Good Morning Ottawa, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has been very busy with a number of stories to report on.
Facebook Marketplace Robbery Investigations
On Aug. 9, police received a report of a robbery following a sale arranged through Facebook Marketplace. During the transaction, the suspect produced a handgun and took an item from the victim. Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and may have dashcam or other video footage to contact police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robbery Unit.
This is the second Facebook Marketplace robbery to occur in less than a week. On Aug. 10, an attempted robbery and firearm discharge occurred outside a financial institution in the 1100 block of Beaverwood Rd. around 10:30 a.m. A seller had arranged to meet a prospective buyer through Facebook Marketplace outside of the institution. During the meeting, a male, now identified as a young offender, allegedly attempted to rob the seller and pointed a firearm.
Two shots were fired during the incident, thankfully striking noone.The victim sustained minor injuries. Three people, including a security guard, the victim and an off-duty police officer, took the suspect into custody. The suspect was transported to CHEO for minor injuries sustained during the arrest. Authorities recovered a firearm. The investigation remains ongoing and investigators ask that anyone with information contact the Robbery Unit.
OPS Seeks Assistance IDing People in ByWard Market Assault
The OPS is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three individuals in connection with an assault that occurred on Saturday, July 11, in the area of York Street and ByWard Market Square. The assault resulted in the victim suffering a broken arm.
Investigators believe Subject 1 was involved in the assault, while Subjects 2 and 3 may have information relevant to the investigation. Police describe Subject 1 as a white female with long dark-brown hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a black sleeveless dress and carrying a pink purse. They say Subject 2 is a female with tan or olive skin and long dark hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a red dress and high heels.
Police say Subject 3 is a white male with brown hair and brown facial hair, including a moustache and facial hair on his chin. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, white shoes and carrying a black shoulder bag.
Anyone who can help identify these individuals or who has information about the incident should contact the OPS Central Investigations Section.
READ MORE: Ottawa Police Blotter – August 12
Bagpiper Assault Investigation Ongoing
On Aug. 15, shortly after 4 p.m. ET the OPS arrested a man following an assault. An unknown man approached and assaulted the victim with an edged weapon while the victim was playing the bagpipes on the sidewalk. The suspect left the area but was quickly located and arrested by officers nearby.
The victim sustained minor injuries to his hand and was treated at the scene by paramedics. Authorities arrested 25-year-old Jean Dorestant, who faces charges of Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Obstruct/Resist Arrest, and two counts of Breach of Probation. The investigation remains ongoing and the OPS asks that anyone with information or video surveillance footage related to this incident to contact its Central Investigations Section.
