Human Trafficking Investigation, Three men and one woman arrested, Police concerned there may be more victims

Human Trafficking Investigation, Three men and one woman arrested, Police concerned there may be more victims

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - 9:05 AM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of arrests made in a Human Trafficking investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, December 30, 2018, a 17-year-old girl met two men in the Yonge Street/Dundas Street East area

- the two men befriended the girl and gave her drugs and alcohol

- the two men took the girl to an address in Hamilton

- there, the girl was sexually assaulted by the two men

- the girl was then sexually assaulted by a third man

- the men then introduced the girl to a woman and she was forced into the sex trade

- photographs were taken of the girl in various stages of undress and posted on leolist.com, advertising her sexual services

- the first man controlled all the communications with the customers via text messages or phone calls, and the girl was told which sexual services she was to provide

- the first man made the girl provide sexual services to numerous clients that attended the address, as well as to himself, turning all the money over to him

- over the course of four days, the girl was forced to ingest a quantity of drugs, deprived of food and sleep, and was physically assaulted

On Thursday, January 3, 2019, the girl was able to escape and contact police.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, the Toronto Police Service Human Trafficking Enforcement Team located and arrested two of the men.

Charlton Sealy, 35, of no fixed address, identified as the 'second man', was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Recruiting Control
3. Financial/Material Benefit Trafficking Persons Under 18 years
4. Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by Person Under 18 years
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Possession of a Schedule I Substance
7. Possession of Child Pornography
8. Assault
9. Advertising Another Person's Sexual Services

Shabaka Reid, 36, of Hamilton, identified as the 'third man', was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Recruiting
3. Make Child Pornography
4. Financial/Material Benefit Person Under 18 years
5. Possession of a Schedule I Substance
6. Possession of Child Pornography

They both appeared in court on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Old City Hall.

On Friday, February 15, 2019, the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team located and arrested Deanna Passera, 27, of no fixed address, identified as the 'woman'. She was charged with:

1. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Exercising Control
2. Financial/Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years
3. Publish Child Pornography
4. Possess Child Pornography
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Procuring - Person Under 18 years
7. Procuring/Exercise Control
8. Advertising Another Person’s Sexual Services

She appeared in court on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Old City Hall.

On Monday, November 18, 2019, with the assistance of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, Troy Thornhill, 37, of Toronto, identified as "the first man", was located and arrested.

He was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 Years by Recruiting
3. Financial/Material Benefit Trafficking Persons Under 18 Years
4. Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by Person Under 18 Years
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Possession of Child Pornography
7. Assault
8. Procuring Person Under 18 Years
9. Advertising Another Person's Sexual Services

He appeared in court on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Old City Hall, in courtroom 101.

Police are concerned there may be more victims.
Police would like to encourage all affected individuals to come forward and report Human Trafficking occurrences to police. We want to make sure that everyone has access to support services and an exit strategy, regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Human Trafficking means every person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation, for a sexual purpose or a forced labour purpose. Victims can be men, women or children; can be Canadian citizens; and can be moved across local, provincial or national borders. They can be coerced through violence or the threat of violence against family and friends. The Human Trafficking Enforcement Team of Sex Crimes is dedicated to investigating these crimes against vulnerable members of society. For more information, please visit the Sex Crimes website.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Acting Detective Sergeant David Correa, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking Enforcement Team

Troy Thornhill, 37, (identified as the 'first man') Charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Charlton Sealy, (identified as the 'second man') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Skabaka Reid, (identified as the 'third man') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Deanna Passera, (identified as the 'woman') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

This news release was issued earlier today on behalf of the City of Toronto via Canada Newswire.

News release:  November 16, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of noon today. The warming centre at Metro Hall will close at noon.

Find out about services for homeless and under-housed individuals at https:www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 15, 2019

                                   

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto that will be in effect until further notice. The Medical Officer of Health will issue an Extreme Cold Weather Alert when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a temperature of -15 degrees C or colder, or a wind chill of -20 degrees C or colder, for the City of Toronto. Extreme Cold Weather Alerts may also be issued when the forecast includes factors that increase the impact of cold weather on health. The factors include precipitation, low daytime temperatures, or several days and nights of cold weather in a row.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs.

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and additional overnight street outreach.

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.

• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.

• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.

• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.

• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.

• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.

• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.

• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.

• Visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line, 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Public Safety Alert Telephone Fraud/Scam 53 Division

Public Safety Alert Telephone Fraud/Scam 53 Division

Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 2:40 PM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service would like to warn the public about an ongoing telephone scam.

It is reported:

- the telephone call starts with someone claiming they work for the government or a police agency. The caller claims that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) was used to fraudulently open bank accounts, and other illegal transactions.

The caller will provide a false name, ID number and/or badge number, and will give the following instructions:

- the caller will ask you to send money via Bitcoin to a fake government account

- the caller will make false threats that failure to comply will result in an arrest warrant issued, or they will send local police to their home and arrest them immediately

- the caller may also insist the money be paid by gift cards or other crypto-currencies, credit card, or through Western Union

- In some cases the fraudsters use a program to display the telephone number of either the revenue agency or local police on the victim's caller ID display.

Numerous residents have continued to receive telephone calls from these scammers. The public should be aware that police do not collect money for the Canada Revenue Agency. Although everyone is at risk of falling victim to these scams, elderly people are among the most vulnerable.

The CRA will not do the following:

- send emails with a link and ask you to divulge personal or financial information

- ask for personal information of any kind by email or text message

- request payments by prepaid credit cards, gift cards or through Bitcoin or any form of crypto-currency

- give taxpayer information to another person, unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer

- leave personal information on an answering machine

- or send the police after you

Anyone who receives these types of calls should hang up the phone immediately.

Don't ever give out any personal information, including identification numbers, passwords or financial information.

If you or a family member has fallen victim to this fraud, please report it to your local police service, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

There are two ways to make a report to the CAFC; either by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time) or through their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/

Anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to this scam can contact their local police service.

If you would like to learn more about the CRA scam please click on the following link: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/scams-fraude/index-eng.htm.

Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Rajendra Persaud, 53 Division

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 13, 2019

 

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of noon today. The warming centre at Metro Hall, however, will remain open until noon tomorrow, November 14.

Find out about services for homeless and under-housed individuals at https://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, Lenore.Bromley@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

31st Annual Drug-Free Marshals "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" Christmas Festival

31st Annual Drug-Free Marshals "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" Christmas Festival, being held on Sunday, November 24 at Yonge-Dundas Square from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

It’s an afternoon of family fun with seasonal and teen entertainment, free draws, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa and his elves.  There is an essay contest for kids ages 6 - 16 and the entry form can be found HERE

The event has a theme of drug abuse prevention through education and is sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Toronto and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, with participation of downtown merchants and is open to all free of charge.

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 12, 2019

                                   

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto that will be in effect until further notice. The Medical Officer of Health will issue an Extreme Cold Weather Alert when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a temperature of -15° C or colder, or a wind chill of -20° C or colder, for the City of Toronto. Extreme Cold Weather Alerts may also be issued when the forecast includes factors that increase the impact of cold weather on health. The factors include precipitation, low daytime temperatures, or several days and nights of cold weather in a row.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs.

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and additional overnight street outreach.

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.

• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.

• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.

• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.

• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.

• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.

• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.

• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.

• Visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, Lenore.Bromley@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

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All City of Toronto news releases are also available on the City's website at www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/news-releases-media-advisories/ .

Man wanted in Arson investigation, 85 Shuter Street

Man wanted in Arson investigation, 85 Shuter Street

Thursday, November 7, 2019 - 11:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in an arson investigation.

On Saturday, November 2, 2019, at approximately 2 a.m., officers responded to a call for a fire at 85 Shuter Street.

It is reported that:

- officers and fire fighters responded to a 3-alarm fire

- a man was observed leaving the townhouse as they arrived

- fire fighters were on the roof trying to control the blaze

- two fire fighters fell from the crumbling roof

The Fire Marshalls Office has investigated and determined the fire was caused by arson.

Investigators are releasing a composite sketch of a man seen leaving the building.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Corey Crawford, 51 Division

Composite sketch of man wanted in Arson investigation

Arrests made in Firearms Incident, Eight boys and man arrested

Arrests made in Firearms Incident, Eight boys and man arrested

Monday, November 4, 2019 - 3:30 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 12:53 a.m., the Toronto Police Service arrested eight boys and a man in a gun and gang related investigation in Regent Park.

It is alleged that:

- a wanted 15-year-old boy was observed exiting a townhouse in Regent Park by two plain clothes police officers who were assigned to Project Community Space

- the officers followed the boy, along with two other boys to the area of Eastern Avenue and Cherry Street

- the officers attempted to arrest the wanted boy

- the boy brandished a loaded handgun and pointed it at the police officer

- the officers did not engage the boy and he fled

- the boy was later located and arrested with a loaded firearm

- the other two boys, who were with the 15-year-old boy, were also arrested shortly after

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 15-year-old boy, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Careless Storage of Prohibited Ammunition
5. Careless Storage of a prohibited device (over capacity magazine)
6. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
7. Possess Restricted prohibited device Knowing no Authority (Over capacity Magazine)
8. Point a Firearm
9. Assault Police Officer with Firearm
10. Fail to Comply with Recognizance

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 16-year-old boy, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Careless Storage of Prohibited Ammunition
5. Careless Storage of a prohibited device (over capacity magazine)
6. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
7. Possess Restricted prohibited device Knowing no Authority (Over capacity Magazine)
8. Obstruct Peace Officer

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 16-year-old boy, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Careless Storage of Prohibited Ammunition
5. Careless Storage of a prohibited device (over capacity magazine)
6. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
7. Possess Restricted prohibited device Knowing no Authority (Over capacity Magazine)
8. Carry Concealed Weapon

They all appeared in court at 311 Jarvis Street on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

It is further alleged:

- police continued the investigation and executed a warrant in the area of Regent Street and Cole Street

- five boys began to flee from the address when noticing the police presence

- one of these boys was wanted on a warrant for an attempt murder investigation

- officers entered the address and located a 22-year-old man inside

- officers located an illegal handgun inside the home

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, Adh-Har Abdalla Hashim, 22, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo

He appeared in court at Old City Hall on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 17-year-old boy of Toronto was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 17-year-old boy, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
5. Fail to Comply with Recognizance

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 17-year-old boy of Toronto was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
5. Two counts of Fail to Comply with YCJA sentence conditions

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 16-year-old boy of Toronto was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
5. Fail to Comply with YCJA sentence
6. Discharge with Intent
7. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
8. Carry Concealed Weapon
9. Possession of a Firearm
10. Possession of a Loaded Firearm
11. Occupy Motor Vehicle With a Firearm

On Sunday, November 3, 2019, a 14-year-old boy, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
2. Possession of a Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized
3. Careless Storage of a Firearm
4. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammo
5. Fail to Comply with Undertaking

They all appeared in court at 311 Jarvis Street on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

***Please refer to Section 110, Subsection 1, of the YCJA:

110. (1) Subject to this section, no person shall publish the name of a young person, or any other information related to a young person, if it would identify the young person as a young person dealt with under this Act.***

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 Ryan Kotzer, 51 Division

Crime Prevention Week 2019 Kick-Off

Crime Prevention Week 2019 Kick-Off

Friday, November 1, 2019 - 5:30 PM
Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit:  416-808-0103

The Ministry of the Solicitor General has designated Sunday, November 3, 2019, to Saturday, November 9, 2019, as Crime Prevention Week in Ontario. The theme for this year has been established as: “Preventing Crime, Protecting People”.

The Toronto Police Service will be hosting a Crime Prevention Week kick-off event in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), which will emphasize the innovative and collaborative work achieved between the Toronto Police Service, City of Toronto, Humber College, local residents and numerous community based agencies.

This event will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019, at 10 a.m., at Humber College's Lakeshore Campus – G - Cottage, 17 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto.

For further information, please contact Constable Dan Ramos of the Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit at: 416-808-0135 or dan.ramos@torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Steve Pipe, Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit

Time change means drivers must slow down and be alert for pedestrians and cyclists

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  Friday, November 1                       

Time change means drivers must slow down and be alert for pedestrians and cyclists

The City of Toronto is urging all road users – drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians – to stay alert as daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3.

The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility for all road users in the city. In Toronto, pedestrian collisions increase by more than 30 per cent during the evening commute hours from November to March.

To draw attention to the increased risks facing pedestrians and cyclists, the City of Toronto is launching a city-wide public education campaign that promotes road safety as we enter a season with reduced daylight hours. It features a series of painted faces with the eyes focused on either a pedestrian, a cyclist or a vehicle. Using the slogan "Take another look," the campaign intends to remind Torontonians, especially drivers, to be aware of each other as they share the city's roads.

The campaign will appear on bus backs, transit shelters and elevator screens, in addition to radio, print and social media ads.

Similar advertising efforts around the daylight saving time change in New York City led to an overall reduction in fatalities.

On Monday, the Toronto Police Service will also begin a one-week safety blitz across the city to encourage residents to drive alert and stay safe. The Police will focus their enforcement resources on the most dangerous violations – speeding and impaired, aggressive and distracted driving – and increase their on-street presence. 

When visibility is reduced, people and objects on the road are harder to see. The City of Toronto is asking drivers to follow the following safety tips after daylight saving time ends this Sunday:

• When driving, please slow down, turn slowly and stay alert at all times.

• Make sure vehicle headlights and signal lights are functioning properly.

• Obey speed limits and approach all crosswalks, intersections and transit stops with caution.

• Give yourself plenty of time wherever you're going and plan your route in advance. Use public transit when possible.

City staff are also reducing speed limits on approximately 250 kilometres of roads in the city in an effort to curb speeding and minimize traffic-related fatalities on Toronto's roads. Close to 50 roadways will see their limits dropped by 10 km/h by year's end.

More information about the "Take another look" campaign is available at https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-safety/vision-zero/educational-campaigns/stay-alertstay-safe-campaign/.

More information about the speed limit reductions campaign is available at https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-safety/vision-zero/safety-initiatives/initiatives/speed-limit-reductions/.

The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a comprehensive action plan that aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto’s streets. With more than 50 safety measures across six emphasis areas, the plan prioritizes the safety of Toronto's most vulnerable road users: pedestrians, schoolchildren, seniors and cyclists. More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/VisionZero.

Quotes:

"I'm urging all people in the city, especially drivers, to slow down and pay increased attention on the road. It is imperative that we raise awareness about the dangers associated with reduced visibility at this time of year, and this is what we hope the 'Take another look' campaign will achieve. This week, I have also met with Transportation Services to identify ways we can accelerate our efforts to install new road safety measures, including crosswalks and signals, and speed up the City's road redesign work to make our streets safer."

- Mayor John Tory

"We have seen an increase in the past in traffic collisions after the clocks turned back, especially for our most vulnerable road users – pedestrians and cyclists. It's time we stop this. It is vital that everyone who uses our roads be aware of their surroundings, stay alert and drive safe. Vision Zero is everyone's responsibility."

- Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 6 York Centre), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Hakeem Muhammad, Strategic Communications, 416-338-536, Hakeem.Muhammad@toronto.ca