Great News! 2022 Summer application deadline has been extended to February 11th. We will also be having additional information session!!!
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/yipi/
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Monday, January 17, 2022
Advisory on reporting collisions in the City of Toronto
Advisory on reporting collisions in the City of Toronto
Broadcast time: 15:20
Date: Monday, January 17, 2022
Unit: Traffic Services
Phone: 416-808-1900
Case #: N/A
The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public of how to report traffic collisions.
Collisions need to be reported if the incident occurs on the road or on private property.
Collisions should be reported at the scene, to a police officer, if there are injuries that require transportation to hospital or criminal actions have occurred.
A collision that has resulted in property damage to vehicles, exceeding $2,000 combined, can be reported to the Collision Reporting Centers which are staffed by Toronto Police officers.
Collision Reporting Centers are open during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on the weekends 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The centers are located at :
- in the east end at 39 Howden Road
- in the west end at 113 Toryork Drive
When attending the collision reporting centers, drivers are requested to:
- exchange information with all involved drivers. Take photographs of the drivers licence, ownership and insurance documents if possible.
- take photos of damages to both vehicles, if safe to do so
- if the vehicle is drivable, do not rush over to the Collison Reporting Centre on the day of the collision but when roads have been cleared and it is safe to do so. The involved vehicle and driver can attend at that point
- vehicles that require a tow must attend directly, prior to any other stops
- representatives of insurance companies are available at these centers
For more information, please visit: Accident Support Services International Ltd. - Collision Reporting Centre or www.accsupport.com
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca or listen to our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Murray Campbell, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services
Sunday, January 09, 2022
Homicide #6/2022, Bloor Street East and Church Street, Olivier Dundas, 20
Homicide #6/2022,
Bloor Street East and Church Street,
Olivier Dundas, 20
Broadcast time: 10:00
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2020
Unit: Homicide
Phone: 416-808-7400
Case #: 2022-50758
The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of a homicide investigation.
On Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 10:52 p.m., police were called to a shooting in the Bloor Street East and Church Street area.
It is reported that:
- police arrived on scene and located a man who had been shot
- officers commenced life-saving measures
- the man was transported to hospital by paramedics
- the man was pronounced deceased at hospital
The victim has been identified as Olivier Dundas, 20, of Toronto.
Three male suspects were last seen running eastbound on the south side of Bloor Street East towards Sherbourne Street.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have information concerning this investigation, or have dash camera or video surveillance of the area.
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, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Laura Brabant, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Henri Marsman, Homicide
Tuesday, January 04, 2022
Suspects to be identified in a Shooting Investigation, Yonge Street and Dundas Street East, Images and video released
Suspects to be identified in a Shooting Investigation,
Yonge Street and Dundas Street East,
Images and video released
Broadcast time: 07:00
Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Unit: Organized Crime Enforcement
Phone: 416-808-2510
Case #: 2021-2391786
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in a shooting investigation.
On Sunday, December 12, 2021, at approximately 2 a.m., police responded to a call for a shooting in the area of Yonge Street and Dundas Street East.
It is reported that:
- two men walked westbound on Dundas Street East where they approached a group of individuals who were standing in the Yonge Street and Dundas Street East area
- the two men attempted to rob the group of individuals and a physical struggle ensued
- one of the men discharged a firearm, striking a victim in the chest
- both men fled on foot eastbound on Dundas Street East
- prior to the shooting, the two men entered a gas station convenience store in the area
Investigators are asking for the public's assistance identifying the suspects. Images and video have been released.
See video here.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2510, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Stevan Tanouye, Organized Crime Enforcement
Attachments to this release are available on our website.
Arrest Made and Firearm and Drugs Seized, Sherbourne Street and Shuter Street, Meekile Kassam, 29
Arrest Made and Firearm and Drugs Seized,
Sherbourne Street and Shuter Street,
Meekile Kassam, 29
Broadcast time: 14:30
Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 416-808-5100
Case #: 2021-2511342
On Thursday, December 30, 2021, officers were on patrol in the Sherbourne Street and Shuter Streetarea.
It is alleged:
- a vehicle was seen travelling south on Sherbourne Street with damage to the front passenger corner of the vehicle
- the vehicle accelerated into the intersection and the officers stopped the vehicle to investigate
- during the vehicle stop the officers discovered that the vehicle had just been involved in a theft of gas from a gas station
- the driver was placed under arrest
It is further alleged that:
- a black 9mm Springfield Armory XD-9 handgun with both serial numbers filed off was located inside the vehicle
- the handgun was loaded with eleven rounds of ammunition
- the vehicle had been reported stolen
- search warrants were prepared and executed on the driver's home and vehicle
Following the search warrants, the following items were seized:
- a quantity of Fentanyl
- a drug weighing scale
- a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Dilaudid, Crack Cocaine, and powdered Cocaine
On Thursday, December 30, 2021, Meekile Kassam, 29, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:
1. Theft Under $5000
2. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
3. Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
4. Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence and Registration Certificate
5. Possess Prohibited/Restricted Weapon or Prohibited Device Knowing No Authority
6. Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
7. Possess Firearm with Altered Serial Number
8. Use/Handle/Store Firearm, Carelessly - Firearm
9. Use/Handle/Store Firearm, Carelessly- Large Capacity Magazine
10. Use/Handle/Store Firearm, Carelessly - Ammunition
11. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
12. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking CDSA - Powdered Cocaine
13. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
14. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Crystal Methamphetamine
15. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Oxycodone
16. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Dilaudid
17. Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Crack Cocaine
He was scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Friday, December 31, 2021.
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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Jason Boag, 51 Division
Wednesday, December 01, 2021
Public Safety Alert, Overdoses caused by suspicious drug, Dufferin Street and Lakeshore Boulevard West area
Public Safety Alert,
Overdoses caused by suspicious drug,
Dufferin Street and Lakeshore Boulevard West area
Broadcast time: 15:00
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Unit: 14 Division
Phone: 416-808-1400
Case #: 2021-2313425
The Toronto Police Service would like to warn the public of suspected overdoses that appear to be caused by a suspicious drug.
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 8:28 a.m., police responded to a call for multiple overdoses in the area of Dufferin Street and Lakeshore Boulevard West".
It is reported that:
- five people consumed a quantity of an unknown narcotic suspected to be an opioid
- they all suffered adverse effects
- one person went to hospital
- no one died as a result of taking the drug
As the drug was consumed before police arrived, there is no description of it at this time.
Investigators are concerned there may be more of this suspicious drug sold or given to others.
The Toronto Police Service wants to remind people that if they are taking drugs to use extreme caution and do not take them alone.
If anyone suffers serious illness after consuming a narcotic, they should attend a hospital emergency room, call 9-1-1, or go to a walk-in clinic immediately for treatment. For a referral to a substance use treatment facility, visit Connex Ontario or call 211 or the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health can be reached at 1-800-463-2338.
For more information about overdose prevention and response, please visit the Toronto Public Health website.
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, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Sarah Robertson, 14 Division
Man wanted in aggravated assault investigation, Bloor-Yonge Subway Station
Man wanted in aggravated assault investigation,
Bloor-Yonge Subway Station
Broadcast time: 11:30
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 416-808-5100
Case #: 2021-2282405
The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in an aggravated assault investigation.
On Friday, November 26, 2021, at 5:22 p.m., officers responded to a call for unknown trouble at Bloor-Yonge Subway Station.
It is reported that:
- a 36-year-old man was carrying a large box on the platform
- he accidentally made contact with another man
- an argument took place
- the 36-year-old man was pushed and fell onto the tracks as the train approached
- he was struck and dragged by the train
- the suspect ran out of the subway
The 36-year-old man was treated in hospital for his injuries.
The suspect is described as 6'0", with a slim build, and light brown hair. He was wearing a black coat, light brown hoodie with the hood up, black pants, grey running shoes, and carrying a blue backpack with a floral pattern.
A 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, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Becky Rochon, 51 Division
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Missing woman, Sherbourne Street and Isabella Street area, Martiza Orozco, 48
Missing woman,
Sherbourne Street and Isabella Street area,
Martiza Orozco, 48
Broadcast time: 15:35
Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 416-808-5100
Case #: 2021-2304531
The Toronto Police Service requests the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.
Martiza Orozco, 48, was last seen on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 7 p.m., in the Sherbourne Street and Isabella Street area.
She is described as 4'9", with a medium build, tanned complexion, long black hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red winter jacket, pants, and carrying a laptop bag.
Police are concerned for her safety.
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, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
A person can be reported missing at any time - there is no 24 hour waiting period. If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, you can report a person as missing to the Toronto Police Service by calling the non-emergency number 416-808-2222.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca
Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Vera Lyn Perdon, 51 Division
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Public Safety Alert, Overdoses caused by suspicious drug, Yonge Street and Lawton Boulevard area
Public Safety Alert,
Overdoses caused by suspicious drug,
Yonge Street and Lawton Boulevard area
Broadcast time: 22:45
Date: Sunday, November 28, 2021
Unit: 53 Division
Phone: 416-808-5300
Case #: 2021-2296367
The Toronto Police Service would like to warn the public of overdose deaths that appear to be caused by a suspicious drug.
On Sunday, November 28, 2021, officers responded to a call for overdoses in the Yonge Street and Lawton Boulevard area.
It is reported that:
- a 53-year-old man and a 33-year-old man attended a house party in the area
- they consumed a quantity of narcotics
- both men overdosed and succumbed to the potent effects of the drugs
Investigators are concerned there may be more of this suspicious drug sold or given to others. The drugs have been sent for testing.
A photograph of the drug and its packaging are released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Ralph Reloza, 53 Division
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Missing woman, Jarvis Street and Queen Street East area, Maria Serwary, 57
Missing woman,
Jarvis Street and Queen Street East area,
Maria Serwary, 57
Broadcast time: 12:30
Date: Thursday, November 25, 2021
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 416-808-5100
Case #: 2021-2272195
The Toronto Police Service requests the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.
Maria Serwary, 57, was last seen on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 8 p.m., in the Jarvis Street and Queen Street East area.
She is described as 5’1”, 160 lbs., with reddish-brown hair tied up with a blue and white striped headband. She was last seen wearing a red and black striped scarf, a red dress, white socks with sandals.
Police are concerned for her safety.
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, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
A person can be reported missing at any time - there is no 24 hour waiting period. If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, you can report a person as missing to the Toronto Police Service by calling the non-emergency number 416-808-2222.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca
Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gherardt Williams, 51 Division
Monday, November 22, 2021
Fatal Collision #53/2021, Sherbourne Street at Dundas Street East
Fatal Collision #53/2021,
Sherbourne Street at Dundas Street East
Broadcast time: 20:22
Date: Monday, November 22, 2021
Unit: Traffic Services
Phone: 416-808-1900
Case #: 2021-2221731
On Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 9:59 a.m., police received a report of a personal injury collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at Sherbourne Street at Dundas Street East.
It is reported that:
- a 59-year-old woman in a wheelchair was crossing Dundas Street East at Sherbourne Street
- a 56-year-old man was operating a cement truck southbound on Sherbourne Street, toward Dundas Street East, and struck the woman
- the woman died from her injuries at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing by members of Traffic Services.
The investigation is ongoing by members of Traffic Services. Police are interested in speaking anyone who may have witnessed the collision as well as local residents, businesses or drivers who may have security or dash camera footage of the area or incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Ned Durran, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services
Finding A Way Home
Finding A Way Home
After one year, 7 months and 24 days, Marie finally had her son back on Canadian soil after a journey any mother could only consider a nightmare.
Waiting for her at the end of the jetway on September 3, 2021 were three Toronto Police Service officers, but she only knew the one – by voice anyway, they had never met in person before.
“My name is Jason, can I give you a hug?” said the man in the grey suit, who had been with her every step of the way in emails, phone calls and text messages that alternated between hopeful and despondent and, then, finally joyful.
She gladly accepted the embrace in a tearful moment that marked the end of her of her battle travelling to France, then Cameroon to retrieve her now six-year-old son, who had been abducted by her estranged husband from junior kindergarten.
Detective Constable Jason Ferreira, an investigator at 51 Division, was the linchpin of a multi-jurisdictional team helping find the little boy a way home.
“I can’t tell you how many phone calls we had, or emails, it must be over a thousand,” said Ferreira, who initially arranged to have a YWCA Toronto translator help him speak to Marie at the start of the case, and then watched as she summoned both her courage and a command of English at the end. “She showed tremendous strength through this, she did the work and we as law enforcement did what we could to support her.”
Marie (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) had moved to Canada with her husband in January 2017, but became estranged in March 2017 after he became abusive. She and her son moved into a shelter and then out on their own.
They eventually shared custody of the little boy, Sam (his name also changed.)
After starting a job as an educational assistant for special needs children, her estranged husband agreed to take Sam to school during the week – a change in their informal custody arrangement.
But on January 9, 2020, a few days into their agreement, they did not show up to school.
She went to the school. She went to his apartment, no one was home. Phone calls, text messages went unanswered.
Just after 11 a.m. she called police.
The information began coming back to 51 Division, where Assistant Crown Attorney Meghan Scott, who was the Embedded Crown at the time, noticed the intensity of the always busy office ratchet up a notch.
“I sat in that office for 18 months, listened to the radios and watched officers respond quickly to a lot of different, very intense scenarios,” said Scott. “But to watch the whole team mobilize that day and to see their commitment to the case throughout, it was on another level. I think when a child is involved, or when there is potential harm to a child, there is a stronger reaction, as many of these officers are parents themselves.”
Police found security video that showed her estranged husband with a friend leaving the apartment building the day before with suitcases. His rental car was reported to be dropped off at Pearson International airport. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority confirmed the worst case scenario – they had flown to Montreal and then onto Paris.
Later that day, she received a call from him, stating he and Sam were not coming back. She passed out and was taken to hospital.
Constable Guy Kama, who speaks French, decided to try dad’s number himself. He reached him and the father stated that he didn’t care what police had to say and he wasn’t coming back. He had said in the past that he had wanted to leave Canada after failing to find good work – something he attributed to not getting a clean background check after his abuse was reported to police.
Ferreira briefed Marie on what police knew and prepared her for what was coming next.
“I told her it’s going to be a long battle and that we would be charging her estranged husband with child abduction by a parent and I began building the case,” said Ferreira, who enlisted the help of Scott.
Serving as a sort of in-house counsel for the Toronto Police, Scott’s job was to ensure cases are strong before they go to court and provide police with continuing legal education, among other work. She had never encountered a case like this before and consulted with other Crowns on strategy. She was advised that extradition would not work in this instance, as both the father and son were French citizens and instead it was decided that she and the police would pursue the laying of a parental child abduction charge in the event the father ever returns to Canada. This offence is one of a few that requires the consent of the Attorney General of Ontario for the charge to be laid.
Ferreira says they worked in lock-step with Marie on every avenue possible.
“In the meantime Marie was working through the courts. I knew there was nothing I could physically could do but I would do everything I could to help her.”
The RCMP and Interpol helped Toronto confirm through French police the whereabouts of the child and the father, who were staying with family.
RCMP National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remain investigator Constable Yelena Handy said all these cases are complex as they involve multiple agencies, jurisdictions, laws and justice systems.
“Our role is to bring all the partners together,” she said, noting that this case spanned domestic resources from the Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration and Citizenship Canada and RCMP Liaison Officers abroad to the French National Police and finally the French Embassy in Yaounde and Cameroonian National Gendarmerie. “Our goal is to assist local police and bring people together.”
Hundreds of children are abducted by parents from Canada and taken abroad each year – its hard to know how many come back as many cases are settled through civil arrangements.
The Central Authority for the Hague Convention in Ontario and Global Affairs Canada also gave their assistance – the treaty gives parents left behind a mechanism to bring their children home across more than 80 countries.
In March 2020, as the pandemic just became a reality to most people, Marie travelled to France with an Ontario court order for the return of her son and a pit in her stomach. Travelling from the airport directly to the police station, she presented the order and French police retrieved Sam from school to be reunited with his mother.
His father came to the station with a lawyer, and they argued the Ontario order was not enforceable on French soil. They prevailed and Sam had to leave with his father.
“It was very hard, I was crying, he was crying,” Marie said of having her son fall through her grasp. “I said ‘Yes, I will come back for you.’”
She did not know at that time that she would not hear her son’s voice, see his face or hold him in her arms for more than a year.
It was then that the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting down international borders and she was forced to leave March 20, 2020. But before she left she planted a seed, pursuing her case with a French prosecutor.
On April 1, 2020, the French prosecutor brought action against the father for a violation of the Hague convention for travelling to France without the permission of Marie.
He appealed the order and was unsuccessful.
In the meantime, having secured the consent of the Attorney General to lay charges of parental abduction, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for the father’s arrest.
The Central Authority of the Province of Ontario informed Marie that that her estranged husband had finally booked a flight for them home.
“I got his bedroom ready. I cooked. I was excited. I did not sleep.”
Ferreira called her after talking to the Canada Border Services Agency.
“Marie, I’m so sorry, they didn’t show up to the flight.”
Toronto Police, in conjunction with the Embedded Crown, the RCMP and Interpol Canada placed a Red Notice on him and Yellow Notice on Sam in order to hold them in custody by police or at a border.
Six months passed before Marie got word that her son was in Cameroon, smuggled into the country avoiding the Interpol notices.
She confided in only her mother, Charlotte (name also changed), that Sam was in Cameroon and arranged to visit in June 2021. It was her mother who encouraged her to make arrangements through the prosecutor and seek the help of authorities before acting on retrieving Sam. To make sure that her efforts to bring her son home would be iron-clad this time.
Before she left for Cameroon, tragedy struck. Her 58-year-old mother suffered a cardiac arrest and died. She would be travelling home for a funeral but also remained dedicated to a reunion with her son.
“It was like a dream now, her burial was on the same day as the birth of Sam, June 12,” she said. “After burying my mom, I said I don’t have time to cry now. What I can do now is bring Sam back home for her.”
She worked to gather the proper documentation and line up police officials to action the prosecutor’s order.
Marie appreciated his support, as she often felt powerless along the way.
“Jason, he was an angel,” she said. “He was always ready to find a solution, sometimes when I was down, I would see an email from Jason to say hi, and ask me if I have an update. That really kept me going.”
She would counsel anyone else with an abducted child to be thorough and careful through the process but know that the Hague Convention gives them the right to bring their child home in many countries.
“I learned a lot about the law, I stayed curious… I stayed patient” she said. “But first, because I’m a Christian, I had faith.”
RCMP Constable Handy said any parent who suspects a child abduction should contact local police right away in hope they can stop them before leaving the country. And if do leave, they should understand that the process for bringing them home is often complex.
Global Affairs Canada has published a handbook on International Child Abduction for parents left behind to help them understand their options for bringing their children home.
When Handy knew Marie and Sam had boarded the plane in Paris, she watched online as the flight made its way over the Atlantic, updating colleagues along the way.
“I will never forget this case. It was amazing to see all these different people and agencies come together to help get him home. Without everyone helping it would not have been possible,” she noted, saying each piece of information and evidence helped bolster Marie’s case while abroad, lending her legitimacy to fight her case on the ground in France and Cameroon. “But Marie’s courage and strength was most amazing.”
Sam is quite happy to be at home with mom, and often sits beside her as she attends virtual classes to attain her Bachelor of Education en route to becoming a teacher.
“Sam is funny little boy, he likes to watch movies with me, I teach him to cook. He loves to swim,” Marie beams of her son, noting they are catching up after their separation. “This has made us bond.”
In July, the police tried to locate Sam, but couldn’t find the father and son. They tried again.
A What’s App video call came through. A policeman identified himself and asked if Sam was in the room as he panned. She screamed ‘it’s him’ and the call abruptly ended.
She panicked thinking she might have blown the whole thing with her outburst and tried to call back. No response.
In about 10 minutes, another video call. A policemen in a vehicle said to meet them at the station, they had her son.
She ran out the house, flagging down the nearest taxi and sat on the edge of her seat the entire ride. They soon arrived at the station and she popped out the door, only now realizing she had no money.
“I explained to the driver that I was there to retrieve my son and was sorry I had no money on me – he said ‘God Bless you sister, you don’t have to pay, you go keep your son safe.’”
After seven minutes, she saw two police cars approaching the station.
“I started to scream ‘Sam, Sam.’ I will never forget taking him in my arms. He said ‘Mommy, I was looking for you for two years now.’”
Her family retrieved her and they went to buy Sam new shoes and clothes before they gathered for a Catholic prayer and a joyous family dinner. She let Ferreira know he was safe.
She then hunkered down, fearful that anyone would know where they were. She only went to the French embassy, to arrange her escape.
They told her they could get her out on ”laissez passez” visa but at this time of year tickets are expensive and it would cost $5,200.
They laid low a few days.
A French police officer and driver escorted them to the airport and got her on the plane.
Her estranged husband arrived at the airport two days later with documents stating she could not leave.
In France, she had to collect documents for Sam to leave, filling out documents, pleading with bureaucrats and cajoling security guards along the way.
She kept a low profile. Without any money left, credit cards tapped out, she was staying with a friend in Paris close to where her estranged husband had friends and family.
“Ten days later, I got Sam’s passport, I took a photo and sent an email to Jason,” she said, noting she still had to go to the Canadian embassy to leave.
Ferreira had worked with the RCMP in the background. They arranged a repatriation flight for free through Air Canada. The airline staff made the trip home special. An Air Canada representative in Paris asked her if she was Marie and to follow him. They brought her and Sam to the VIP lounge and told them to enjoy whatever they liked.
They seated Sam and her in business class. The flight attendant told Marie how courageous she was.
“I started to cry. It was like I was a queen and he was a prince, it was wonderful,” she says, of the dramatic turn in their fortunes. “When we landed, they told me someone was waiting for me.”
She had come full circle and was happy to share the moment with the police officer who had helped her the whole way.
“Marie, I’ve had many cases, but your case was very important to me and always my top priority,” said Ferreira, who credits her drive with bringing Sam home.
Ferreira notes that a Canada-wide warrant is still in place for the father, who will face a parental child abduction charge if he returns to Canada.
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Public Safety Alert, Scam targeting Chinese international students
Public Safety Alert,
Scam targeting Chinese international students
Broadcast time: 16:05
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Unit: 43 Division
Phone: 416-808-4300
Case #: N/A
The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of a scam targeting Chinese international students.
It is reported that:
- unknown individuals are contacting Chinese international students studying in Toronto
- the unknown individuals are claiming to be with the authorities in China
- the scammers call the students and inform them they are under investigation in China for various types of offences
- the students are told to send money via wire transfers, usually to China or Hong Kong, in order to resolve the matter
- the students are told not to tell anyone about this
Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant and never transfer money to unknown accounts.
If anyone receives these types of calls, please contact police immediately to report it. If anyone believes they have been a victim of this scam, or a similar scam, they are urged to also report it to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable David Clark, 43 Division
Public Safety Alert, Scam Targeting Seniors, City of Toronto
Public Safety Alert,
Scam Targeting Seniors,
City of Toronto
Broadcast time: 16:40
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Unit: 55 Division
Phone: 416-808-5500
Case #: 2021-1617151
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a phone scam targeting seniors.
On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at approximately 10:57 a.m., officers responded to a call for a fraud in the Lee Avenue and Queen Street East area.
It is reported that:
- a 78-year-old woman was called on the phone
- the caller identified himself as a family member
- they indicated they had been arrested and needed money for bail
- a courier was sent to collect the money
There have been several similar incidents reported to police over the past six months. In some instances the suspects have scammed people out of large sums of money.
The Toronto Police Service does not collect money from individuals for bail. Bail security deposits are arranged through the courts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Darcy Hind, 55 Division
Friday, August 27, 2021
Missing man, Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area, Gashawbeza Kefene, 37
Missing man,
Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area,
Gashawbeza Kefene, 37
Broadcast time: 18:04
Date: Friday, August 27, 2021
Unit: 14 Division
Phone: 416-808-1400
Case #: 2021-1632453
The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance locating a missing man.
Gashawbeza Kefene, 37, was last seen on Thursday, August 27, 2021, in the Gerrard Street East and Jarvis Street area.
He is described as 5’9", unshaven, with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a white track suit.
Police are concerned for his safety.
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, 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Nabih Mansour, 14 Division
Federal Inmate Wanted, Gonffa Krow, 27, Photo Released
Federal Inmate Wanted,
Gonffa Krow, 27,
Photo Released
Broadcast time: 12:40
Date: Friday, August 27, 2021
Unit: Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad
Phone: 416-808-8500
Case #: N/A
The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breach of statutory release.
Gonffa Krow, 27, is described as 5'7", 154 lbs., black hair, with brown eyes.
He is currently serving a four-year and eleven-month sentence for manslaughter.
He is known to frequent the Toronto area.
Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE) or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online 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 or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Steve Sermet, Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad
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