Police seek assistance identifying man and woman in stabbing investigation, Dundas Street East and Dalhousie Street

Police seek assistance identifying man and woman in stabbing investigation, Dundas Street East and Dalhousie Street

Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 3:15 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

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

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, at approximately 4 p.m., a 34-year-old man was walking his dog in theDundas Street East and Dalhousie Street area. 

It is reported that:

- the 34-year-old man had been walking his dog westbound on Dundas Street East when he unintentionally made contact with another man 

- the man removed a knife from his pocket and proceeded to stab the 34-year-old man multiple times in the ribs and back area

- the man and a woman fled the area, leaving northbound on Dalhousie Street

- the 34-year-old man was taken to hospital and received treatment for his injuries

- the dog was taken to a local shelter

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the stabbing, recorded video on their cell phone or dashboard car camera in the area, or anyone who may have any information regarding this stabbing, to contact police.

The man is described as white, tanned skin, 5'2" – 5'5", with a thin build, wearing a black parka, blue jeans, toque, and black shoes.

The woman is described as black with light skin, wearing a brown bomber-style jacket, white sneakers with red socks, and carrying a knapsack. 

The 34-year-old man received treatment in hospital, was released, and reunited with his dog. 

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Corey Crawford, 51 Division

Man wanted in firearms offences investigation, Jordan Bacchus, 27, Photograph released

Man wanted in firearms offences investigation, Jordan Bacchus, 27, Photograph released

Thursday, February 23, 2017 - 1:20 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance locating a man wanted for multiple firearms-related offences.

It is alleged that:

- on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, the Toronto Police Service executed search warrants at addresses in Toronto in relation to Jordan Bacchus, 27, of Toronto

- he was not located at the time the warrants were executed

He is described as 6'1", thin build.

He was last observed driving a charcoal-colored Infiniti four-door automobile in the Christie Street and Dupont Street area.

He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Call 9-1-1.

Police are requesting that anyone aware of his whereabouts contact police immediately.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Timothy Walther, 51 Division

Jordan Bacchus, 27, wanted in firearms offences investigation

Media advisory, Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Media advisory, Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Monday, February 20, 2017 - 6:59 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Toronto Police Service Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Toronto Police Service will launch "That Text or Call Could End It All," safety campaign.

This safety campaign will start on Monday, February 20, 2017, and finish on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

This one-week initiative will highlight all dangerous activities associated with drivers who talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held communication and entertainment devices. This campaign will incorporate the use of a hearse and both stealth and fully marked police vehicles.

All police officers will be paying special attention to those drivers who choose to drive while distracted. Distracted driving is any action that a driver engages in that takes their focus away from the safe operation of their vehicle. It includes, but is not limited to, the use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices. Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and other road-users. The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads in and around our city.

The use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving is known to distract drivers from driving safely. Legislation is in place which has created specific offences for this driving behaviour.

Since 2011 the Toronto Police Service has laid over 109,000 charges for offences related to distracted driving.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Police request assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, Parliament Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East

Police request assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, Parliament Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East

Monday, February 20, 2017 - 10:47 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to request assistance with an Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, August 14, 2016, at approximately 7 p.m., a 62-year-old man was in a parking lot in theParliament Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East area

- he was working for a designated driver company and was in the process of picking up a customer at a boat cruise terminal

- he became engaged in a verbal interaction with another male motorist

- that male motorist threw a cup of coffee at him

- he exited his vehicle and was punched in the head by the male motorist

- he received serious, life-altering injuries as a result

The male motorist is described as black, wearing all-white clothing. Information was received that the boat cruise was hosting a "white" clothing party.

There were several people in the area who witnessed this incident. Police would like to speak with them.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Andrew Nanton, 51 Division

Monday, February 20, 2017 - Sunday, February 26, 2017. Distracted Driving Campaign, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Monday, February 20, 2017 - Sunday, February 26, 2017. Distracted Driving Campaign, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 6:59 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

From Monday, February 20, 2017 to Sunday, February 26, 2017, Toronto Police Service Traffic Services will conduct "That Text or Call Could End It All," a campaign targeting distracted driving.

This one-week initiative will highlight all dangerous activities associated with drivers who talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held communication and entertainment devices. This campaign will incorporate the use of a hearse and both stealth and fully marked police vehicles.

All police officers will be paying special attention to those drivers who choose to drive while distracted. Distracted driving is any action that a driver engages in that takes their focus away from the safe operation of their vehicle. It includes, but is not limited to, the use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices. Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and other road-users. The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads in and around our city.

The use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving is known to distract drivers from driving safely. Legislation is in place which has created specific offences for this driving behaviour.

Since 2011 the Toronto Police Service has laid over 109,000 charges for offences related to distracted driving.

The campaign will be officially launched on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Toronto Police Service Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Public Safety Alert, Queen Street West and Bathurst Street area, Contaminated street drugs

Public Safety Alert, Queen Street West and Bathurst Street area, Contaminated street drugs

Thursday, February 16, 2017 - 2:32 PM
14 Division:  416-808-1400

The Toronto Police Service would like to notify the public about an incident involving what could be contaminated street drugs

It is reported that:

- on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, a man, 28, consumed a substance suspected to be heroin in theQueen Street West and Bathurst Street area

- the man overdosed on this substance and subsequently died 

- it is suspected this heroin may be laced with fentanyl

Anyone coming into contact with a substance suspected to be heroin should exercise extreme caution. 

The public is also asked to use extreme caution and to call police immediately should any potentially dangerous items be located in parks or public areas.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Luigi Catenaccio, 14 Division

Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street

Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 - 7:44 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance with an Aggravated Assault investigation.

On Friday, February 10, 2017, at approximately 10 a.m., a woman was assaulted on the corner of Sherbourne Street and Queen Street East.

It is reported that:

- a 35-year-old woman was seriously assaulted by another woman 

- the 35-year-old woman was punched several times in the head before being thrown into a moving TTC bus

- the woman fled the area, leaving northbound on Sherboune Street

The 35-year-old woman is in hospital, in critical condition, with serious head injuries.

The woman is described as having a pale-white complexion, approximately 30, red hair. She was wearing a black jacket, grey hoodie, blue jeans and black boots 

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the assault, recorded video on their cell phone or dashboard car camera, or anyone who may have any information regarding this assault, to contact police.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Corey Crawford, 51 Division

Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy, Registration open for spring session

Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy, Registration open for spring session

Monday, February 13, 2017 - 2:32 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-7100

Registration for the spring session of the Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy has now opened.

The eight-week course, designed to inform members of the public about all things policing, will be held at the Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham Street, every Saturday, from April 1, 2017 to June 3, 2017. There will be no classes on holiday weekends.

The Toronto Police Service has partnered with Humber College to offer credits upon successful completion of the Community Police Academy.

Graduates will be recognized by Chief Mark Saunders and will be eligible for two credits toward Humber’s Police Foundations Diploma.

Students must attend every class in order to graduate. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about the Academy, including a link to the registration form, please visit the website at www.tps.on.ca/police-academy.

Media inquiries can be directed to Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, at 416-808-7100 or meaghan.gray@torontopolice.on.ca 

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Inspector David Rydzik, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Seniors Resource Day - "For the Love of Seniors" - Tuesday February 14, 11am - 2pm

Woman, 85, victimized in mass-marketing Fraud, Police recover more than $400,000 in currency and goods

Woman, 85, victimized in mass-marketing Fraud, Police recover more than $400,000 in currency and goods

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - 12:56 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes has recently identified and recovered more than $400,000 worth of currency and goods belonging to a victim of mass-marketing Fraud. 

It is reported that:

- an 85-year-old woman, of diminished mental capacity, was originally contacted by phone by unknown persons using the “lottery sweepstake scam”

- the woman was told she had won a substantial amount of money and was only required to pay the taxes and other “recovery costs”

- the woman sold her residence in order to obtain sufficient funds to “pay off the fees” associated with her supposed lottery win

- the unknown person ultimately disbursed approximately $600,000 of her savings to accounts within Ontario and across the world, before friends of the woman became aware of the situation

Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes investigators, in conjunction with the Office of the Public Trustee, the Peterborough Police Service and independent financial institutions, were able to locate where the woman had forwarded her funds, seized them and recovered approximately $20,000 worth of cellphones which the victim had been instructed to purchase, but which had not yet been shipped internationally. In addition $380,000 in funds was recovered.

TPS Financial Crimes wishes to remind people of the resources available to them to help identify fraud scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is available for victims or persons targeted by fraudsters to report the incident online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Victims of fraud should also report the incident to their local police service. 

Anyone with information, questions or concerns regarding this incident, should contact Detective Alan Spratt at TPS Financial Crimes Mass Marketing Section at 416 808 7300.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, 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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Alan Spratt, Financial Crimes

Cram A Cruiser on February 18 at the Parliament/Dundas Freshco from 12 - 4pm

Police seek assistance identifying four men involved in pickpocket theft and credit-card fraud investigation, Security camera images of four men released

Police seek assistance identifying four men involved in pickpocket theft and credit-card fraud investigation, Security camera images of four men released

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - 2:39 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance identifying four men in a pickpocket theft and credit-card fraud investigation.

It is reported that:

- between Thursday, January 12, 2017 and Friday, January 13, 2017, multiple wallets were stolen in the downtown area

- the wallets were taken from victims' coats and bags while seated in coffee shops and eateries in areas with high pedestrian traffic

- after the wallets are taken, the credit cards were compromised and used for cash advances and retail purchases.

Security camera images of the four male suspects have been released.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to remain vigilant with their belongings. Purses should not be left on the back of chairs and wallets should not be left in coats hung on the back of a chair.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Mike Rogers, 51 Division

Winter driving tips and Collision Reporting Centre information

Winter driving tips and Collision Reporting Centre information

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - 9:32 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Improving road safety and traffic flow for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists is one of our goals in support of the Service priority and commitment to safe communities and neighbourhoods. 

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the impending change of road conditions as a result of the winter storm moving into the city. The Service would like to offer drivers some winter driving tips to make your commute safer. 

“Winter is approaching. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. You need to plan ahead, adjust your speed and be prepared for a sudden change in traffic flows or road conditions. These simple changes to your driving behaviour could prevent a tragedy from occurring and get you home safely to your family,” said Superintendent Gord Jones, TPS Traffic Services.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the two collision reporting centres in the City of Toronto.

NORTH COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE 113 Toryork Drive:  416-808-2222
Open seven days a week, all year, 6 a.m. to midnight

EAST COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE 39 Howden Road:  416-808-2222
Open seven days a week, all year, 6 a.m. to midnight
If you are involved in a collision, Steer It,Clear It

When to "Steer It, Clear It":

• If there is only minor damage and the vehicle is driveable

• There are no injuries

• There is no significant debris on the roadway

Why "Steer It, Clear It":

• Reduces the likelihood of a secondary collision and potential for injury by 20%

• Reduces the length of time that a collision remains on the road by up to 65%

• Reduces congestion, fuel consumption and the impact on the environment

What you should do:

• Remove vehicle from the travel lanes

• Get name, phone number, driver's licence the and insurance information, make, model and year of vehicle

• Go to one of the of the two Collision Reporting Centres in Toronto within 24 hours

Create a drivers’ emergency kit. Your kit should include: pair of winter gloves, booster cables, shovel, container of windshield washer, first-aid kit, flashlight, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and granola bars or non-perishable high-energy foods. Put the kit in the trunk of your car. 

Check weather and road conditions often. 

Choosing the route ahead of time will help you be prepared and will ensure you know what to expect before you head out on the road. 

Keep a safe distance behind snow plows.

If you find yourself behind a snow plow, remember, the plows are there to help clear the snow and improve road conditions for you. By maintaining a safe distance, you ensure there is enough time for you to react to any change in traffic flows. Snow-clearing operations can create clouds of snow that can substantially reduce your visibility. 

Slow down and give yourself extra travel time

Drive according to the road and weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for a clear and dry day, not a snowy day

Clear snow and ice from your vehicle

Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for any fogged windows to clear so your visibility isn’t reduced and you are able to operate your vehicle safely. 

Wear comfortable clothes

It's a good idea to layer up in the winter, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot or operate your motor vehicle safely. Oversized boots could cause your feet to become stuck by the accelerator or brake pedals.

Keep a full gas tank

Quite often, drivers are commuting to and from Toronto with minimal amounts of fuel in their vehicles. Drivers whose vehicles run out of gas cause further traffic delays and also place themselves in danger when the vehicle has come to a stop in live lanes of traffic.

Keep emergency numbers handy and travel with a fully-charged cellphone

The non-emergency number for the Toronto Police Service is 416-808-2222. For provincial highway conditions, go to www.ontario.ca/511 or call 5-1-1.

Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads. It's easy to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather if you use cruise control. 

Figure out the best way to recover from a skid for your vehicle. How your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether it has rear-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel drive. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), learn how to use it correctly. The technology in your vehicle is advanced.

Driver behaviour in some cases can exceed the capability of your vehicle's safety systems and road conditions, in this situation you are out of control. Slow down and give yourself extra space and time to react in case something occurs.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. 

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Assistance sought locating man wanted in several Break-and-Enter investigations, Church Street and Carlton Street area, Christopher Isaac, 35

Assistance sought locating man wanted in several Break-and-Enter investigations, Church Street and Carlton Street area, Christopher Isaac, 35

Saturday, February 4, 2017 - 11:35 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance locating a man wanted in several Break-and-Enter investigations in the Church Street and Carlton Street area.

It is alleged that:

- between April 2016 and January 2017, the man committed numerous Break-and-Enters, thefts of mail, and credit-card frauds within apartment buildings in downtown Toronto. 

- he has been identified as Christopher Isaac, 35, of Toronto. He is wanted for:

1) 10 counts of Break-and-Enter
2) Fraud
3) Possession of property obtained by crime
4) Theft

Security camera images have been released.

Several victims have come forward and these incidents are currently being investigated.

Police are requesting the assistance of anyone who knows the whereabouts of Christopher Isaac, or who has information pertaining to these investigations, 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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Todd Belza, 51 Division Major Crime Unit

Man, 27, arrested in convenience store Robbery investigation, Church Street and Wellesley Street East area, Faces six charges

Man, 27, arrested in convenience store Robbery investigation, Church Street and Wellesley Street East area, Faces six charges

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 - 9:53 AM
Hold Up4:  16-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an arrest in a Robbery investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Saturday, December 24, 2016, a man armed with a box cutter knife entered a convenience store in the Church Street and Wellesley Street East area.

- he approached the 19-year-old male cashier and demanded money

- the cashier resisted and a fight ensued

- after a lengthy struggle, the cashier managed to overpower the accused and remove him from the store

- the accused fled the scene without obtaining anything

- the cashier received minor injuries as a result of being cut by the accused’s weapon

On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, Stefan Bovaconti, 27, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Robbery with an offensive weapon
2) Possession of a Weapon
3) Mischief Under
4) three counts of fail to comply with probation

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, 10 a.m.

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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Mike Earl, Hold Up