 By Staff
June 2, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Regional police had their hands full – two significant drug busts.
The Burlington Street Crime Unit (SCU), concluded a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in the arrest of a Burlington resident and the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Burlington residence.
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
• 310 grams of marihuana
• 1 prohibited weapon (brass knuckles)
• $300 in cash
• Indicia of drug trafficking
The drugs have an estimated street value of $3,100. A 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer was also seized as offence related property.
The following person has been charged:
Joseph WELLS (36 yrs) of Burlington (Held for Bail)
• Trafficking a controlled substance (marihuana),
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Breach of a weapons prohibition (4 counts)
 Evidence gathered by police in the Wells arrests. Earlier in May a Burlington couple was arrested for drug trafficking.
The Street Crime Unit concluded a drug trafficking investigation into a Burlington couple that resulted in both of their arrests. A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was also executed at a residence in Burlington and another one in Waterdown.
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
• 28 grams of cocaine
• $7670 in cash
• Indicia of drug trafficking
The drugs have an estimated street value of $2,240
The following persons have been charged:
Isaiah JOHNSON PHILLIP (21 yrs) of Burlington (Held for Bail)
• Trafficking a controlled substance (cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Fail to Comply with Recognizance (10 counts)
• Fail to Comply with Probation (5 counts)
Hailey SUTEJ (31 yrs) of Burlington (Released on a Promise to Appear)
• Trafficking a controlled substance (cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
 Evidence collected during the Phillips arrest. Anyone who may have any additional information pertaining to either of these investigations is asked to contact D/Cst. Greg Watt of the Burlington Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2356.
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 Pepper Parr
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police announced earlier today that they have laid the criminal code charge of
Criminal Negligence Causing Death
Failing to Provide the Necessaries of Life
against Shaun Pennell, a 37 year old Aldershot resident.
Following an investigation into the sudden death of a young toddler in Burlington on May 23, 2018, the Halton Regional Police Service has laid the charges against the father.
Pennell was released on a Promise to Appear. He is scheduled to appear in Milton Court on June 27, 2018.
Just after 5:30pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Halton Regional Police Service and Halton Region Paramedic Services responded to a call for an unresponsive child in a vehicle, located in a parking lot of a the rear of the Crossroads Centre on the North Service Road, Burlington.
Despite lifesaving measures attempted by first responders, the child was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A post mortem was conducted on May 24, 2018 and the preliminary cause of death was determined to be hyperthermia, consistent with the child being left in a vehicle and exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time.
The Gazette knows Shaun Pennell. He was involved in an initiative to turn parts of the Crossroads building into a work/play location that appealed to the younger entrepreneurial set that would have had a day care centre for children.
Pennell operated the Burlington Hive in the downtown core and then the Halton Hive that was located on Guelph Line at Harvester Road.
Shaun is a brilliant computer programmer who is imaginative and creative.
This tragedy is beyond understanding. The grief in the hearts of every member of the family cannot even be imagined.
The Courts will deal with the criminal charges. Those who know Shaun and his wife can only pray for them and support them in what is going to be a very hard period of time.
.
 By Staff
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Crime Stoppers had another successful shredding event – this year two locations were done back to back – they shredded 18,000 lbs between the Burlington and Oakville shreds and raised $6000.
The FileBank beast was used once again,
Funds raised through shredding are used to pay for crime tips that are sent to Crime Stoppers. How does that work? If Crime Stoppers is anonymous – how are the rewards delivered? The Gazette reported on that last year. Interesting story – if you missed it – here s a LINK.
 The Beast is a truck, owned by the FileBANK corporation that shreds documents for Crime Stoppers.
By Staff
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was shortly after 3:00 AM on the morning of May 27th 2018 when police responded to 1300 Maple Crossing Blvd. in Burlington after a complaint was received about a possible stolen pickup truck in which two male youths were seen driving and subsequently leaving in the middle of the road.
Police located the pickup truck which was determined to have been stolen from an address on Hager Avenue in Burlington. A search of the area resulted in one of the youths being located and arrested.
Search efforts continued for the second youth when an officer observed a red Dodge Caravan being driven at a high rate of speed on Ghent Avenue by a lone male youth. The officer attempted a traffic stop however the driver refused to stop and a brief suspect apprehension pursuit commenced but was soon discontinued because the manner in which the fleeing vehicle was being driven posed a risk to public safety.
The vehicle was located a short while later abandoned on Hager Avenue and it was determined to have been stolen from 1300 Maple Crossing Blvd. Search efforts to locate the driver were unsuccessful but he was eventually identified, located and arrested later in the day.
A 15-year-old male from Burlington who cannot be identified due to his age was released on bail and will appear next in Milton Youth Court on June 21st 2018 charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
A second 15-year-old male from Burlington who cannot be identified due to his age was released on a promise to appear in Milton Youth Court on June 21st 2018 charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (two counts), dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight while pursued by peace officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385.
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
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The results of the 2018 Canada Road Safety Week (CRSW) Enforcement initiative was nothing to be proud of – from May 15-21, 2018, the Halton Regional Police Service conducted heightened traffic enforcement on area roadways. Officers focused on what has become known as the ‘Big 3’ road safety issues: aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired operation – by alcohol and/or drug.
During the Safety Week, which included the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Halton Regional Police Service officers laid a total of 2,538 charges and warnings related to all forms of driving offences.
The top charges laid were as follows:
1. Speeding, Careless Driving and Stunt Driving (1,381 charges);
2. Documentary infractions-licencing and insurance (210 charges);
3. Fail to Yield (202 charges);
4. Cell phone- electronic devices (146 charges); and
5. Seatbelts (20 charges)
 The total number of charges laid represents a 22 per cent increase over the number of charges laid during the 2017 CRSW campaign and a 33 per cent increase over the number of charges laid during the 2016 CRSW campaign.
As part of CRSW enforcement, Halton Police conducted a variety of proactive initiatives, including R.I.D.E., to specifically address the ongoing concern of motorists choosing to drive while impaired, whether by alcohol and/or by drug.
The following results were obtained:
• 13 drivers were charged with driving while ability impaired and/or driving over 80mgs or Fail/Refuse to provide sample which resulted in criminal charges, an immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment (compared with 14 in 2017)
• 1 driver was charged with impaired by drug or Fail/Refuse to provide sample, which resulted in criminal charges, an immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment (compared with 3 in 2017)
• 13 drivers were found to be driving in the alcohol warn range, with roadside breath testing resulting in 3/7/30-day roadside suspensions (compared with 23 in 2017)
Of note, 3 of the 13 motorists who had their licence suspended for a warn range alcohol reading had their licence previously suspended for the same offence.
If you observe a vehicle being operated in a manner which places you or anyone else in danger, please call 9-1-1 for an immediate police response.
 By Staff
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s shredding day.
The opportunity to take all those sensitive documents to a shredding machine and have them safely destroyed and an occasion to support the Halton unit of Crime Stoppers.
The shredding beast will be at the M.M. Robinson high school parking lot.
 
By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a vicious break into the home of two elderly residents on April 25th 2018 shortly after 10:30 PM, at a home on Bonnieview Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot).
The suspects, one armed with a handgun and an aerosol weapon believed to be bear spray or pepper spray, confronted two elderly homeowners and demanded their bank cards and pins numbers.
The suspects then forced the homeowners into a bathroom before rummaging through the home in search of valuables.
Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau have identified one of two suspects responsible for this home invasion robbery.
 On May 5th 2018, police arrested Thomas Allan EDGAR (41-yrs) of Hamilton and charged him with the following offences:
• Robbery
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit robbery
• Pointing a firearm (two counts)
• Administering a noxious substance (two counts)
• Assault with a weapon (two counts)
• Forcible Confinement (two counts)
• Fraud under $5000 (nine counts)
• Fraudulent use of credit card (nine counts)
• Fail to comply with probation
EDGAR was held for bail and subsequently remanded into custody. He will appear next by video on May 24th 2018.
Investigators are still seeking the identify of the second suspect described as a white male, thin build, approximately 5’9″ tall, clean shaven, wearing a black hoody, trapper hat with fur ear flaps, black jeans and dark glasses with metal frames.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the Burlington Criminal Investigations – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2343.
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 .
People charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday May 17th 2918 at approximately 12:05 AM an attempted break and enter occurred to an apartment in downtown Burlington.
 The residents were home at the time and scared off the suspect who had not yet made entry. The suspect was located on video prior to the offence and police are seeking assistance from the public to identify him.
The suspect is described as a white male, average height, average build with a trimmed beard, dark hair, long sleeved blue shirt, dark pants and work boots.
 Anyone with information that would assist in identifying this suspect is asked to contact D/Cst. Mark Urie of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2338.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
By Staff
May 10th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier this week, on May 6th, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call for assistance on the QEW in Burlington.
It was alleged by a passenger in a ride-sharing service, that a male driver, while driving from Burlington to Hamilton at the time, made unwanted sexual contact with an 18-year-old female fare.
As a result of a joint investigation, the Halton Regional Police Service has charged Majid Kayali (63) of Oakville with Sexual Assault.
Kayali was released on a Promise to Appear in court May 30, 2018, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 491 Steeles Ave East, Milton.
Anyone who may have additional information concerning this investigation can contact D/Cst Ryan Lahie of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
May 9th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Between April 1 and April 30, 2018, the following items were turned in to the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) as a result of this amnesty:
 A very nasty weapon. • 19 shotguns
• 21 rifles
• 7 handguns
• 9 BB/pellet guns
• 2 miscellaneous gun-related items, including a silencer
• 4 prohibited weapons, including a baton, switchblade and nunchakus “nunchucks”
Additionally, several thousands of rounds of ammunition were turned in to HRPS.
The regional amnesty program, part of a province-wide program, provided the community with the option of handing over unwanted or illegal guns, ammunition or explosives, without any criminal penalties. Getting unwanted weapons into the hands of law enforcement, who can then oversee their lawful destruction, prevents them from falling into the hands of criminals.
Community safety is a shared responsibility and we thank the residents of Halton for their participation in this successful amnesty.
By Staff
May 1st, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
During February and March 2018, three elderly female victims were shopping at Ikea, Costco and one local Metro grocery store in the City of Burlington.
Each victim was targeted and their wallets were stolen in typical distraction style theft. Their credit cards were then later used at various stores and banks to obtain cash and products.
With assistance from York Regional Police, Halton police were able to identify the three accused for their involvement.
Arrested/Charged are:
Thiberius-Mihai FLOREA (29 yrs) of North York (held for bail and will appear next May 2, 2018)
• Unauthorized use of stolen credit card (two counts)
• Fraud under $5000 (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime (two counts)
Suraj BRATIANU (41 years) of Markham (held for bail and will appear next May 2, 2018)
• Unauthorized use of stolen credit card
• Fraud under $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime
Costel LAPADAT (34years) of Toronto (released on a promise to appear in Milton Court on May 23, 2018)
• Unauthorized use of stolen credit card
• Fraud under $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or other purse thefts is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Vulnerable Persons and Seniors Liaison Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344.
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
Police continue to received reports of such thefts. The persons targeted are typically female senior citizens whose purses and/or wallets were stolen from their shopping carts while the owner was not looking. In some cases multiple offenders work in teams to distract the victim, bump their carts or ask for their assistance in the store or parking lot.
Watch the Crime Stoppers Video of purse thefts (actual footage) at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRxIeFBXyEE
Halton Regional Police are reminding residents to keep a close eye on their purses and wallets.
Prevention Tip: Residents are reminded to only carry the necessary identification such as Driver’s Licence or Health Card, and should try to minimize this potential loss by leaving their SIN card, birth certificate and passports securely at home.
If you become a victim of a purse or wallet theft please contact your financial services providers, cancel you cards and then call the Halton Regional Police to file a report.
By Staff
April 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 28, 2018 shortly after 1:00 a.m. an altercation took place inside of Club 54 located at 3345 Harvester Road in Burlington.
 It’s a “happening” place. As 30 year old male was unintentionally stabbed by a person known to him. The victim was transported to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
A 33 year old male from Hamilton was arrested and charged with Weapons Dangerous and Unlawfully Causing Bodily Harm.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Olewniczak of the Burlington Criminal Investigations – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2364.
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 .
Any person charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
April 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service – Human Trafficking Unit have arrested a Toronto male for exploiting an adult female for sexual purposes.
On April 26th 2018, Imani NAKPANGI (35 years of age) was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Exercise Control, Living on the Avails of Prostitution
Trafficking in Persons and Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons.
This investigation began as a result of information brought forward to police by the victim in this circumstance. NAKPANGI has been held pending a Bail Hearing.
Anyone who may have any additional information pertaining to offences related to this accused are asked to contact Det. Dan Ciardullo (905-465-8723) or D/Sgt. Anita Laframboise (905-825-8710) of the Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit.
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.
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
Any person charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
April 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Wednesday April 25th 2018 shortly after 10:30 PM, two unknown suspects entered an unlocked rear door at a home on Bonnieview Avenue in Burlington (Aldershot).
The suspects, one armed with a handgun and an aerosol weapon believed to be bear spray or pepper spray, confronted two elderly homeowners and demanded their bank cards and pins numbers.
The suspects then forced the homeowners into a bathroom before rummaging through the home in search of valuables.
The suspects stole several electronic items and a purse before fleeing the home.
Several minutes after the suspects fled, the homeowners exited the washroom unharmed and immediately called police.
Uniformed officers, Criminal Investigators and a police canine flooded the area in search of the suspects with negative results.
The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect # 1: White male, approximately 6’2″ tall, medium build, wearing a black ski mask, black jeans and black shoes.
Suspect #2: White male, thin build, approximately 5’9″ tall, clean shaven, wearing a black hoody, trapper hat with fur ear flaps, black jeans and dark glasses with metal frames.
Police are vigorously investigating this crime and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the Burlington Criminal Investigations – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2343.
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 .
Police are encouraging residents to always lock their doors and watch for suspicious vehicles and/or people in their neighbourhoods. If you see something out of place in your neighbourhood, immediately report it to police.
 By Staff
April 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
They don’t stop.
The reason they don’t stop is that someone bites the bait and these thieves who reside who knows where can clean you out financially.
Set out below is one of the more recent attempt to steal your identity.
If you look at the message carefully you will see a significant grammatical error.
Anything you get from a financial institution should be ready carefully – and follow that Golden Rule – If in doubt – don’t!
 By Staff
April 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is always difficult when a member of the team you work with steps outside the accepted boundaries and action has to be taken.
Yesterday Staff Sergeant Brad Murray, a 16-year-member of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) entered a guilty plea before a Judge in the Milton Court House.
Murray pled guilty to one count of Breach of Trust in relation to thefts from the Service’s evidence vault.
Sentencing has been put over until 9:00 a.m. on June 7, 2018, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton.
Murray was arrested on May 28, 2017 and charged with two counts of Breach of Trust, two counts of Theft Under, and one count of Obstruct Justice. These charges stemmed from an internal audit and a subsequent independent investigation into HRPS drug vault anomalies that occurred between August 2015 and April 2016.
Upon his arrest, Murray was suspended, with pay, a requirement of the Police Services Act, the only suspension currently allowed under the current Act.
Murray was investigated by the Toronto Police Service and prosecuted by a Crown from outside of this jurisdiction to ensure a fair and independent assessment of the evidence.
Staff Sergeant Murray still faces disciplinary procedures under the Police Services Act. It should be noted that the Police Services Act proceedings arise out of the same facts that underlie the criminal charges that were laid against Murray in 2017. One of the possible outcomes upon a finding of misconduct is Murray’s dismissal from the Halton Regional Police Service and termination of his employment.
Chief Stephen Tanner stated, “I am pleased to have learned that a guilty plea to the criminal charge of breach of trust was entered by Staff Sergeant Brad Murray in criminal court in Milton earlier today. This is just one step in the disciplinary process. Now that the criminal component has been concluded, we will proceed with the internal disciplinary process. One of the outcomes that is possible through the Police Services Act hearing process would be dismissal from the service and termination of employment”.
By Staff
April 22nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This one is particularly nasty.
 It looked Ok.
It isn’t
You respond – and the process of sealing your identity begins.
Nasty because you think that a trusted service provider (even if the fees are a little on the steep side) is protecting you.
Dear Customer,
We just wanted to confirm that you’ve changed your password. If you didn’t make this change, please login to your PayPal account now.
It’s important that you let us know because it helps us prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the PayPal network and your account information.
Tips to help protect your password:
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Create passwords that are hard to guess and don’t use personal information. Be sure to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Use different passwords for each of your online accounts.
Yours sincerely – Pay Pal
When we saw the message we check our Pay Pal account – the log in and the password had not been changed. Remember – if in doubt – don’t. And when it comes to your financial affairs – doubt everything.
By Staff
April 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Last Friday, the 13th 2018, members of the Burlington Street Crime Unit concluded a drug investigation after executing a Controlled Drugs and Substance (CDSA) at a Burlington residence on Maple Crossing Boulevard.
During the search, police seized the following items: (Photo included)
• 508 grams of Marihuana
• 13 grams of Cocaine
• $590 Cash
• Expandable Baton
• “Crossman” Brand Pellet gun
• Scales
• cellular phone
Estimated street value of drugs seized is $ 6,120.00
Sean DICICCIO (29-yrs) of Burlington was arrested and released on a Promise to appear in Milton Court on May 15th 2018 charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (Marihuana), possession for thePurpose of trafficking (Cocaine) and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Anyone who may have any additional information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Kelly Blore of the Burlington Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2306.
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
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Staff
April 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The investigation of a collision on Dundas Street in Burlington from March 17th involving an 11 year old cyclist has been completed.
Investigators have concluded that the cyclist had been travelling east on Dundas Street when she was struck from the rear by an eastbound minivan.
As a result, the driver of the minivan Dominique DENVER has been charged was Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
The cyclist remains in serious but stable condition.
By Staff
April 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 5th 2018, two suspects were in the newly constructed Emergency Department of the Joseph Brant Hospital and caused significant damage to vending machines near the main elevators.
 That’s it – look right into the camera. The police will get a better image once you have been arrested. If you can identify either of these two – call Crime Stoppers or the police. The suspects were able to access the change portion of the machines and stole an undisclosed amount of money. The males fled in a newer model black Dodge Avenger. Police are seeking the public’s assistance identifying the males.
Anyone with information that would assist this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Tyler FREEMAN, Halton Regional Police Service – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2363
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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