 By Staff
August 31st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A joint two day operation involving the Ministry of Transportation and Halton Regional Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspectors occurred on August 25 and 26, 2020, in Burlington.
 The results of the 2020 two day venture is as follows:
• 111 Inspections (heavy and light commercial motor vehicles)
• 40 vehicles placed out of service for either mechanical or driver related issues
• 110 Provincial Offence Notices issued
• 1 arrest for blood alcohol concentration 80mgs or more
The results of previous commercial vehicle inspects in 2018 and 2019 are set out below.
In 2019, despite very poor weather conditions they inspected more than 300 commercial motor vehicles.
The two-day enforcement blitz, that involved officers and inspectors from the Halton Regional Police Service, along with assistance from neighbouring police services, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance/ Environment yielded the following results:
• Total commercial motor vehicles inspected: 308
• Total commercial motor vehicles taken out of service: 99 (33 percent failure rate)
• Total charges laid: 239
• Sets of licence plates seized by police: 11
 Close inspections – it keeps the highways safer 2018 Results:
• Total commercial motor vehicles inspected: 443
• Total commercial motor vehicles taken out of service: 143 (32 percent failure rate)
• Total charges laid: 268
• Sets of licence plates seized by police: 13
 By Staff
August 20, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On July 25, 2020, members of the Halton Regional Police Service – Marine Unit- responded to a collision on the waters of Lake Ontario, near the Burlington Pier, involving two Personal Water Craft (PWC) operators.
 Marine Unit consists of a small fleet – this is the big one. Following an investigation into the operating behavior of the PWC operators prior to the collision, the Marine Unit has charged both drivers with Careless Operation of a Vessel under the Canada Shipping Act – Small Vessel Regulations.
The Marine Unit reminds members of the community that operating such vessels in a dangerous manner may result in death and/or serious injury.
Further, all vessel operators should be aware that a 10 km/h speed limit applies within 30 meters of shore or structures attached to shore.
By Staff
August 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has concluded a two week drug trafficking investigation in the City of Burlington. The investigation by the 3 District – Street Crime Unit has led to charges against the following individual;
Brandon STODDARD (32 years old from Burlington)
Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Codeine)
Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Breach of Release Order (2 Counts)
On August 19th 2020, Investigators with the assistance of the Tactical Rescue Unit and K9 executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Burlington. As a result; the following items were seized:
 5 grams of Purple Fentanyl
100 ml of Codeine
2 Digital Scales
5 Cellular Telephones
12 inch Knife
$380.00 Canadian Currency
$11,150 worth of drugs was seized as a result of the search warrant. (Photo attached).
STODDARD was held for a Bail Hearing on August 20th, 2020.
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Cole Richards of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2345.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
August 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
While this incident took place in Action (Worth the Drive they say) it is a fine example of how citizens can work with police.
On June 22, 2020 the Halton Regional Police Service responded to a report of a stolen skid steer from a parking lot in Acton.
 Not the easiest thing to put in the back of a pick up. An alert neighbour gave the police all the information needed to make an arrest. The skid steer (Bobcat, valued at approximately $15,000) had been parked at a lot in the area of Hillcrest Street and Eastern Avenue. An alert citizen advised police that he observed two suspicious pickup trucks in the area of the skid steer at approximately 6:20 pm. He observed a male load the skid steer onto one of the trucks prior to leaving the area without properly securing it. He provided police with detailed descriptors of the trucks and the male loading the skid steer.
Investigation determined that the skid steer was in-fact stolen and the information provided by the citizen was crucial in aiding the investigation.
On August 13, 2020 the suspect was located and arrested by Halton Regional Police officers in the city of Guelph.
Kyle Rideout (32) of Erin has been charged with:
-Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.
Rideout was released from custody on a Form 9. The skid steer has been recovered by police. The investigation is continuing in efforts to identify other suspect(s) involved.
A form 9 is an appearance notice, simply a notification provided by a peace officer of the upcoming court appearance as well as information on when the person must attend for fingerprinting for offences that are indictable or hybrid (straight summary conviction offences do not require fingerprinting).
 Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Sheena Baker of the 1 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2129.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
August 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service – Drug and Human Trafficking Unit has concluded an investigation into an incident that occurred at a Burlington hotel in July, 2020.
Two females (ages 16 and 18) were identified as victims of human trafficking as a result of the investigation. The Halton Regional Police Service, with assistance from the Barrie Police Service, has since arrested two males in relation to the incident.
 Charged are:
Kevaun Orlando Parkes (22) of Brampton
• Trafficking in Persons – Child
• Material Benefit – Trafficking in Persons – Child
• Material Benefit – Purchasing Offence – Child
• Knowingly Advertise for Sexual Services x2
• Trafficking in Persons – Adult
• Material Benefit – Trafficking in Persons – Adult
• Material Benefit – Purchasing Offence – Adult
• Withhold or Destroy Identity Document – Adult
• Assault
• Procuring – Child
A youth offender (male) from Brampton has been charged with:
• Trafficking in Persons – Child
• Material Benefit – Trafficking in Persons – Child
• Material Benefit – Purchasing Offence – Child
• Knowingly Advertise for Sexual Services x2
• Trafficking in Persons – Adult
• Material Benefit – Trafficking in Persons – Adult
• Material Benefit – Purchasing Offence – Adult
• Procuring – Child
Both parties were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police believe there may be further victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dan Ciardullo of the Drug and Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The Halton Regional Police Service is a member of the Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking along with several other stakeholders and agencies. This Collaborative is dedicated towards providing services and support to those who have experienced Human Trafficking in Halton and surrounding regions. Local organizations such as “SAVIS” (www.savisofhalton.org) are able to provide first response care and support to victims of human trafficking.
 By Staff
August 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The wearing of face coverings/masks is known to pose a significant barrier to the Deaf community, as masks make it harder to lip read and understand sign language.
To better serve the demographics of our community, while continuing to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, Halton Regional Police Service officers are now equipped with ClearMasks™.
 “Our ability to communicate with the members of our community is absolutely essential,” says Halton Regional Police Service Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. “With guidance and input from the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf, we have now removed a significant communications barrier.”
“By introducing ClearMasksTM within Halton Regional Police Service, anyone from the Deaf community can now have more accessible dialogue with police officers,” says Jayne Leang, Director of Business Relations at the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf.
“In an emergency situation, allowing a person who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing the opportunity to see the officer’s facial expression or attempt to read their lips, helps in the exchange of potentially life-saving information.”
These Health Canada-approved masks feature a transparent window, allowing the mouth to be fully protected, while fully visible, for those who use speech reading, lip reading or who are profoundly deaf and use American Sign Language, which is heavily dependent on facial expressions
 By Staff
August 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
“Why” asks a retired insurance broker with decades of commercial insurance experience ” is no one questioning if an insurance payment has been made or is likely to be made. These types of insurance claims (those made under what in the industry are referred to as “crime” policies) are generally settled very, very quickly.”
“I’m guessing” said the insurance expert, “that the City did not purchase “social engineering fraud” (SEF) coverage as part of its crime policy. That in itself is a “crime”.
“As an insurance broker for 47 years dealing only with business/commercial clients, I would never have allowed a client to firstly, not buy a crime insurance policy and, secondly, not to have the SEF extension included.”
Members of Burlington city council know what the city’s insurance coverage was and they know what the city has been able to recover, if anything.
Council will have been briefed by Nancy Shea Nicol, the City Solicitor, or a member of her staff. This Council has picked up some of the unfortunate habits that many city councils take on – they say as little as possible.
We will have to wait for the trial to learn the full story.
Related news stories:
$500,000n found to be missing from the city coffers
Police make arrests
By Staff
August 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Here is a good news story.
That $500,000 that was lifted from the city’s bank account in April of 2019 – Regional Police have arrested three – let them out on bail.
In April of 2019, Burlington was the target and victim of a sophisticated email fraud scam. During this offence, approximately $500, 000 was stolen from the city.
 A yearlong investigation by the HRPS Fraud Bureau led to the arrest of three males. Search warrants were also executed at two homes.
Arrested and charged:
• Abayomi Musa (38) of Toronto
• Adnan Nawaz (39) of Brampton
• Hardness Oppong (37) of Toronto
All three have jointly been charged with Fraud over $5000. The accused have been released pending a court appearance on October 6, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton.
Anyone with information with regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Ed Spence of the Regional Fraud Bureau at (905) 465-8742.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
July 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On June 19, 2020, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to a collision on Harvester Road just east of Appleby Line in Burlington where a female had been struck by a transport truck, sustaining fatal injuries.
 Animal rights protesters would demonstrate and force trucks to stop while they watered the pigs. A comprehensive investigation has been conducted by the HRPS Collision Reconstruction Unit. This investigation included the interview of several witnesses, analysis of physical evidence, and a technical reconstruction of the collision. In addition, video footage that captured the entirety of the incident was reviewed by investigators.
 Regan Russell was at the front of the truck where the driver did not see her – she was run over. Upon conclusion of the investigation, a 28-year-old male from the Municipality of North Perth has been charged with Careless Driving Causing Death under the Highway Traffic Act and will be required to appear in court. There were no grounds to indicate this was an intentional act, or that a criminal offence had been committed.
The Halton Regional Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to the friends and family affected by this tragedy.
Related news story:
Protester run over by truck transporting pigs to slaughter
By Staff
July 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service arrested the last outstanding male responsible for the shooting that occurred on June 17th, 2020 in the City of Burlington.
On July 19th, 2020 investigators attended the City of Toronto and arrested this male without incident.
Charges have been laid against the following individual by Investigators from the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau:
Jordan CAREEN-SELLARS (20 years old from Toronto)
• Robbery with a Firearm
• Disguise with Intent
• Aggravated Assault
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Conspire to Commit an Indictable Offence
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order (2 Counts)
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking
CAREEN-SELLARS was held for a bail hearing in Milton on July 20th.
Police have previously arrested and charged Pablo VIDELA and Jenna NANDLAL for this robbery involved shooting.
Investigation by Halton Police revealed that this shooting was a targeted robbery on the victim at his residence.
Charges have been laid against the following individuals by the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau:
Pablo VIDELA (21 years old from Toronto)
• Robbery Using a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Pointing a Firearm
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Disguise with Intent
• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence
• Aggravated Assault
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cocaine
Jenna NANDLAL (18 years old from Mississauga)
• Robbery
• Conspiracy to Commit Indicatable Offence
• Obstruct Police
On July 11th 2020, Investigators with the assistance of the Tactical Rescue Unit and K9 executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Toronto. As a result; the following items were seized:
• Extendable magazine for a firearm
• Small quantity of Cocaine
• Clothing and Masks
• Cell Phone
A 23 year old male victim was found at the scene in serious but stable condition; he was transported to hospital.
Police believe this was a targeted incident and that there is no known, ongoing, related threat to public safety.
At the time police asked area residents to “shelter in place” on Woodview Road (in the area of New Street and Walkers Line) in Burlington.
By Pepper Parr
July 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service laid criminal charges this week after an investigation into a suspected Romance Scam.
 In the fall of 2019, a female resident of Burlington met a male who identified himself as “Enrico Oliveto” on the online dating site “Plenty of Fish”.
The two met in person and on multiple occasions over the next couple months he convinced her to loan him money.
Throughout the relationship, the male portrayed himself to be wealthy.
Once the victim learned the true identity of the male she contacted the Halton Regional Police Service.
Enrico Ricardo Cagnotti (62) of Toronto has been charged with Fraud over $5000, Personation – Identity Fraud and Fail to Comply Probation.
It is believed that Cagnotti may have engaged other victims through various online dating sites and police would like to speak with anyone who had similar dealings with him.
Cagnotti has been released from custody pending a court appearance in Milton.
Anyone with information with regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Hans of the Regional Fraud Bureau (905) 465-8742.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something?” Contact “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
By Staff
July 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Just before 10:30 this morning the Regional police responded to an incident in the area of Queensway Drive and Guelph Line in Burlington for initial reports of a female located without vital signs.
Upon arrival, officers and paramedics performed CPR and the female was ultimately revived. The female was transported to hospital, where she remains with unknown injuries.
A male was observed with the female prior to police arrival and left before talking with police. He was subsequently arrested, not in relation to the female’s injuries.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. Police will not be commenting on the relationship between the accused and the female.
Police do not believe there to be any known, ongoing, related risk to public safety in regards to this incident.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the on-duty Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4747 ext 2310.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
July 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Was it the hot hot weather? Did tempers get lost?
It has been some time since Burlington saw this level of violence with weapons.
The Regional police report a double shooting on Plans Road East at 1:00 pm this afternoon.
Shortly after 1:00 pm the police received reports of a shooting at 484 Plains Road East in Burlington. When officers arrived on scene, two victims with gunshot wounds were located outside of an establishment.
Information from witnesses indicates that one male suspect fled the scene westbound on Plains Road East in a grey sedan.
One of the shooting victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A second victim was transported to hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds.
At this time, no suspect(s) have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Area residents and businesses should expect a heavy police presence throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
There is no immediate ongoing, related, known threat to public safety.
Plains Road East is closed in both directions between King Road and Waterdown Road. Please avoid the area until further notice.
Investigators are appealing for dash cam and/or commercial or residential surveillance footage from the area between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on July 10, and to any witnesses or anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-825-4777 or via the Homicide Tip Line at 905-825-4776.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Related news:
Police chief makes the news.
By Staff
July 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has made an arrest in relation to an assault against an 18 year old female in the City of Burlington.
On the 5th of July 2020, the female victim was out for a walk along Palladium Way and observed a grey minivan drive past her a couple times slowly. As the female continued walking she came up to a forested area when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. The accused male proceeded to place one hand over her mouth preventing her from screaming and then grabbed her around the waist attempted to drag the female into the forested area. The female struggled with him causing them both to fall to the ground. The victim was able to escape at this point and proceeded to scream for help causing the male to flee the scene.
The accused ran back towards his parked grey minivan van which was previously observed by the victim. The female victim was able to take a cell phone video of the male driving away in his van at a high rate of speed. The victim called 911 and provided details of the incident as well as the license plate of the grey minivan to police.
The Burlington and Oakville Criminal Investigation Bureaus continued investigation into this stranger assault and arrested the accused outside of his residence in the Town of Oakville without incident.
Investigation by the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau has led charges against the following individual;
Tanos EL-KHOURY (41 years old from Oakville)
• Forcible Confinement
• Assault
EL-KHOURY was held for a bail hearing in Milton on July 6, 2020.
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Melissa Parsons of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2307.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
June 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday, members of the Halton Regional Police Service were contacted after a woman was approached while in the trail system at Duncaster Park, which is located near Upper Middle Road and Duncaster Drive in the City of Burlington.
 A male suspect approached the victim from behind while her attention was momentarily diverted towards her infant child. The suspect then proceeded to sexually assault the victim before fleeing the area.
The suspect is described as: male, white, 30-35 years old, short brown hair, approximately 5’9″ with a medium build. The suspect wore a blue medical mask obscuring his facial features. He also wore a plain black baseball hat, black t-shirt, dark shorts and running shoes. The suspect is believed to have a scar on the back of his right hand.
Police would like to remind the public to be particularly vigilant while walking in secluded areas and report any suspicious incidents to the Police immediately.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit – Detective Joe Barr (905) 465-8969 or Detective Constable Andrea Moss (905) 465-8971.
 Anyone having dash-cam / surveillance video recording for June 26th between 9:30am to 10:30am in the area of Upper Middle Road/ Duncaster Drive near Duncaster Park is also asked to contact investigators.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at “www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca”
By Staff
June 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It all happened so fast – by the time it was over there she was standing in the middle of the road watching her Land Rover being driven away.
The Halton Regional Police Service is investigating a theft of a Land Rover motor vehicle that occurred on June 25, 2020 at 7:47 pm in the area of Wheat Boom Drive and Post Road, in the Town of Oakville.
The victim was operating a 2014 Land Rover on Post Road approaching Wheat Boom Drive when she stopped for a 4-way stop sign at that intersection. While stopped, a white coloured vehicle (possibly an SUV) intentionally rear-ended the victim’s vehicle at low speed. This prompted the victim to exit her vehicle to assess the damage sustained.
At the same time, a male exited the driver side of the suspect vehicle and engaged the victim in conversation pertaining to the collision. While the victim was outside the vehicle the male entered her driver side and drove off in her car while a second occupant of the suspect vehicle drove the suspect vehicle away.
The victim was not injured as a result of the theft and there were no threats or weapons used during this incident.
Brazen for sure – is that the kind of crime we are getting iin the Region. Disturbing.
Police are reminding the public of the following safety tips:
• If you believe you were intentionally contacted in a vehicle remain in your car and dial 9-1-1
• If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision and exit the car remove the keys from the ignition
• Be vigilant – report any suspicious activity if you think someone is following you
• Do not attempt to stop the fleeing motor vehicle
Community safety is a shared responsibility. Help keep communities safe and immediately report any suspicious activity.
 Anyone who was travelling in the area and may have dash cam video or anyone with information about these vehicle thefts is asked to contact Det. Omar Nadim at the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2278.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
June 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service arrested a massage therapist who was working at a clinic in Burlington.
The incident occurred in February 2020 and the victim was a client.
Dominic Carrasco (53) of Burlington has been charged with one count of Sexual Assault.
Police believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Keith Nakahara of the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8980.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
June 22nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Halton Regional Chief of Police Stephen Tanner Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner is to be commended for his immediate and strong statement over some police behaviour that was captured on video by a citizen and shown on social media networks.
The video, show here, is disturbing
In his statement Chief Tanner said: “I can assure you that this matter will be dealt with appropriately and as swiftly as possible, and individual(s) disciplined accordingly.
“I am extremely concerned with what I have seen in this particular video, particularly the actions of all four officers who were present at the time of the incident.
Chief Tanner adds that a “criminal process is the presumption of innocence until there is a finding of guilt. This fact is the same for all citizens including members of a police service.”
Rightly so.
 The reputation of the police force is in play. Is it a collection of thugs or a barrel with some bad apples? Hopefully the police will announce that the three police officers who looked on and took no action are taken out of active police work and put behind desks where they can shuffle paper or assigned to police escort work transmitting people being held in custody and transported to court houses.
Chief Tanner’s strong statement will hopefully be followed by swift action.
The leadership of the Oakville detachment might be worth looking at more closely – good commanding officers know the men and women they lead.
The Police Services Act of Ontario is a complex document that allows for long delays if that is what is wanted while investigations take place. Covid19 precautions can also be brought into play if that is the wish of the police administration.
At play here is the reputation of the hundreds of police officers who serve the public daily; they deserve to be supported by a Chief of Police who is steadfast in how he carries out the mandate he swore to uphold when he was sworn in.
By Staff
June 22nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t often that the community hears directly from the Chief of Police.
The follow was sent out to the media and the larger public on Sunday.
On June 20, 2020, a video was posted to social media showing an altercation between members of the Halton Regional Police Service and a male party. We believe the incident took place in Oakville in April 2020. Immediately upon learning of this incident, the officer who made direct physical contact with the individual was suspended from duty. That is a decision that I am responsible for as your Chief of Police.
 An excerpt from the video the Chief of Police is concerned about. Full video is shown below. I am extremely concerned with what I have seen in this particular video, particularly the actions of all four officers who were present at the time of the incident.
In accordance with the Police Services Act of Ontario, the only immediate option available to a Chief of Police is suspension from duty with pay. While police chiefs and Police Services Boards have long sought to have the option for suspension without pay, this has yet to become a reality in the new Police Services Act.
I fully understand the concerns voiced by our residents about this incident. And through emails, voicemails and social media comments since yesterday, I recognize that many have demanded the immediate firing of the individual involved.
The reality is that we must ensure that we conduct a full and fair investigation, as always, and pursue charges as appropriate.
In an incident such as this, there are two parallel processes.
First, there is the potential for a criminal investigation and criminal charges which would proceed through the normal court process. Built into the criminal process is the presumption of innocence until there is a finding of guilt. This fact is the same for all citizens including members of a police service.
 Halton Regional Police Services Chief Stephen Tanner. Secondly, there is the matter of police discipline which is a separate charge-like process which would proceed under the Police Services Act of Ontario. In this process, a separate investigation is conducted and an officer would be served with a notice of hearing, and their employment cannot be terminated until there is a finding of guilt and ruling of termination and/or the individual resigns from the service.
Unfortunately, both these processes take time depending on the circumstances; this understandably leads to frustration for many involved in the system and for those watching the process through the lens of the public. Nonetheless, they are the systems that we must function within.
The 1,000-plus members of our Service work day in and day out to foster and maintain a positive reputation with the members of the public that we serve. We know the video shows actions that erode your trust in us. As your Chief of Police, I can assure you that this matter will be dealt with appropriately and as swiftly as possible, and individual(s) disciplined accordingly.
The video that has the Police Chief concerned can be seen here
By Staff
June 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The results of an investigation of a stolen motorcycle in May, the Halton Regional Police Service were able to execute warrants that resulted in the arrest of three.
Investigation by the Burlington Street Crime Unit has led to charges against the following individuals;
Reuben DEEMER (32 years old from Hamilton)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking (4 counts)
• Tampering With Vehicle Identification Number
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Weapons Dangerous
• Possess Prohibited Weapon
• Possession Contrary to Order – Prohibited Weapon
Zachary MCMASTER (25 years old from Brampton)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking (4 counts)
• Tampering With Vehicle Identification Number
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Obstruct Police
• Breach Release Order
• Breach Probation
Julia LOVASI (31 years old from Hamilton)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Trafficking (4 counts)
• Tampering With Vehicle Identification Number
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Weapons Dangerous
On June 19th 2020, Investigators with the assistance of the Tactical Rescue Unit executed three search warrants at residences in the City of Burlington and Waterdown. As a result; the following items were seized:
• 4 confirmed stolen motorcycles
• 3 other motorcycles believed to be stolen and still under investigation
• 1 stolen licence plate
• 1 pair of brass knuckles
• 1 can of bear spray
• 1 extendable baton
• A small quantity of methamphetamine and cocaine
Both Deemer and McMaster were held pending a court appearance in Milton.
Lovasi has been released from custody pending a court appearance in Milton
Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2342.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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