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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Officer Struck in Kitchener

Waterloo Region, Ontario  Police have charged a male after an Auxiliary officer was struck by a vehicle in Kitchener early Sunday morning.

On April 23, 2023, at approximately 3:20 a.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of Highland Road West and Westmount Road West.

During the investigation, police located an involved male in a vehicle in a parking lot. As officers spoke with the male, he rapidly reversed his vehicle with the driver’s side door open. An Auxiliary officer was struck by the open door and sustained minor physical injuries. The male then fled in the vehicle at a high rate of speed.

Officers subsequently located the male in the vehicle parked in the area of Salzburg Drive and Columbia Street East in Waterloo and placed him under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, the male, a 38-year-old from Waterloo, was charged with:

  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Assault peace officer with a weapon
  • Dangerous driving
  • Failure to stop after accident
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on May 17, 2023.

Occ: 23-110467 (957) 

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Police Lay Drug Charges after Driver Attempts to Flee Traffic Stop in Kitchener

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have laid drug charges after a driver attempted to flee a traffic stop in Kitchener.

On February 15, 2023, at approximately 7:15 p.m., an officer on proactive patrol conducted a traffic stop of a suspected impaired driver in the area of Charles Street East and Queen Street.  

When the driver was informed he was under arrest for impaired operation, he attempted to flee on foot, and after a brief foot pursuit, was taken into custody by officers.

Police seized suspected cocaine and Canadian currency as part of the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, a 35-year-old Kitchener male, was charged with the following:

  • Operation while impaired  
  • Escape and being at large without excuse
  • Operation while prohibited
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking
  • Disobey sign
  • Fail to surrender permit
  • Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
  • Fail to have insurance card

The male was held in police custody for a bail hearing.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Police Withhold Name Of Identity Thief

Waterloo Region, Ontario – On January 15, 2022, members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team (DART) completed a search warrant at a residence, in the area of Edwin Street and Guelph Street in Kitchener.

As a result of investigation, investigators seized stolen property and stolen identity documents that linked the accused to a number of theft and break and enter incidents across the region.

A 28-year-old Kitchener male, is facing several criminal charges including:

  • Possession of stolen credit card
  • Use stolen credit card
  • Possession of government identification
  • Possession of stolen mail
  • Possession of stolen property under $5000
  • Two counts of possession of break and enter tools
  • Two counts of break and enter
  • Two counts of mischief
  • Three counts theft under $5000

The male was held in custody for a bail hearing.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Direct Action Response Team is committed to the safety of all citizens through proactive initiatives. Members of the community are reminded that they can report suspicious activity anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

Editors Note: If you want the name of the ID thief, and for the WRPS to start releasing the names of those they arrest, contact them with the info below.
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
[email protected] 

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Alerts Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Student Strangled Until Unconscious In “Tap Out Game”

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Waterloo Regional Police received a report from a resident of an assault that took place in a classroom at a Kitchener Public School.

Investigation revealed that a student allegedly played the “tap out game” on another student, which resulted in the victim being choked until he lost consciousness and fell, hitting his head.

The victim was taken to Grand River Hospital for treatment.

One youth has been charged with Assault Cause Bodily Harm and Assault Cause Bodily Harm – Strangulation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Police Break Up Street Party

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested multiple individuals in connection to a large gathering in Waterloo.

On October 1, 2021, at approximately 11:35 p.m., the Waterloo Regional Police Service and City of Waterloo Municipal Enforcement Services were notified of a large gathering in the area of Fir Street and Spruce Street.

Upon arrival, police observed approximately 500 people were gathered in the streets for an unsanctioned party, which began at a nearby residence. While the majority of the crowd was cooperative and began to disperse when emergency services arrived, there were some disturbances in the crowd, including a physical fight. There were also reports of property damage nearby and a large amount of garbage and debris left on the streets. 

The Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services and Waterloo Fire Rescue Service also attended to assist with care for several injured parties, including one individual who was transported to hospital after suffering a stab wound to their hand.

Police made arrests after a physical fight occurred between multiple individuals. An additional arrest occurred in the area for dangerous driving offences. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Dog Dragged Behind Motorized Bike

On June 10, 2021, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Waterloo Regional Police responded to the area of Southridge Drive in Kitchener for a report of an injured animal.

Reports indicate that a male was operating a motorized bike and a dog was being dragged. The dog sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. As a result of the investigation, the owner has been charged with one count of Cruelty to Animals- Causing unnecessary suffering. The Provincial Animal Welfare Service will be continuing to investigate the incident.   

Members of the public are reminded that if they witness animal cruelty, to contact police at 519-570-9777 or the Provincial Animal Welfare Service at 1-833-926-4625.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Police Investigate Hate Filled ‘Zoom-bombing’ Of Vigil

On June 8, 2021, at 6 p.m., the Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener-Waterloo hosted a community vigil, via Zoom, for the Muslim family tragically killed in London, Ontario on June 6, 2021.

Approximately two hours into the vigil, individuals interrupted the event with racist and homophobic comments. The organizers were forced to pause the vigil while the persons responsible were removed.

Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Cybercrime Unit continue to investigate this incident, while members of our Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Unit continue to offer support to the Muslim community.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Islamophobia and all forms of hate have no place in Waterloo Region. Everyone deserves to be and feel safe in our community.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Canada Road Safety Week Results in Over 800 Charges for WRPS

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Between May 18, 2021, and May 24, 2021, members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) participated in Canada Road Safety Week – a campaign focused on making Canada’s roads the safest in the world. 

This year’s theme, Not Worth the Risk, called on all motorists to recognize and acknowledge the risks associated with poor decisions.

The campaign resulted in 840 charges being laid, including:  

  • 386 Speeding charges
  • 28 Seatbelt charges
  • 43 Distracted Driving charges
  • Two Dangerous Driving charges 
  • 21 Impaired Operation related charges 
  • 360 Other charges laid include Criminal Code offences, Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act charges, and other Highway Traffic Act offences, including improper turns, failing to stop for a school bus and unsafe lane changes. 

“During Canada Road Safety Week, WRPS focused on targeting the Fatal Four offences – which is impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and not wearing a seatbelt,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “What we witnessed was a lack of regard for other road users and unsafe driving behaviours that are unacceptable on our roadways. This was a disappointing result, but shows our commitment to continue to hold those accountable who put others at risk.” 

Police continue to remind motorists to slow down and obey the rules of the road. 

This is Your Community. This is Your Choice. 

Canada Road Safety Week is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and Transport Canada. This initiative is part of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025, which has a goal of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2025.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Child Trafficking Charge For Stratford Pervert

In April 2021, the Joint Waterloo-Guelph Human Trafficking team commenced an investigation. It was alleged that the accused obtained sexual services from the victim and solicited the sexual services for monetary compensation. 

On May 19, 2021, as a result of the ongoing investigation, a 31-year-old Stratford male has been charged with the following offences:

  • Human Trafficking (Under 18)
  • Human Trafficking
  • Receiving Material Benefit (Under 18)
  • Receiving Material Benefit
  • Three counts of Obtain Sexual Services for Consideration 

The male has been held for a bail hearing.

The victim has been provided with a safety plan and community resources as part of the Human Trafficking Crisis Intervention program.

Anyone with information relating to this incident, or anyone with information concerning potential human trafficking victims, are encouraged to contact the Joint Waterloo-Guelph Human Trafficking team at [email protected] or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Joint Waterloo-Guelph Human Trafficking team has been made possible by a grant from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant through the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Armed Robbery – 18 Year Old Arrested

On May 19, 2021, the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Robbery Unit arrested a Waterloo male in connection to an armed robbery.

On May 14, 2021, police responded to the area of Devitt Avenue North in Waterloo for a report of an attempt vehicle theft. The victim reported that at approximately 3 a.m., he was woken to the sounds of someone attempting to steal his motor vehicle. The victim confronted the suspect and was threatened  by a knife. No physical injuries were sustained as a result of the incident. The suspect was last seen fleeing the area on foot.

As a result of the investigation an 18-year-old male was held for a bail hearing and charged with the following offences, Robbery with a Weapon, Weapons Dangerous, Possession Over $5,000, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.