Arrest made in Hate-Motivated Harassment Investigation, Michael Park, 34

 

Arrest made in Hate-Motivated Harassment Investigation,
Michael Park, 34

Broadcast time: 01:30 PM
Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 4168085100
Case #: N/A

The Toronto Police Service has made an arrest in a hate-motivated harassment investigation.

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, a family was confronted by a man in the Bloor Street East and Church Street area. 

It is alleged that:

• a man followed the victims while harassing them and yelling anti-Semitic slurs

Investigators identified the man and he was arrested.

Michael Park, 34, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1. four counts of Criminal Harassment 

He was scheduled to attend court on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, room 205.

After consultation with the Service's specialized Hate Crime Unit, this investigation is being treated as hate motivated.

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.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation will be led by a Divisional investigator. The Hate Crime Unit will be made aware and specialized officers from that unit will support the investigation as needed.

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 will 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. Members of the Hate Crime Unit will provide assistance and support to the divisional investigators in seeking the Attorney General’s consent to lay these charges, if applicable. These charges are often laid at a later time.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Sinderela Chung for Detective Jennifer Reed-Pyefinch 

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement

 

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement

Broadcast time: 10:28 AM
Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Unit: Parking Enforcement
Phone: 4168086600
Case #: N/A

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during the upcoming Victoria Day public holiday on Monday May 22, 2023. 

• Rush-Hour Routes
• Posted signs indicating Monday to Fridayregulations

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Victor Kwong for Brian Moniz 

Toronto Police Service releases 2022 Hate Crime Statistical Report

 

Toronto Police Service releases 2022 Hate Crime Statistical Report

Broadcast time: 10:34 AM
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
Unit: Intelligence Services
Phone: 4168083500
Case #: NA

At the Toronto Police Services Board meeting today, the Toronto Police Service presented its Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report for 2022, outlining a slight decrease in the total number of hate crime occurrences reported to the Service.

Compared to 2021, the number of reported occurrences decreased approximately 6% from 257 to 242. The number of reported hate crimes in 2022 is 74% higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019, which was approximately 139, and 40% higher than the 10-year average (2013-2022), which is approximately 173 per year.

In 2022, hate crimes targeting members of the Jewish community, Black community, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) communities were the most common types of reported hate crimes. The three most frequently reported criminal offences motivated by hate in 2022 were mischief to property, assault, and uttering threats.

• The Jewish community and the Black community were the most frequently victimized groups for hate-motivated mischief to property occurrences
• The LGBTQ2S+ communities were the most frequently victimized groups for hate-motivated assault occurrences
• The Black community and the LGBTQ2S+ communities were the most frequently victimized groups for hate-motivated uttering threats

Although anti-East and South East Asian hate crimes decreased in 2022, the percentage of hate crimes targeting the Asian community remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the Asian community were the most frequently victimized group on public transit.

Overall, hate crimes in public transit decreased by 15% in 2022 with 33 reported occurrences. Hate-motivated assaults and mischief-related offences were the two most commonly reported crimes on public transit, representing 45% and 36% of the total offence types.

The Service also observed an increase in the number of hate crimes reported at schools (52), however 90% of these hate crimes were non-violent mischief–related offences. Assault-related and uttering threats offences accounted for the remaining 10% of the 52 reported occurrences.

There was also an increase in anti-Ukrainian and anti-Russian hate crimes reported to the Service following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The high number of anti-Ukrainian hate crimes in 22 Division correlates with the high Ukrainian population in the division.

 “Hate motivated crimes in our city have lasting impacts on individuals, family, friends, and the many diverse communities we serve across Toronto. Despite seeing a slight drop in reported hate crimes in 2022, we know they continue to be under reported for several reasons, including fear and retaliation,” said Deputy Chief Robert Johnson. “Hate crimes remain a priority for our Service and we will continue to work alongside our communities to break down barriers and foster an atmosphere of trust, as we encourage those impacted by these crimes to report them to police.”  

In 2022, the Hate Crime Unit actively engaged in community outreach focused on increasing awareness of hate crimes and community resources available to support victims, including:

• Collaborating with the Service’s Community Partnership and Engagement Unit, including divisional Neighbourhood Community Officers and community organizations, to provide education, public safety, and to address community concerns about hate crimes.
• The development of an internal hate crime dashboard to support the Service in identifying emerging hate crime trends along with an external facing hate crime dashboard for public information, available later this year.
• In addition to English and Korean, translating the Service’s hate crime pamphlet into 20 more languages
• Sharing public information about hate crime investigations, hate crime awareness and the reporting of these crimes through divisional investigators and TPS Corporate Communications

The Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report provides data about criminal offences that are committed against persons or property which are motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on the victim's race, nationality or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual or gender orientation or expression, or any other similar factor.

The data is based on hate crimes reported to the Toronto Police Service between January 1 and December 31, 2022.

The report was presented to the Toronto Police Services Board today and can be found on the May 18, 2023, TPSB agenda.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Ashling Murphy for Corporate Communications 

Homicide #20/2023, Charles Street and Yonge Street area, Marcus Roberts, 39

 

Homicide #20/2023,
Charles Street and Yonge Street area,
Marcus Roberts, 39

Broadcast time: 05:20 PM
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Unit: Homicide and Missing Persons Unit
Phone: 4168087400
Case #: 2023-1090728

The Toronto Police Service is advising the public of a homicide investigation.

On Monday, May 15, 2023, police responded to a stabbing in the Charles Street and Yonge Street area.

It is alleged that:

• there was an altercation between two men
• one man was stabbed with a sharp edged weapon
• he was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased

The victim has been identified as Marcus Roberts, 39, of Toronto.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the suspect was located and arrested. 

Markland Watt, 49, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1. First Degree Murder

He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Toronto Regional Bail Court, in room 205 at 2:30 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Michael McGinn 

Toronto Police Service Kicks Off Police Week as part of 39th Annual Children’s Games

 

Toronto Police Service Kicks Off Police Week as part of 39th Annual Children’s Games

Broadcast time: 10:15 AM
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Unit: Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit
Phone: 4168080100
Case #: N/A 

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Chief Myron Demkiw kicked off Police Week, while celebrating the opening of the 39th Annual Toronto Police Children’s Games at Variety Village.

Police Week, which runs from May 14 – 20, 2023, is an annual recognition that focuses on increasing community awareness and acknowledgement of police services, while strengthening partnerships between police and those they serve. It is also an opportunity to recognize members of Ontario police services for their commitment to keeping their communities safe.

The provincial theme for 2023 is “Building Bridges: Celebrating Police – Community Partnerships.” Police Week provides an opportunity to use in-person events, social media, or other platforms to celebrate the collaborative efforts of police services working with their communities to foster community safety and well-being in Ontario. 

It also highlights the importance of these partnerships, which encourage an integrated approach to service delivery and emergency response efforts.

“I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to our sworn and civilian members who work tirelessly every day to keep the people of Toronto safe. By listening and learning from the voices in the community and our Service, we strengthen our relationships with those we serve,” said Chief Demkiw.

He continued, “The Children’s Games is one of the many examples of the teamwork between our Service and local partners and it demonstrates the positive impact programs like these have in our communities. When we work together, we can accomplish great things.”

Superintendent LeeAnn Papizewski, Unit Commander of Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit added, “Learning from each other, supporting and sharing our experiences together and building lasting connections that are mutually meaningful and purposeful is something we take away from the Children’s Games each year. This demonstrates exactly what this year’s Police Week theme is all about.”

Community events will be taking place across Toronto Police divisions all week. The public can connect with their local divisions to see what is happening in their neighbourhoods. Visit https://www.tps.ca/my-neighbourhood/  for more.

You can also follow along on social media @TPS_CPEU on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, or at #PoliceWeekON to see how police services across Ontario are celebrating.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Ashling Murphy for Superintendent LeeAnn Papizewski 

Homicide #18/2023, Victoria Street and Dundas Street East, Richard Sasaki, 40

 

Homicide #18/2023,
Victoria Street and Dundas Street East,
Richard Sasaki, 40

Broadcast time: 10:42 AM
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Unit: 51 Division, Homicide and Missing Persons Unit
Phone: 4168085100
Case #: 2023-1063692

The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of a homicide investigation.

On Friday, May 12, 2023, at approximately 1:49 p.m., police responded to a call in the Victoria Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is reported that:

• there was an altercation between two men
• one man was transported to hospital with critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital
• the suspect fled the area on foot
• the suspect may have been in the area for some time prior to the altercation and may have been interacting with others in the area during that time

The suspect is described as having a light brown complexion, in his late 20s, 5'10", with long black hair and black facial hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

The victim has been identified as Richard Sasaki, 40, of Toronto.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Aaron Akeson 

Sporting Life 10K, Road Closures, Sunday, May 14, 2023

 

Sporting Life 10K,
Road Closures,
Sunday, May 14, 2023

Broadcast time: 09:00 AM
Date: Friday, May 12, 2023
Unit: Emergency Management & Public Order
Phone: 4168084900
Case #: N/A

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, the Canada Running Series' annual Sporting Life 10K will be held.

As a result, the following road closures will take place starting at 4 a.m.:

• Yonge Street between Eglinton Avenue and Davisville Avenue in preparation for the event (reopening at 11 a.m.)
• Lake Shore Boulevard West (westbound lanes), from the west side of Bathurst Street to the east side of British Columbia Road (reopening at 1 p.m.)
• Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes), from the east side of British Columbia Road to the west side of Remembrance Drive (at HMSC York) (reopening at 1 p.m.)

The following road closures will take place starting from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:

• Yonge Street between Davisville Avenue and Wellington Street
• Wellington Street between Yonge Street and Bay Street
• Bay Street from Wellington Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West
• Lake Shore Boulevard West from Bay Street to New Brunswick Way (westbound lanes)

Note: York Boulevard and Spadina Avenue will remain open for access to/crossing of Lake Shore Boulevard West

TTC routes will be diverted in these areas. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and consider alternate routes.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Victor Kwong for Constable Susan Guadagnano 

Two Men Arrested In Drug and Firearms Investigation, Brett White, 42, and Anthony Trujillo, 27

 

Two Men Arrested In Drug and Firearms Investigation,
Brett White, 42, and
Anthony Trujillo, 27

Broadcast time: 03:07 PM
Date: Sunday, May 07, 2023
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 4168085100
Case #: 2023-1011985 

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of arrests made in a drug trafficking and firearm investigation.

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, officers arrested two men in the Kingston Road and Main Street area.

It is alleged that:

• during the arrest, one of the men was found to be in possession of a firearm with ammunition

On that same day,  Saturday, May 6, 2023, a Criminal Code search warrant was executed in the Bayview Avenue and Front Street East area.

It is further alleged that:

• while executing the warrant another firearm was located

Brett White, 42, of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. two counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking 
2. Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
3. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
4. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm 
5. three counts of Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order 
6. Careless Storage of a Firearm

He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. in courtroom 206.

Anthony Trujillo, 27 of Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Carrying a Concealed Weapon
2. Occupy Motor Vehicle With Firearm
3. Careless Storage of A Firearm
4. Carless Storage of Ammunition
5. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
6. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
7. Alter Firearm to Become Automatic
8. Possess Firearm With Altered Serial Number
9. Possession of a Unloaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
10. Possess Prohibited/Restricted Device (Overcapacity Magazine) While Not Authorized

He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. in courtroom 205.

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.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Constable Sinderela Chung for Detective Constable Andrew Nanton 

Public Advisory, Fraud Alert, Money recovered in "Grandparent Scam"

 

Public Advisory,
Fraud Alert,
Money recovered in "Grandparent Scam"

Broadcast time: 10:42 AM
Date: Friday, May 05, 2023
Unit: Financial Crimes
Phone: 4168087300
Case #: 2023-983155

The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of money recovered in a "Grandparent Scam" and provide tips on how to avoid this type of fraud. 

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes, with assistance from the relevant financial institution, intercepted transferred funds meant for fraudsters sent by an elderly victim of the “Grandparent Scam”.

It is reported that: 

• on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the 78-year-old victim received a phone call from a person purporting to be their daughter.
• the female caller advised she had been in a car accident that resulted in injuries to a young boy, and had been arrested as a result.
• the female caller advised she needed money wired to her for bail. 
• after the victim wired the requested amount, the female called her again and advised she required more money as the young boy injured in the accident had died. She was told there was a publication ban on the incident and not to tell anyone. 
• the victim wired additional funds to the account as instructed but then became suspicious soon after and discovered the story was untrue and reported it to police.

The Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes, with the cooperation of the relevant financial institution, recovered approximately $9,000, a significant portion of the wired funds.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Toronto Police is requesting anyone who receives this type of call or solicitation to contact police. Police will never contact family members and request that money be sent electronically or in person for bail. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

---

Stephanie Sayer for Detective David Coffey 

TPS Officers Charged

 

TPS Officers Charged

Broadcast time: 03:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, May 02, 2023
Unit: Professional Standards
Phone: 4168082800
Case #: N/A

Two Toronto Police Officers have been arrested and criminally charged by the Toronto Police Service.

It is alleged that:

• on April 12, 2023, two officers arrested an individual on several outstanding warrants
• during the arrest, two bottles of stolen alcohol were recovered from the individual
• the suspect and stolen items were taken to 51 Division 
• the two officers were later seen taking the stolen items to their personal vehicles at 51 Division 
• search warrants were later executed by TPS and the stolen property was recovered from one officer's residence and the other officer's personal vehicle  

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Constable Brian James, 55, and Constable Thomas Victor, 27, both of 51 Division, were arrested and charged with:

1. Theft Under $5,000
2. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
3. Breach of Trust

Both are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Ontario Court of Justice - Toronto, 10 Armoury Street, room 201. 

Constable James has 27 years of service and Constable Victor has 5 years of service. Both are suspended with pay, as per the Police Services Act. 

---

Stephanie Sayer for Superintendent Richard Shank