The streets of Hamilton seem to have dealt a young alleged auto thief a harsh lesson after a case of the munchies led to his arrest. According to police, the case unfolded after officers spotted an abandoned Ford Explorer in the Hwy. 8 and King St. E. area on Tuesday at 7:50 a.m.
The vehicle, stolen in a neighboring region earlier this month, had its hazard lights on. Police said that while examining the vehicle, officers located what initially appeared to be an ordinary receipt from a local fast-food restaurant. However, investigators then noted the receipt's date and time of purchase, and headed to the eatery to review CCTV footage of the corresponding transaction.
After reviewing the footage, police recognized the youth and subsequently went to his home, where he was arrested. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and failure to comply with a youth sentence order.
This investigation serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant pieces of evidence can play a critical role in identifying suspects and advancing police investigations, police said. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Division 20 at 905-546-2963 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
In a separate incident, six people are facing a string of charges in a lengthy probe into a cocaine trafficking network in York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. The investigation, dubbed Project Blade, began last year after officers became aware of an individual involved in the trafficking of controlled substances and firearms in York Region and surrounding areas.
Over several months, investigators identified the other suspects and gathered evidence related to the distribution of firearms and controlled substances. The investigation culminated last Thursday, when search warrants were executed at several residences, resulting in the seizure of 28 ounces of cocaine, four firearms, and $66,000 in cash.
Antonio Augustino, 35, of Vaughan, and Paulo Melo, 55, of Toronto, are facing several charges, including weapons trafficking and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Sandra Rocha, 55, of Toronto, is facing two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm. Shahriar Daliri, 33, of Aurora, Carmelo Parisi, 30, of Aurora, and Tyler Agnel, 29, of Aurora, are each facing drug trafficking charges and a charge each of possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and asked those with information to contact the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting 1800222tips.com.
A Sudbury man is facing several firearms charges after he was pulled over by OPP officers in Georgian Bay Township on Monday. Michael Phillips, 42, is facing various charges, including driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Toronto Police are seeking a suspect in a sexual assault investigation on a TTC bus last week. The incident happened in the Victoria Park Ave. and Danforth Ave. area on Thursday, July 16, at about 4:05 p.m. Police released four images of the suspect, describing him as male, 5-foot-8, approximately 190 pounds and between 30 to 40 years old.
Toronto Police are also seeking the public's help in identifying two suspects wanted in connection with a robbery investigation at Warden Station last month. The two men allegedly boarded the same subway car as the male victim at Kennedy Station and stole his jewelry, with one of the suspects allegedly threatening the man with a knife.
The victim was uninjured, and police describe the first suspect as male, between 18 and 25 years old, with curly black hair, and a moustache and goatee. The second suspect is described as male, between 18 and 25 years old, wearing a grey "Hellstar Tour" hoodie, black jeans, and black shoes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-4100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.
