Brantford police arrest man after incidents on walking trail
#24-24154, 24-24255
Brantford police have arrested a 34-year-old Brantford man for the offences of sexual assault and criminal harassment in relation to two separate incidents occurring on the walking trails near Shellard Lane and Colborne Street West.
The first incident occurred on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., where the man approached a female on the trail and the second incident occurred on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at approximately 9:15 a.m. after the man approached another female. Details of the incidents and information related to the victims will not be provided.
The accused was arrested Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and was held for a bail hearing.
Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one person upon another. Forced or coerced intercourse, grabbing, touching, or kissing can be defined as sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant offers a free 24-hour crisis and support line; contact 519-751-3471 or www.sacbrant.ca for more information.
Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence on local walking trails by the Brantford Police Service Park Patrollers.
Police believe it is possible that there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information related to similar incidents to come forward and contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS arrest two, after robbery with firearm and barricaded incident
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Members of the Brantford Police Service arrested a 47-year-old man and 40-year-old female, both Brantford residents, on May 26, 2024, after receiving a report of a man who had brandished a firearm outside a Murray Street residence.
At approximately 6:00 a.m., officers attended a Murray Street residence after a man and woman were reported to have attempted to enter and rob a Murray Street residence with a firearm.
The accused fled the scene on foot and were located by police at a Sarah Street residence.
The female suspect was arrested outside the residence on the strength of outstanding warrants. Search incident to arrest located approximately 0.5 grams of suspected fentanyl in her possession.
The male suspect barricaded himself within the residence for approximately an hour before exiting to be arrested by officers.
The male suspect was transported to hospital for medical treatment due to suspected drug use. Information received also indicated the male suspect had several outstanding warrants.
Police executed a search warrant at the Sarah Street residence at approximately 10:15 a.m., May 28, 2024, where officers located a replica firearm and approximately 136 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately 23 grams of suspected fentanyl.
This incident is not random as the individuals were known to each other.
As a result of the investigation, a 47-year-old man from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Robbery with Firearm
- Probation Order: Non-Compliance
And, as a result of the investigation, a 40-year-old woman from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act violations:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Possession Schedule 1 – Fentanyl
- Probation Order: Non-Compliance
Both accused were held for bail.
Anyone that would like to report criminal activity within the community 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/
Brantford Police Vehicles Now Equipped with Automated Licence Plate Recognition and In-Car Camera Systems
Brantford police are installing integrated Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) and In-Car Camera (ICC) systems in patrol vehicles, which are expected to be operational by the end of the month.
The use of ALPR and ICC’s allow officers to quickly identify licence plates and vehicles linked with traffic or criminal offences. Investigations related to stolen vehicles, prohibited/suspended drivers, and wanted or missing people will all benefit from the use of this technology.
The integrated ALPR/ICC system is mounted on the front windshield of patrol vehicles and includes an in-car facing camera and a front-facing dash camera to continuously scans passing license plates while an officer drives through the city. If an issue is detected with a plate, the technology will assist officers to take the appropriate enforcement action. The integrated in-car camera will provide objective video recordings of interactions between officers and members of the public, gathering evidence which could be utilized in the prosecution of offences.
The Brantford Police Service are implementing this equipment as a result of provincial grant funding available to leverage technology which will enhance community and officer safety, increasing transparency and accountability in policing.
The use of this technology respects citizens’ privacy and rights as recognized under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is in full compliance with the guidelines on the use of ALPRS by police services as released by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC).
The collection, retention, use, and disclosure of any personal information obtained from the ALPR/ICC’s is done in full compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
For more info: Automated Licence Plate Recognition (brantfordpolice.ca)
The Brantford Police Service is committed to enhancing safety and is dedicated to professional service for our community, partners, and police members.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Brantford police seek to identify suspect in sexual assault
#24-20363
Brantford police are investigating the sexual assault and are seeking information from the public to help identify the suspect.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., a 16-year-old female was sexually assaulted on the walking trail that extends from Veterans Memorial Parkway to Bell Lane. This incident was reported to police on May 20, 2024.
The suspect has been described to police as follows: male, brown skin, may have been in his 20’s or older, approximately 5’4” with brown eyes and brown eyebrows. The suspect was wearing a head covering to conceal his face similar to a balaclava.
Police are asking any residents in the area of Shellard’s Lane, Bell Lane, Mt. Pleasant Street and Helen Avenue to check any surveillance cameras for footage they may have from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 16, 2024 and report anything suspicious to police.
Investigators are also asking for any motorists who were in the above-mentioned areas during the noted times to check dash camera footage and report anything suspicious to police.
Members of the Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit and Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit are actively investigating this incident.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by 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
BPS Celebrating Police Week May 12–18, 2024
Police Week runs from May 12 to 18 across the Province of Ontario and the Brantford Police Service is proud to join with our partner police services to kick off Police Week (#PoliceWeekON) and the police members who work hard to keep communities safe. This week, we will be celebrating the work front-line police officers, 9-1-1 communicators and police professionals do to keep Ontarians safe and healthy.
The theme for the week is Join Policing: Keep Ontario Safe and highlights the important role police members play in community safety, and how members of the community can take an active role in keeping Ontario safe by joining this rewarding profession.
"Police Week presents us with an opportunity to focus on the great work our officers and police professionals do every day. It also coincides with the Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is recognized internationally on May 15”, said Robin Matthews-Osmond, BPS Corporate Communications Manager. "Observed since 1970, Police Week brings police services and communities together to honour and celebrate police officers and personnel for the extraordinary work they do every day.”
To kick-off celebrations, along with Brantford-Brant Crime Stoppers, Ontario Provincial Police and Six Nations Police, the Brantford Police Service are hosting a FREE Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 11, 2023, from 10 a.m., to 2 p.m., at the Children’s Safety Village, located at 407 Elgin Street in Brantford. The event will feature demonstrations, police vehicles, food, and lots of free family fun.
Throughout this week, the Brantford Police Service will be highlighting the many ways in which our members continue to serve our community. Be sure to follow the Brantford Police Service on Facebook @BrantfordPolice Service and X (Twitter) @BrantfordPolice for this information.
The annual Police Week in Ontario is sponsored by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General. It is part of the National Police Week led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Chief Davis announces departure from Brantford Police Service
Chief Davis has advised the Brantford Police Services Board that he is moving on to other opportunities where he will continue to positively impact public safety.
Effective May 1, 2024, Chief Davis will begin to transition responsibilities to current Brantford police Deputy Chief Jason Saunders, who will serve as Interim Chief of Police. Having joined the Brantford Police Service in September 2019, Chief Davis is the only Indigenous Chief in Ontario to have served with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous police services, then eventually leading a non-Indigenous police service. Chief Davis officially leaves the Brantford Police Service, June 21, 2024 – National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Arriving at a time when Brantford was experiencing a high rate of fatal overdoses and a downtown with significant issues, Chief Davis lobbied for and promoted a stratified approach to public safety, with a push to utilize resources appropriate to the need, including municipal by-law enforcement officers, private security, and Special Constables. This led to the creation of Special Constables to patrol the city’s downtown entertainment and education district. The deployment of the Special Constables has received praise from many, including the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Association, who have seen benefits from this approach to public safety.
Within the service, Chief Davis focused on recruiting, hiring, and building a police service to serve the Brantford of today and the future. With a commitment to increasing diversity within the service, Chief Davis has focused recruitment efforts to hire diverse members from racialized communities to represent the demographics of the city. He has also focused efforts to leverage technology and innovation to fit the growing demands of the service, enabling officers to become more efficient in their operations.
Chief Davis facilitated the restructuring of the police service and the creation of specialized units including the Tactical Intelligence Generated Enforcement Team (TIGER) and the High Engagement Action team (HEAT) with a disciplined philosophy on intelligence utilization. Chief Davis’ leadership also included extensive collaboration with provincial, national, and international law enforcement agencies. This has resulted in substantial seizures of drugs and guns locally and assisted investigations and seizures elsewhere. This cooperation has also generated funding opportunities to allow for secondments from the Brantford Police Service to Provincial and Federal task forces. One of the more notable collaborations led by Chief Davis, with the support of Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour, relates to the Mohawk Institute Residential School investigation, which demonstrates both Chief Davis’ and the Brantford Police Service’s commitment to reconciliation.
At this time, the Brantford Police Services Board would like to thank Chief Davis for his leadership and the positive changes he has brought to the Brantford Police Service, so it can continue to evolve and effectively serve the City of Brantford.
Class is back in session for the BPS Citizens’ Police Academy
Brantford Police Service Inspector of Operations Kristen Bell-Samson welcomes attendees to the first evening of class.
April 26, 2024
Class is now in session for an engaged group of community members who are eager to learn more about the day-to-day life of police officers.
Running for four consecutive weeks, the BPS Citizens’ Police Academy is structured as a series of interactive, information-sharing sessions where participants will engage with officers to gain a unique perspective of the policing profession and an understanding of the challenges and responsibilities officers of the Brantford Police Service face each day.
Whether a citizen is considering a career in law enforcement or is simply curious about the daily life of a police officer, the Citizens’ Police Academy is an interesting and informative way to learn about the important role law enforcement plays in creating a vibrant and safe community. There will also be an opportunity for participants to provide feedback and suggestions to improve the Service.
The Brantford Police Service is one of the first services in Ontario to offer this type of community participation through this free, educational program. The Citizens’ Police Academy was first held at BPS in 1999.
The popular program will run each Thursday 6:00 p.m., to 9:00 p.m., for four weeks, starting April 25, 2024, and running to May 16, 2024.
The program covers a wide array of topics, including:
- Canine Unit
- Uniform Patrol
- Police Training
- Forensic Identification
- Criminal Investigation – Major Crime
- Internet Crime and Safety
- Emergency Response Team
- Traffic Unit / Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation
As part of annual Police Week celebrations May 12-18, 2024, students will participate in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the program, where three graduates will be invited to participate in a ride-along with a community patrol officer.
2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games are Coming to Brantford!
BRANTFORD – Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is proud to announce that the Brantford Police Service, Brant County OPP and Six Nations Police will host the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games Presented by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in July of 2025.
SOO
has a unique partnership with policing agencies through the Law Enforcement
Torch Run in the Province and each and every Provincial Games since 1996 has
been hosted by a Police Service. Brantford Police will partner with Six
Nations Police and the Ontario Provincial Police to host these Games.
The Games will feature five sports: bocce, golf, track and field, soccer, and softball. All sports will be broken down into multiple ability divisions, where athletes will have the chance to compete against those similar to their ability level. In total, over 1,000 athletes and coaches will participate in the Games.
The Wayne Gretzky Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of the Games and Wayne Gretzky provided the following statement: "I am thrilled to support the 2025 Provincial Summer Games in my hometown of Brantford, Ontario. Sport and competition are a powerful force that unites us all and these Games will exemplify the spirit of inclusivity, acceptance and inclusion. Special Olympics is a cause near and dear to my heart and I wish all of the athletes luck in achieving their dreams and competing on the Provincial stage in Brantford!”
The community is encouraged to join us as we bring together exceptional individuals from our local communities and from across Ontario as we showcase their talents during the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games in Brantford.
For more information about the Games and how to get involved, please visit: https://provincialgames.com/2025-brantford/
For more information and to schedule interviews, contact:
Robin Matthews-Osmond
Corporate Communications Manager
Brantford Police Service
Rmatthews-osmond@police.brantford.on.ca
About the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games
The City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River will welcome over 1,000 athletes and coaches in July 2025. They will be joined by their coaches, and cheered on in-person and at home by their families and friends. Athletes will be competing for a chance to qualify for Team Ontario and participate in the 2026 National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. The Brantford Police Service, Brant County Ontario Provincial Police and Six Nations Police are proud to host the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games.
About the 2025 Summer Games Logo:
The focal point of the logo is the Special Olympics cauldron, utilizing gold and purple colours representing the unity between Brantford and Six Nations, infusing ceremonial significance into the Special Olympics Games. The logo incorporates the flowing waters of the Grand River surrounding the cauldron, visually indicating the location of the games in Brantford while symbolizing unity and harmony within the natural landscape.
About the Wayne Gretzky Foundation (WGF):
The WGF has been a longstanding supporter of Special Olympics as Wayne’s aunt, Walters sister, had an intellectual disability and the Gretzky family have been involved in the cause for many years. In Edmonton, Wayne would often play Floor Hockey with Special Olympics athletes in the community, most notably Oilers equipment manager Joey Moss who became a close friend. Wayne also befriended Harry "Red” Foster who founded Special Olympics Canada in 1969 and continued to grow closer to the cause as a direct result of this relationship. Wayne was the Honorary Chairman of the 1981 National Special Olympics Summer Games in Ottawa and also a part of the delegation who marched into the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games in Minneapolis in 1991. Wayne stayed connected with Special Olympics throughout the remainder of his career and always was an advocate of individuals with an intellectual disability across North America. In 2019, Special Olympics celebrated its 50th Anniversary worldwide and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation proudly sponsored the Invitational Youth Games in Toronto.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robin Matthews-Osmond
Corporate Communications Manager
Brantford Police Service
Rmatthews-osmond@police.brantford.on.ca
Hayley Plante
Visual Content and Marketing Officer
Special Olympics Ontario
hayleyp@specialolympicsontario.com
BPS seek to identify pickpocket suspects
24-14745, 24-14472, 24-14098, 24-14526
The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate a number of personal thefts. Additional suspect photos are now available and information from the public is being requested in an effort to identify two additional suspects.
In addition to the information released April 16, 2024, where the image of two male suspects was provided to the public in an effort to identify the men believed to be responsible for a number of pickpocket thefts where seniors had been targeted in grocery stores, officers are seeking to identify two additional suspects.
All four of the male suspects appear to be targeting seniors who are grocery shopping. One suspect works to distract the victim, while the other steals the victim’s wallet.
The Brantford Police Service would like to remind shoppers to be aware of your surroundings and to ensure personal items such as purses are zipped closed, and not left unattended.
Anyone who may have information which would assist police to identify the individuals pictured above is 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/
ORIGINAL RELEASE - April 16, 2024
The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate a number of personal thefts and are seeking information from the public in an effort to identify the persons responsible.
Between April 11, 2024, and April 15, 2024, four separate calls for service were received to report elderly victims had their wallets stolen while shopping at grocery stores in Brantford.
Investigation determined that two male suspects appear to be working together, specifically targeting elderly persons who were shopping alone. One suspect would act as a distraction while the other would physically steal the wallet from the victim.
During each incident, the suspects were believed to arrive to the grocery stores on foot, and they were successful at each location with obtaining credit cards and identifying documents.
Investigators are seeking information from the public in order to identify the suspects shown in the photos below.
Suspect #1 is described as a white male, with a slim build, short/buzzed hair, and short scruffy facial hair. The suspect was wearing white sneakers, faded and ripped blue jeans, a white shirt, vintage green army style jacket and a light, bright baseball hat.
Suspect #2 is described as a white male, with a muscular build and a scruffy short grey beard. The male was wearing white running shoes, tight blue jeans with ripped knees, a light grey hoodie, and a black beret hat with a beak at the front.
The Brantford Police Service would like to remind shoppers to be aware of your surroundings and to ensure personal items such as purses are zipped closed, and not left unattended.
Anyone who may have information which would assist police to identify the individuals pictured above is 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/
BPS arrest 23-year-old man after two men shot overnight
24-15972
Members of the Brantford Police Service arrested a 23-year-old man from Brampton after two men were shot overnight.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024, officers with the Brantford Police Service, along with Brant County paramedics, responded to a King Street address, after receiving a call to report a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located two adult, male victims inside a residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment where one remains in critical condition.
At 8:45 p.m. the same evening, Brantford police arrested a 23-year-old Brampton man. The suspect was arrested without incident in the area of Sarah Street and Murray Street by members of the Brantford Police Service Emergency Response Team, Patrol Section, and K-9 unit.
Detectives with the BPS Criminal Investigation Section are now leading the investigation. A firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered. Police are not currently looking for additional suspects and do not believe this to be a random incident.
The accused will appear in bail court today and is facing charges including aggravated assault and a number of firearm related offences.
This investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who may have information which would assist investigators is 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
