Man carrying imitation gun

On June 18, at approximately 12:27 a.m. ET, officers responded to a report of a man dressed in black and carrying what appeared to be an assault-style rifle. Officers quickly located the man on Seneca Street and made an arrest without incident. An imitation assault-style rifle, a replica handgun with a magazine, and additional magazines were seized. The OPS Central Investigations Section has charged a man in his 20s with two counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of common nuisance/endangering the lives or safety of the public and one count of mischief.

OPS officer facing charges in Halton

On June 19, the OPS was notified that Staff Sergeant Walt Lushman had been charged by the Halton Regional Police Service following an off-duty incident in Oakville. The incident occurred on Friday, June 12, at approximately 10:20 p.m. ET, following an alleged dispute related to a collision between two vehicles. Staff Sergeant Lushman has been charged with one count of assault and was released on an undertaking with conditions. The matter remains under criminal investigation by the Halton Regional Police Service. Staff Sergeant Lushman will have no public-facing duties while authorities investigate this matter.

Whereabouts unknown after hate-motivated assault

On June 20, at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET in the 100 block of Woodridge Cres., unprovoked, a man approached a woman and uttered a racial slur, forcibly removed her hijab and threw an umbrella at her, before fleeing on foot. Fortunately, the victim sustained no physical injuries. The suspect was unknown to the victim and remains outstanding. If you have information related to this incident, please contact the OPS. 

Months-long investigation concludes

The OPS Break and Enter Unit has concluded a months-long investigation into a series of break and enters affecting businesses in the Vanier and Overbrook areas. The investigation began on Feb. 1, and focused on incidents occurring through June 1. Across 20 incidents, suspects targeted several businesses, including some they victimized more than once. Authorities arrested a 45-year-old man, who remains in custody. The accused faces a total of 61 Criminal Code charges, including multiple counts of break and enter, mischief, possession of break-in instruments, and breaching probation. The man is scheduled to appear in court on June 29.

Last week’s crime coverage.

The post Ottawa police blotter – June 24 appeared first on CompassNews.

Police arrest youth for arson

On June 9, emergency crews, including Ottawa Fire Services (OFS), responded to a fire just before 3:30 p.m. ET. All residents escaped the burning home. One person suffered minor smoke inhalation. Sadly, three dogs perished in the fire. The OFS Fire Investigator and the Office of the Fire Marshal are conducting an investigation in partnership.

Authorities have arrested a youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, in relation to this incident. The youth faces charges of: Arson – disregard for human life, Arson – causing property damage, Possession of incendiary material for arson, Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (x2), Killing/injuring animals (x3), and Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal (x3). The youth appeared in court on June 10. 

Residents report shooting

On June 10, at approximately 4:00 a.m. ET, multiple people made 911 calls reporting that they’d heard gunshots in the area of Fine Crescent. One resident reported that a shot hit their house. Officers attended and located evidence of a shooting. There were no reported injuries, and investigators have made no arrests. The OPS believes that this was a targeted shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit.

Three charged for counterfeiting

On June 13, three individuals were charged following an investigation into the use of counterfeit Canadian currency in fraudulent online marketplace transactions. Since March, the OPS has received multiple reports of individuals using counterfeit banknotes to purchase legitimate items advertised on online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace. Reported items have included electronics, collectible cards, gold jewellery, and computer equipment. Multiple victims have reported losses totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

On June 13, at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET, members of the Ottawa Police Tactical Unit, along with supporting units, executed a search warrant at a residence in the Parkwood Hills area in Ottawa’s west end. Authorities located and arrested three individuals inside the residence. One individual attempted to flee before being taken into custody.

As part of the investigation, officers seized thousands of dollars in counterfeit currency believed to be connected to fraudulent online transactions. Officers also seized legitimate currency they believe are proceeds of crime. During the search, officers allege they recovered; thousands of dollars in counterfeit and legitimate currency, a quantity of stolen property and approximately 1.5 kilograms of cannabis, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation continues.

The accused, all from Ottawa, have been identified as: 29-year-old Ali Qasem, 21-year-old Hudie Ghezel, and 18-year-old Yassir Farah. The OPS asks anyone with information related to this investigation to get in contact. 

The post Ottawa crime coverage – June 17 appeared first on CompassNews.

In a follow-up to a previous story, on June 6, the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit arrested 31-year-old Gibriil Bakal in relation to the homicide of Jama Roble on Champagne Avenue South. Bakal was wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting that occurred on Jan. 29, 2024, in the 100 block of Champagne Avenue South. The victim was 33-year-old Jama Roble, of Ottawa, who later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Bakal was arrested in Türkiye after biometric checks at the border matched his fingerprints to an Interpol Red Notice. Turkish authorities confirmed his identity and notified the RCMP, which then contacted the Ottawa Police Service. Bakal appeared in court today. The OPS would like to thank its policing and justice partners for their assistance, as well as the Bolo Program for helping amplify the wanted notice nationally. No further details are available at this time as the matter is now before the courts.

On June 4, the OPS charged a 73-year-old man with offences related to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). On June 4, 2026, the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the south end of Ottawa. Following the examination of devices seized at the scene, authorities arrested and charged Wilbert Reid Telfer with possessing and accessing CSAEM. The investigation is ongoing, pending the examination of a significant number of electronic devices seized at the scene. Telfer appeared in court on June 4. The Ottawa Police Service ICE Unit is asking anyone with information to get in contact.

On June 4, the OPS Guns and Gangs Unit arrested and charged two individuals in connection with a June 3 shooting. Authorities charged a 21-year-old man with several firearms-related offences. A 45-year-old woman was charged with one Criminal Code offence. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit.

On June 6, at approximately 3:00 p.m ET in the 300 block of Michael Cowpland Dr. an assault occurred that is currently under investigation by the OPS Hate and Bias Crime Unit. A suspect riding a black mountain bike approached the victim. The suspect made racial slurs, threatened and assaulted the victim before fleeing the area. Ottawa Paramedic Service personnel treated the victim at the scene. The suspect has not yet been identified and remains outstanding. He is described as White, in his 20s or 30s, approximately 5’11 – 6’ tall, with a medium build and short curly black hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing black jeans and a black t-shirt. Anyone who has information is asked to call the Hate and Bias Crime Unit.

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