Here’s the latest from the Ottawa Police:
On January 6, 2025, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) seized a quantity of drugs following a traffic stop in the area of Patricia Avenue and Richmond Road. At approximately 1:00 p.m., West Neighbourhood Resource Team officers initiated a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offence. During the stop, the vehicle attempted to flee by colliding with OPS cruisers in an effort to escape. Officers were able to successfully prevent the vehicle from fleeing and due to the imminent threat to public safety, the officers conducted a high-risk arrest. During the investigation, the vehicle and its occupants were searched. The driver was found to be wanted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on a Canada-wide immigration warrant, and one of the passengers was wanted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on an outstanding warrant. A quantity of drugs was seized during the search and the five men, in their 20s, were arrested and charged with the following offences; Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Flight from Police, and Dangerous Operation. The OPS Street Crime Section has taken carriage of the file. “The actions taken by our officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further,” said Inspector Ian Hayes. “Drug trafficking and reckless attempts to evade police put lives at risk, and we will continue to take decisive action to protect our communities.”
On January 8, 2026, investigators from the Internet Child Exploitation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Ottawa’s east end. The Ottawa Police Service has arrested and charged an Ottawa teacher following an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) offences. Stephen Patrick Ruth, 39, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of CSAEM. He appeared in court this afternoon. Ruth used the following online usernames: STEVERUTH/mrruthio/mrsruthio86. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
On January 13th, the Ottawa Police Services put out a call for assistance in locating a missing 48 year old woman has been located safe and sound on January 14th. The Ottawa Police extend their thanks to the community for their assistance.
On January 14th, The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit has charged a man in relation to human trafficking and other related charges. The investigation began in early November 2025, involving one female victim. The offences occurred between September 2022 and May 2024. Lochiel McCarthy, 25, of Ottawa is charged with the following offences; Trafficking in Persons under 18 x 2, Material Benefit x 2, Material Benefit under 18, Procuring under 18 x2, Advertising another person sexual services, Sexual Assault, Assault by choking x 3, Uttering death threats, Administer a noxious substance. Lochiel McCarthy is scheduled to attend court January 16, 2026. Investigators believe that there may be other victims of human trafficking related to this investigation. Considering potential victims may not know Mr. McCarthy’s legal name and he is alleged to have used the alias of ‘Lucky’, ‘Lucky number 13’, and ‘13’, the Ottawa Police is taking the extra step of publicly releasing a photo of the accused. The Human Trafficking Unit will respect victims’ wishes whether to pursue criminal charges, and regardless, can offer resources to support survivors of human trafficking. The reporting of these incidents by victims to police is key for investigators to identify suspects and determine crime trends. Anyone with information regarding incidents involving this individual is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line.
