sustainable, and affordable. The model will place communities at its core, be intelligence-led, optimize the use of resources and technology, and embrace partnerships as a means of enhancing capacity and capability. The final report contains 32 recommendations and was accepted by the Toronto Police Services Board in February, 2017 as the Service’s Business Plan for the next three years. 

To read more about this and the entire Action Plan: The Way Forward, visit:http://torontopolice.on.ca/TheWayForward/

For more information, please contact Sandra Buckler at Sandra.Buckler@torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Sandra Buckler for Deputy Chief Barbara McLean

Pedestrian safety campaign, "Road Safety…It Starts With You," Tuesday, January 16, 2018 through Monday, January 22, 2018

Pedestrian safety campaign, "Road Safety…It Starts With You," Tuesday, January 16, 2018 through Monday, January 22, 2018

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 2:05 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Since January 1, 2018, the City of Toronto has seen seven traffic fatalities. Five were pedestrian fatalities, two were driver fatalities. This represents a 250% increase over 2017 fatalities year to date. We all have a role to play in road safety. This includes prevention, education of community members, and targeted enforcement. 

Collision analysis has shown that pedestrian traffic fatalities represent approximately 60% of yearly traffic fatalities within the City of Toronto. 

In 2017, 36 pedestrians lost their lives. This represents over 59% of the total of all traffic fatalities. Mid-block crossing accounted for over 58% of the pedestrian-involved fatalities in 2017. Seniors aged 65 and older, in particular, are among the most vulnerable sector of road-users and they accounted for over 48% of all pedestrian fatalities.

In an effort to reduce fatalities and raise awareness in Toronto, a pedestrian safety campaign, "Road safety ... lt starts with you," begins on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 and will run until Monday, January 22, 2018. 

“This is a team effort to reduce death on our roads, and the team must include you, the public,” said Traffic Services Superintendent Scott Baptist. “The loss of life we have seen is intolerable. It is the simple things that we are not doing that are causing death and injury on our roads." 

Superintendent Baptist added, “By making a few changes, you will help save lives, maybe even your own. These changes include: stop crossing mid-block, stop assuming drivers can see you, stop driving a vehicle while inattentive or distracted and focus on the goal of arriving safely at your destination, regardless of the type of road-user you are.”

Pedestrians are encouraged to avoid using distracting electronic devices when interacting with vehicular traffic. Improving road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists is our goal. 

All police officers and Parking Enforcement Officers will be focusing their attention on those motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who commit offences in the vicinity of pedestrian crossovers, crosswalks, intersections, school zones and crossing areas frequented by seniors. 

This initiative is part of the City of Toronto - Vision Zero Road Safety Plan.

Public Safety Announcements have been prepared. They are available at the following links:

Cross the Road as if Your Life Depends on it - Part 1 (0:15)
PSA1 - SENIORS.



Cross the Road as if Your Life Depends on it - Part 2 (0:15)
PSA2 - DISTRACTED.



Drive as If Someone's Life Depends On It - Part 3 (0:15)
PSA3 - DRIVERS.



Cross the Road as if Your Life Depends on it - Part 4 (0:15) 
PSA4 - MIDBLOCK.



The social media hashtag for this campaign will be #RoadSafetyStartsWithYou

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

Public invited to provide input on TPS organizational culture

Public invited to provide input on TPS organizational culture

Friday, January 12, 2018 - 4:31 PM
Strategy Management:  
416-808-7018

The Toronto Police Service is modernizing its policing model. Part of that effort includes assessing the Service’s organizational culture – the values, beliefs and behaviours that shape how Toronto Police Service members do their work and interact with the community.

"As we modernize, we are talking to our members about what they think we, as a Service, do well and where we can improve. It’s also important for us to continue the conversation with the community that helped inform the creation of our Action Plan: The Way Forward. We are inviting the public to share their views either by attending roundtable discussions or filling out an online survey so we can get their input during this assessment process," explained Deputy Chief Barbara McLean.

The Service has hired MNP, a Canadian professional services firm, to complete the organizational culture assessment. An important part of the assessment is offering the opportunity for community members across the city to provide their input, either in person or by survey.

The public will be able to provide input via an online survey available at the following link: Organizational Culture Survey or participate in a facilitated roundtable that will be held in various locations across Toronto. 

About the roundtables:

Roundtable sessions will be held in the evenings at the following locations:

Session #1: Rexdale Community Hub, 21 Panorama Court, Toronto, January 23, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #2:High Park/Parkdale, location to be confirmed, January 25, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #3, Agincourt Community Services Association, 201 Chester Le Blvd., January 30, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #4: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., February 1, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #5: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., February 6, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #6: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter St., February 8, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #7: York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W., February 13, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session #8: Flemingdon Park/East York, location to be confirmed, February 15, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Due to a limit on the capacity for each session, please register ahead of time for an upcoming roundtable discussion by following this link: Roundtable Registration. Venues and times will be kept up to date on the registration page as locations are confirmed.


About the Action Plan: The Way Forward 
Mandated to look beyond the way policing is currently done in Toronto, the Transformational Task Force (TTF) proposed a modernized policing model for the city that is innovative, sustainable, and affordable. The model will place communities at its core, be intelligence-led, optimize the use of resources and technology, and embrace partnerships as a means of enhancing capacity and capability. The final report contains 32 recommendations and was accepted by the Toronto Police Services Board in February, 2017 as the Service’s Business Plan for the next three years. 

To read more about this, and the entire Action Plan, visit The Way Forward.

For more information, please contact Sandra Buckler at sandra.buckler@torontopolice.on.ca

Primary Report Intake, Management and Entry Unit (PRIME) Citizen Online Report Entry (CORE)

https://www.torontopolice.on.ca/core/

If your incident:

• Requires IMMEDIATE police attendance or a lengthy on-scene investigation;
• Is related to Domestic Violence;
• Involves an Emotionally Disturbed Person;
• Involves the reporting of Theft of E-Bike;
• Is motivated by hate bias;

Please call the Toronto Police at 416-808-2222 and DO NOT submit your report online.

If this is an emergency, please call 911.

In order for the Toronto Police Service to process your CORE report, the following information is MANDATORY;

• Your EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER and other contact information.
• The INCIDENT START AND END DATE
• The LOCATION of the incident, including the place or area your property was believed stolen.
• Please CREATE A SEPARATE PROPERTY ENTRY for EACH piece of property that you are reporting stolen.

The accuracy of the information you provide in the report greatly assists the Toronto Police Service in investigating your report. Please ensure it is as COMPLETE AND CONCISE as possible.

If you have filed a report online and would like to add/change/update your report, please submit a Supplemental Report.

It is the policy of the Toronto Police Service to not accept reports of non-emergency incidents that occur outside of the City of Toronto.

Is Your Incident Outside of Toronto?

To report a non-emergency incident that occurred outside of the City of Toronto, please contact the police service that is responsible for that area.

• Peel Regional Police Service
• York Regional Police Service
• Durham Regional Police Service
• Halton Regional Police Service

Man and woman arrested in shooting investigation, Oak Street and Sackville Street, Investigation ongoing, Security camera video released

Man and woman arrested in shooting investigation, Oak Street and Sackville Street, Investigation ongoing, Security camera video released

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 - 9:25 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of two arrests in an investigation into a shooting in the Regent Park area. 

It is alleged that: 

- on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at approximately 2:40 a.m., in the Oak Street and Sackville Street area, a dark-coloured SUV arrived in a laneway 

- two of the passengers in the vehicle exited and exchanged words at the rear of the vehicle

- one person shot the other

- the suspect then got back into the vehicle and the vehicle sped off

It is further alleged that:

- the 23-year-old man, the victim of the shooting, was able to run into the rear yard of a nearby townhouse where he was located with a gunshot wound

- he was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition

- his condition has now been upgraded to stable

The victim has been uncooperative with investigators and has not been assisting with the investigation despite being familiar with his attacker.

Investigators at 51 Division continued with the investigation into this shooting and were allegedly able to identify two suspects who have since been arrested and charged.

Multiple search warrants were executed on two Toronto addresses and a vehicle. 

Devon Henry, 26, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1) Attempt Murder
2) Discharge firearm with intent to endanger life
3) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
4) Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
5) Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
6) Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
7) Fail to Comply Recognizance
8) Fail to Comply Probation

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Friday, January 12, 2018, 9:30 a.m., room 501.

Babitha Christian, 29, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Accessory after the fact to Commit Indictable Offence - Attempt Murder

She is scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Monday, February 5, 2018, 10 a.m., room 505.

Although these arrests have been made, the investigation is continuing and investigators would like to hear from any witnesses who may have knowledge of this incident or who happened to be in the area at the time.

The video can be viewed on YouTube, which shows a portion of the incident taking place.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Scott Spratt, 51 Division

51 Division's "Project Pinpoint," Shane "Terry" Kocielski, 38

51 Division's "Project Pinpoint," Shane "Terry" Kocielski, 38

Tuesday, January 9, 2018 - 12:59 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

This is the latest instalment of 51 Division's "Project Pinpoint." 

The 51 Division Warrant Unit is seeking assistance locating Shane “Terry” Kocielski, 38, of Toronto. 

He is wanted on the strength of multiple Warrants for: 

1) two counts of Unlawfully at Large
2) two counts of Fail to Comply with Probation
3) Fail to Attend Court
4) Theft Under

He is described as 6'3", 181 lbs., black hair, brown eyes. 

If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

His photograph has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Crispin Barnes, 51 Division Warrant Office

Shane "Terry" Kocielski, 38, target of 51 Division's "Project Pinpoint"