Public Advisory: door-to-door scam involving fake SickKids Foundation canvassers

 

Public Advisory: door-to-door scam involving fake SickKids Foundation canvassers

Broadcast time: 02:10 PM
Date: Friday, Jan 26, 2024
Unit: Financial Crimes
Case #: n/a

 The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public about a door-to-door scam involving fake SickKids Foundation canvassers.

It is reported that:

• a man has been frequenting downtown apartment buildings and soliciting occupants for cash donations
• he wore a lanyard around his neck with a fake SickKids Foundation identification badge

SickKids Foundation advises:

• Legitimate canvassers for SickKids Foundation wear an identity card attached to a lanyard with the canvassers name, ID# and a QR code which can be scanned for additional information
• SickKids Foundation does not canvass in apartment buildings and/or condominium buildings - ever
• SickKids Foundation canvassers never solicit for cash donations and are forbidden from doing so

Further information regarding SickKids Foundation donations can be found at sickkidsfoundation.com/d2d.

Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit advises:

• if there is any doubt of the legitimacy of a charity canvasser at your door, please refer to the organization's website

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to this scam, or who may have information, is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Victor Kwong for Detective David Coffey

Man Arrested for Assaulting a Toronto Police Parking Enforcement Officer, Bleecker Street and Wellesley Street East Area

Man Arrested for Assaulting a Toronto Police Parking Enforcement Officer,
Bleecker Street and Wellesley Street East Area

Broadcast time: 06:46 PM
Date: Monday, Jan 22, 2024
Unit: Parking Enforcement
Case #: 2024-140861

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in an assault investigation.

On Friday, January 19, 2024, at approximately 1 p.m., police responded to a call for an Assault in the Bleecker Street and Wellesley Street East area.

It is alleged that:

• a Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) on bicycle patrol was conducting  enforcement in the area and tagged the accused vehicle in a Transit Stop
• a man exited a near-by building and began yelling at the officer
• the man then assaulted the officer and kicked their bicycle over causing damage
• the man then got into his vehicle and drove off
• police attended, stopped the vehicle nearby and the driver was arrested

Haluk Akbulut, 58, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Assault Peace Officer
2. Mischief/Damage to Property not exceeding $5000

He is scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 11 a.m., in room 203.

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Constable Shannon Eames for Brian Moniz

Two men arrested in Mischief Investigation related to a demonstration, Yonge Street and Shuter Street area

 

Two men arrested in Mischief Investigation related to a demonstration, 
Yonge Street and Shuter Street area

Broadcast time: 12:49 PM
Date: Sunday, Jan 21, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: 2023-2899583

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of arrests made in a Mischief investigation.

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, at approximately 4:55 p.m., police were in the area of Yonge Street and Shuter Street for a demonstration.

It is alleged that:

• the two men were participating in a demonstration in the Toronto Eaton Centre
• the men were blocking the entrance to a store and preventing employees from closing
• both men began pushing security and were trying to gain entry into the store
• police were attempting to remove the protestors from the area, when one of the men pushed an officer
• the other man then used an umbrella to strike an officer 
• the demonstrators banged on the store shutters and yelled at store employees and officers
• one man then made a verbal threat towards an individual in the mall

Police later identified the two men involved in this incident.

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, members of the Hate Crime Unit conducted a Criminal Code Search Warrant in relation to this offence.

It is further alleged that:

• at the time of the search, officers recovered items of evidentiary value related to the investigation 

Amro Saeed Ahmad Abufarick, 19, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Unlawful Assembly
2. Member of an Unlawful Assembly While masked
3. Mischief Interfere with Property
4. Assault Peace Officer
5. Uttering Threats

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 601.

Malek Said Ahma Abufarick, 34, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Unlawful Assembly
2. Mischief Interfere with Property
3. Assault Peace Officer

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 601.

As a reminder, the Service respects people's right to demonstrate lawfully, but anyone whose behaviour crosses the line from lawful demonstration to criminality can be arrested. Just because someone is not issued a charge at the time does not mean that they cannot be laid at a later date. Officers will continue to investigate, gather evidence, and determine whether charges are appropriate. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Shannon Eames for Detective Kelly Lukas

Torontonians reminded to be aware of unsafe open-ice conditions

Torontonians reminded to be aware of unsafe open-ice conditions

Broadcast time: 09:29 AM
Date: Monday, Jan 15, 2024
Unit: Marine
Case #: N/A

 The Toronto Police Marine Unit is reminding everyone to stay off natural ice surfaces on open bodies of water because of significant safety concerns for the public and their pets.

With the extreme cold temperatures this week and then with the predicted warmer temperatures next week, pen water and storm water will drain into retention ponds, many of which are located in our parks, including High Park - Grenadier Pond. Road salt can make its way into Toronto’s lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, which increases the instability of the ice.

Over the next few months, it is crucial that the public avoid going onto the ice formed on Lake Ontario or other bodies of water in the GTA. Remember, all ice is unsafe, especially at this time of year. 

Parents are requested to explain to their children the dangers related to water at this time of year, as cold-water immersion is very serious. Everyone should respect the water and all its potential dangers.

Water safety is a shared responsibility that everyone should take seriously and every precaution should be taken to keep yourselves and others safe.

If you see someone in distress call 9-1-1.

For further information or questions please contact the Marin Unit at 416-808-5821.

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Constable Sinderela Chung for Constable Stacy Kellough

Suspect Sought in Arson Investigation, Yonge Street and Shuter Street area

Suspect Sought in Arson Investigation,
Yonge Street and Shuter Street area

Broadcast time: 04:41 PM
Date: Friday, Jan 12, 2024
Unit: 52 Division
Case #: 2023-2894401

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a suspect sought in an Arson investigation.

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, at approximately 3:15 p.m., police responded to a call for an arson at a bookstore located in the Yonge Street and Shuter Streetarea.

It is reported that:

• the suspect entered the employee area of the store
• the suspect poured a flammable liquid onto books and boxes
• the suspect then set the liquid on fire
• the suspect fled the area

The man is described as 6'0”, with a medium build. He was wearing a black hat, blue medical mask, beige suit pants, beige suit jacket with a maroon colour inside, light blue dress shirt, and multi coloured dress shoes. One shoe is blue, and the other is green.

Images have been released. 

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this incident was motivated by hate. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Sinderela Chung for Detective Paul Ward

Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Investigation, George Street and Dundas Street East

 

Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Investigation,
George Street and Dundas Street East

Broadcast time: 10:25 AM
Date: Tuesday, Jan 09, 2024
Unit: 51 Division
Case #: 2024-4590 

The Toronto Police Service is notifying the public of an arrest made in a Sexual Assault investigation.

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, police responded to a call at an apartment building in the George Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is alleged that:

• between January 3 and January 7, 2024, a man sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl
• the man refused to let the girl leave the apartment

See previous release

Mohamed Elkurdi, 39, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Assault
4. two counts of Fail to Attend Court
5. Breach Probation

He was scheduled to attend the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 10 a.m., in room 402.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault or get support in the community, please visit YourChoice.to.

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Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Becky Malyk

Man Wanted in Sexual Assault Investigation, Mohamed Elkurdi, 39

Man Wanted in Sexual Assault Investigation,
Mohamed Elkurdi, 39

Broadcast time: 02:04 PM
Date: Monday, Jan 08, 2024
Unit: 51 Division
Case #: 2024-45909

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a man wanted in a Sexual Assault investigation.

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, police responded to a call at an apartment building in the George Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is alleged that:

• between January 3 and January 7, 2024, a man sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl
• the man refused to let the girl leave the apartment

Mohamed Elkurdi, 39, of Toronto, is wanted for:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Forcible Confinement
3. Assault

Elkurdi is described as 5'7", 160lbs, has a dark complexion, dark hair that is shaved on the side and longer on the top, and has a black beard. Images have been released.

He is known to frequent Allen Gardens and Moss Parkareas.

Investigators believe there may be more victims, and are asking them to contact police.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mohamed Elkurdi is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault or get support in the community, please visit YourChoice.to.

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Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Becky Malyk

Man Arrested in an Illegal Pawn Shop Operation Investigation, Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area

Man Arrested in an Illegal Pawn Shop Operation Investigation,
Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area

Broadcast time: 04:02 PM
Date: Friday, Jan 05, 2024
Unit: 51 Division
Case #: 2024-17088

 The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an illegal pawn shop investigation.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2024, members of the 51 Division Major Crime Unit executed a search warrant and arrested a man, who was allegedly operating an illegal pawn shop in the Dundas Street East and Parliament Street area.

It is alleged that:

• the store owner was found to be in possession of multiple stolen bicycles
• the owner was also found to be operating his shop without a licence

Meareg Asefa, 47, of Toronto, has been charged with:

• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Traffic in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 355.2
• Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 CC 354(1)
• Second Hand Dealer No Licence, contrary to COT Municipal Code Chapter 545-2A(38)

He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 11 a.m., in room 203.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Laurie McCann for Detective Jason Contant

Man Arrested in Suspected Hate-Motivated Assault Investigation, Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street area

 

Man Arrested in Suspected Hate-Motivated Assault Investigation, 
Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street area

Broadcast time: 01:15 PM
Date: Wednesday, Jan 03, 2024
Unit: Intelligence Services
Case #: 2023-2984330

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a suspected hate-motivated Assault investigation.

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, at approximately 3 p.m., police responded to a call for an assault in the Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is alleged that:

• the suspect was loitering in a building when the victim, who was working as a security guard, asked him to exit the premise
• the suspect refused to leave
• the suspect uttered racial slurs and assaulted the victim with a weapon

Timothy Eaton, 60, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1. two counts of Uttering Threats/Death or Bodily Harm
2. Weapons Dangerous
3. Assault with a Weapon

He was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 10 a.m., in courtroom 106. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.

If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.

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Constable Sinderela Chung for Detective Pasquale Alberga