BPS Launches New Team to Strengthen Media Relations and Community Engagement
Further to the Brantford Police Service’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships with the community, effective January 20, 2025, BPS is pleased to introduce a newly created Media Relations Team, comprised of seven uniformed police officers from various platoons who will be available to address media-related inquiries. This initiative underscores our commitment to open communication with the media and the public, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing when it is needed most.
The newly established team consists of sworn officers who will continue to perform regular patrol duties while also providing supplementary and relief media relations coverage. These officers have received specialized training in media communications, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve as trusted points of contact for journalists and reporters. The officers will provide media information under the guidance of civilian corporate communications manager, Robin Matthews-Osmond.
The BPS Media Relations Team consists of the following Public Information Officers:
Constable Kelsie Annaert
Constable Dakota Brush
Constable Nick DeWachter
Constable Alex Guerra
Constable Adil Khalqi
Constable Maddie McDonald
Constable Serena Michell
The introduction of this team brings several key advantages to the public:
Enhanced Accessibility: With multiple officers available across various platoons, the media will have greater access to information, improving response times to inquiries and facilitating faster dissemination of updates to the public.
Timely Information Sharing: The unit will help ensure that critical information—such as updates on public safety incidents, ongoing investigations, and community alerts—is shared promptly and accurately.
Strengthened Community Trust: By increasing transparency and maintaining open lines of communication with the media, this initiative demonstrates the police service’s commitment to accountability and community engagement.
Support for Regular Operations: The integration of media duties with patrol responsibilities ensures continuity of service without compromising core policing operations.
Interim Chief Jason Saunders commented, "This initiative represents our ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships with the community. By equipping our officers with the skills and opportunities to communicate effectively, we are ensuring that accurate information reaches the public in a timely manner. This is a vital step toward enhancing transparency and trust.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Robin Matthews-Osmond
Corporate Communications Manager
519-756-7050 ext 3004
Brantford police actively investigating robbery and shooting
25-003020
Brantford police are actively investigating a robbery and shooting that has injured three people and are advising the public that there is currently a heavy police presence in the downtown core as the investigation continues.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, police responded to a report of a robbery in progress, where two victims had been shot and a third victim assaulted. The incident occurred in the area of Colborne Street and Alfred Street.
Officers responded and located three victims who sustained serious injuries. The victims have been transported to hospital for treatment and are in stable condition at the time of this report.
One male suspect was quickly located by officers and is now in police custody.
Officers are actively searching the area for the outstanding suspect(s) and ask the public to stay away from the immediate area unless absolutely necessary. BPS K9 Unit is assisting in the search. Additional suspect information is not available at this time.
As it is early in the investigation, more information will be released once available.
Anyone with information or video footage related to this incident is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Video footage can be uploaded to the following link: https://brantfordpoliceservice.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/br25003020 or by scanning this QR code:
Image: qr code
Additionally, anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Traffic stop results in large drug seizure; two Brantford men arrested
25-02890
A Brantford police officer conducted a routine traffic stop which resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of illegal substances.
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m., an officer with the Brantford Police Service conducted a traffic stop in the area of Clarence Street South, near Icomm Drive. The driver was found to be driving with a suspended license and was arrested. The driver was unable to produce proper documentation for the vehicle.
Police searched the immediate area around the driver’s seat for further documentation, as the driver was unable to produce proper identification and vehicle documents, At this time, police located a large quantity of suspected Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Hydromorphone pills in the vehicle.
The following is an itemized list of the seized drugs:
- Approximately 41 grams of suspected Methamphetamine
- Approximately 35.1 grams of suspected Cocaine
- Approximately 2.5 grams of suspected Fentanyl, and
- 30 Hydromorphone pills
Additionally, search incident to arrest located a set of license plates in the vehicle which had been reported stolen in a neighbouring jurisdiction.
As a result of this investigation, a 26-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with:
- Drive while under suspension, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Fentanyl, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Hydromorphone, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of Stolen Goods Under $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code
And a 24-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with the following:
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Fentanyl, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose Schedule 1; suspected Hydromorphone, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession of Stolen Goods Under $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code
Both men were held for bail court.
Anyone with information on any other drug-related activities is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS Drug and Firearm Enforcement Unit arrest two men for trafficking; seize illicit drugs and loaded firearm
25-2848
In November 2024, the Brantford Police Service Drug and Firearm Enforcement Unit launched a drug investigation, involving a suspected drug dealer engaged in trafficking fentanyl and hydromorphone within the City of Brantford.
On January 21, 2025, with the assistance of the BPS Emergency Response Team and the Forensic Identification Unit, a search warrant was executed at an Albion Street residence.
Canadian currency, a digital scale, and a loaded 12-guage sawed off shotgun were located along with the following illicit drugs:
- Approximately 32.8 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 68 suspected hydromorphone pills
Image: Image of evidence
Neither of the two suspects possess a valid firearms license. One of the suspects is bound by a Firearms Prohibited Order, where he is not to possess any prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, prohibited weapon/device or ammunition for life.
As a result of this investigation, two men were arrested as follows.
An 18-year-old man from Guelph stands charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking, to wit; suspected Fentanyl, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking, to wit; suspected Hydromorphone, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Careless storage of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition, contrary to the Criminal Code
And a 53-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with the following:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking, to wit; suspected Fentanyl, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking, to wit; suspected Hydromorphone, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Careless storage of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of a firearm contrary to order, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition, contrary to the Criminal Code
Both men were held for bail court.
Anyone with information on any other drug-related activities is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Newly Formed Core Engagement and Response Team Focused on Community Safety
Image: photo of officers
L to R: Cst. Zack Dingwall, Special Cst. Mark Rutledge, Special Cst. Obrien Lowe, Sergeant John Billone, Special Cst. Sophie Haggerty and Cst. Maclean Armstrong
CERT members not in photo: Cst. Michael Gruhl, Special Cst. Alexandria Hyde, Special Cst. Shawn Kelly, Special Cst Kyle Rayner, Special Cst Dusty Thibert
The Brantford Police Service (BPS) is dedicated to supporting our community to address and prevent crime while actively working to assess and allocate resources in the most effective manner possible.
As a result, effective January 1, 2025, the BPS Better Enforcement Action Team (BEAT) and Outward Facing Special Constable units have combined to form the Core Engagement and Response Team (CERT). The newly formed CERT team will continue to be deployed within the City’s Downtown Core as their primary patrol area. CERT also has responsibility for patrolling the plaza at 50 Market Street South, 1100 Clarence Street, and the emerging Entertainment District along Market Street South.
The CERT Team is comprised of a combination of sworn officers and special constables who remain focused on proactive enforcement while also addressing offences and unwanted behaviour within the Downtown Core. The efforts of the BPS CERT team enhance the ability of our front-line patrol officers to attend to the safety of citizens community wide.
Community safety and well-being is a shared responsibility. The Brantford Police Service continues to collaborate with valued community partners and stakeholders to develop and implement immediate and long-term strategies that will help enhance safety for everyone in the community.
LOCATED - Missing: Athena, 10
25-02516
The Brantford Police Service would like to advise the public that missing 10-year-old Athena has been safely located.
We would like to thank the public for their concern and information.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 10-year-old, Athena.
Athena is described as being 5’0” with a slim build, blonde shoulder length hair that is shaved on one side with green-blue eyes. Athena was last seen wearing a beige jacket, brown boots, and carrying either an elephant backpack or a purple and pink backpack.
Athena was last seen January 17, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., while outside of King George School, located at 265 Rawdon Street. Athena then travelled northbound from that location on Rawdon Street. Athena was reported to police as missing on January 18, 2025.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for the well-being of Athena and are seeking information which may assist in locating her.
The Brantford Police urge all residents of Brantford to check their CCTV systems if they live in the area of King George School and report any of their findings to police. Please contact Brantford police with any information that could assist in locating Athena.
Anyone with knowledge of Athena’s whereabouts is asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
21-year-old man arrested for attempted murder
23-02267
Police have arrested and charged a man for a January 16, 2023, shooting that occurred outside a Hampton Street residence.
After continued and extensive investigation, officers located and arrested a 21-year-old man from Waterloo who stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Attempt to commit murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
The accused was held for bail.
As this matter is before the courts, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, additional information will not be available at this time.
BPS investigate early morning shooting
January 16, 2023
The Brantford Police Service are actively investigating a report of shooting that occurred earlier this morning outside a Hampton Street residence.
On Monday, January 16, 2023, at approximately 6:30 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received to report a male victim, outside a Hampton Street residence, suffering from a gunshot.
The male victim was transported to hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Officers attended and are currently on scene to investigate.
This is not believed to be a random incident.
Police are asking residents in the immediate area to check any video surveillance between 6:00 am and 6:40pm and contact police with any information.
As this investigation is active and ongoing, additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone who may have information which would assist investigators are asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050.Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Two Brantford men arrested, two firearms seized after search warrant executed
24-53118
Image: Image of evidence
Two Brantford men have been arrested and two firearms seized after a search warrant was executed at a Sheridan Street residence, December 18, 2024.
Officers with the Brantford police received a report of an assault involving a firearm that occurred on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The Brantford Police Service Drug and Firearm Enforcement Unit and BPS Major Crime launched an investigation.
On December 18, 2024, at approximately 3:34 p.m., with the assistance of the BPS Emergency Response Team and the BPS Ident Unit, a search warrant was executed at the Sheridan Street home.
As a result, two firearms were located and seized. Two men, ages 40 and 41 from Brantford, both who were found in violation of firearms prohibitions, were arrested and stand charged as follows:
The 40-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Point firearm
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession contrary to order
And the 41-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Point firearm
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession contrary to order x 2
Anyone with information on any other drug-related activities is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-0113 ext. 2286. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS Seek Information from Public to Identify Fraud Suspect
Image: suspect photo
Inc 24-52422
Officers with the Brantford Police Service are seeking information from the public to identify a male suspect in a fraud investigation.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the victim reported receiving a phone call from a man who falsely identified himself as an employee of a fraud department of a large financial banking institution. During the course of a 2.5-hour phone call, the male suspect convinced the victim to provide his PIN number and then sent a fraudulent courier service to the victim’s residence to collect his debit and credit cards.
The victim’s cards were then used to withdraw cash and purchase pre-paid Visa cards.
The Brantford Police Service are seeking assistance from the public to identify the suspect shown in the surveillance photograph provided.
These fraudsters can be very convincing and often target seniors. BPS would like to remind the public not to provide your PIN access codes or bank cards to anyone. When in doubt, call your bank directly or visit your bank in person to confirm legitimacy.
Anyone who has information that could help to identify the suspect is asked to contact Detective Constable Jeremy Morton of the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 ext. 2869. Information can be provided anonymously by contacting Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Information Regarding Various Other Scams
Brantford Police Service would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of several types of ongoing scams in an effort to reduce the ability. Some of the scams involve the following:
Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
Reports have been received where the victim comes across internet postings or postings on social media regarding Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency investment opportunities. In all cases, these postings promise high returns for investing. The suspect directs the victim to purchase Bitcoin or other crypto-currency and then transfer it into a "trading account”. In reality, the victim transfers their Bitcoin into the suspect’s own crypto currency wallet where the funds disappear, and the victim no longer has access to these funds. In some cases, the suspect will have the victim allow them access to their computer or cell phone thru a screen sharing application. The suspect then gains access to the victim’s computer or cell phone where they are now able to transfer funds out of the victim’s accounts.
Information Phishing Scams
Reports have been received where the victim signs up for an online investment opportunity. The victim is directed to complete a sign-up form where they are asked for personal and identity information including bank account number, online banking passwords, date of birth, driver’s license number, social insurance number and phone number. The suspect then uses this information to access the victim’s bank account and transfer funds away from the victim.
Automated CRA Phone Calls
Brantford Police Service are aware of ongoing scam phone calls involving persons claiming to be from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). This scam involves a threat to individuals for payment of a fictitious debt to avoid arrest. The victim is often asked to repay their false debt by wire transfer, cyber-based currency or with the purchase of gift cards.
This scam often involves the use of technology which can cause a phone display to show a local telephone number, or a Brantford Police Service registered phone number. This technique is called "spoofing”. Caller ID spoofing allows fraudsters to disguise their calls and make them appear to represent a legitimate organization. Do not trust what is showing on your phone’s caller ID display. If you suspect a company or government agency is seeking personal information or money fraudulently, contact them directly to verify the validity of the request.
Residents are advised to be cautious of such scams and to be advised that no such calls are being made from any phone number associated with the Brantford Police Service.
Members of the Canadian Revenue Agency will not call you and ask for your banking information while threatening your arrest. The Canadian Revenue Agency does not accept e-transfers or wire payments for any fees or services. The CRA never uses text messages or instant messaging such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with taxpayers. Any text or instant message claiming to be from the CRA is a scam.
The Canadian Revenue Agency can be reached at 1-800-959-8281, or you can monitor "My Account” online at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html
Gift Card Purchase
Reports have been received where the victim will receive an email from an individual posing as an authority figure requesting the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the activation pins for the cards. The gift cards are requested under the pretense that the victim’s bank account or credit card may have been tampered with and must be verified. Under no circumstances will a financial institution or employer request to verify your accounts in this manner.
Online Buy and Sell Scams
The Brantford Police Service have received reports of online buy and sell scams. In these cases, the buyer responds to an ad posted online for the sale of an item or, occasionally, a pet. In cases involving animals, the seller will frequently request that payment be transferred electronically and will often request an e-transfer for a deposit to hold the item or for additional costs to cover items such as shipping or pet insurance. Often the items are never received by the buyer.
Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant while responding to email requests to send money or when shopping online on buy and sell sites for items.
The following safety tips should be considered when making purchases online:
- DO NOT send a deposit or full payment without seeing the item.
- Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the seller
- Make purchases from known breeders or suppliers.
- Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- When in doubt, consult police or someone you trust before sending funds.
The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. Please see below for tips on how to protect yourself from fraud. We also encourage spreading the word to those, such as the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these fraudsters and may be targets of these high-pressure scams.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Be mindful of advertisements for investments that promise higher than normal returns. "If it’s too good to be true, it most always is too good to be true."
- Be aware that social media account takeovers are becoming more and more common. Suspects will take over a social media account and post advertisements for their scams. It will appear that your social media friends are making these posts and referring you to the investment.
- Be mindful when investing with or providing any personal information to a potential investment advisor. Do your research before investing. Ask for phone numbers and be sure you can contact these persons on these phone numbers. Confirm an address where the investor is based out of. Ask for references. In all likelihood, if you ask a scammer for these things, they will either not be able to provide them or will provide excuses as to why they cannot provide them.
- Never allow anyone to access your phone or computer thru a screen sharing application. A legitimate entity would never invade your privacy in this way.
- DO NOT provide personal information (e.g., Social Insurance Number, passport number, banking information or credit card numbers) over the phone unless you placed the call, and you know for certain who you are speaking to.
- Accredited businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment using gift cards or bitcoin.
- If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
- Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email, especially overseas.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call List: www.Innte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng
- Consult with someone you trust before agreeing to provide large sums of money to anyone.
- DO NOT write down passwords and carry them with you.
If you have already sent funds and/or your personal information, contact the police and your financial institution immediately. If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/accessible/online-reporting
If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the CRA scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
Police Seek Public Assistance to Identify Suspect
Image: suspect photo
24-52568
The Brantford police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the male suspect in the attached photograph.
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect is reported to have followed a young female victim.
Detectives with the Brantford police are seeking information from the public to identify the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this individual is asked to contact Detective Len Van Holst or Detective Meagan Hart of the BPS Criminal Investigation Section at 519-756-7050.
Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip