Good Morning Ottawa, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has been very busy with a number of stories to report on.
Missing 13-Year-Old Girl to Locate
The OPS is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a 13-year-old missing person named Saralyn Sheppard. Her family have concerns for her well-being. She was last seen in the Wiggins Private and Chapel Crescent area on July 19. Sheppard is described as a White female, 5’6″ tall, with a medium build, light brown eyes and long red hair. She was possibly wearing a red sweater and black leggings. Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Division Staff Sergeant’s Desk. Images of Saralyn are available for viewing on the OPS social media pages.
Joint human trafficking investigation leads to three arrests; police seek additional victims
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team, in partnership with the OPS through the Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), is seeking additional victims following a lengthy multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigation that resulted in the arrest of three men from the Ottawa area.
The accused are: 28-year-old Moad Ben Yahya, a.k.a. ‘Benzi’, 27-year-old Abdulaziz Al-Zouaghi, a.k.a. ‘Zee’, and 26-year-old Mohammad Elmuradi, a.k.a. ‘Mur.’ The three face numerous human trafficking and human-trafficking-related charges.
Between 2025 and July 2026, investigators from the OPP Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Unit East Team and the OPS Human Trafficking Unit conducted a complex investigation into an alleged organized human trafficking network operating between Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation originated in the Ottawa and London regions and expanded to multiple communities across Ontario, including Windsor, London, Toronto and Sarnia.
Throughout the investigation, authorities identified several women as potential victims. To date, six women have come forward and provided statements to investigators. Police worked closely with these victims to ensure they received immediate access to specialized supports and services. Anyone with information about the accused individuals or this investigation is encouraged to contact the OPS Human Trafficking Unit.
Crossbow bolt lodged in Orléans home
In an update to an incident that occurred overnight between June 7 and June 8, the OPS has concluded an investigation into a crossbow bolt lodged in a home. Following an extensive investigation, members of East Criminal Investigations identified the person responsible. Investigators conducted a neighbourhood canvass, reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses and worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and other partner agencies.
On July 17, the individual visited the East District station and admitted to firing a crossbow bolt at a coyote while walking along a nearby pathway. The bolt missed the animal, ricocheted off the pavement and was later found lodged in the residence. No injuries to either humans or animals were reported. The individual was deemed suitable for diversion, an alternative process that promotes accountability through appropriate conditions or programming rather than formal prosecution.
