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Arrest made in Child Luring investigation, Man faces five charges, Photograph of man released

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The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a child exploitation investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on or about Saturday, March 16, 2013, and Tuesday, March 19, 2013, a man made attempts to meet two different boys, under the age of 16, for the purpose of committing sexual interference

- the man used various social media chat and web sites to communicate with the boys, including the profiles:
  • Microsoft - sexuality_dont_matter@live.com
  • Google - tomr906@gmail.com
  • various - gayoldrtoronto4boy
  • various - gaytoronto4boy


On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, Thomas Patrick Robichaud, 40, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1) two counts of attempt sexual interference
2) two counts of luring a child - under 16

He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 10 a.m., at College Park Courts, in courtroom 505.

Police believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.


This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.


Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Update, Composite sketch of suspect released

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On Monday, March 18, 2013, the Toronto Police Service issued a news release regarding a sexual assault investigation.

See previous release.

A composite sketch of the suspect is now available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Media advisory, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby, Commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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The Toronto Police Service will be commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 a.m., in the lobby at headquarters.

As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a multicultural society where embracing diversity has become our national identity. Yet, still, racial discrimination exists, and we, as a group, should never rest to end this injustice. As a Service, we will continue our efforts to help eliminate the inequalities by renewing our dedication of this commitment on this day.

This event will feature keynote addresses from community leaders.

Light refreshments will be served in the lobby following the ceremony.

Further information on this event can be obtained by contacting Jessy Singh at 416-808-0125 or via e-mail at jessy.singh@torontopolice.on.ca.

Media advisory, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m., Dundas Street West/Huron Street, Project "Blue Serpent"

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On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 a.m., Acting Unit Commander Howard Page and the Chinatown Business Improvement Area Chair Tony Louie will meet at the corner of Dundas Street West and Huron Street to announce the start of Project "Blue Serpent."

Acting Superintendent Page will be speaking about the launch of project "Blue Serpent,"an eight-week project that began on Monday, March 18, 2013. The project is focusing on crime prevention, local disorder issues related to robberies, theft from autos, panhandling, intoxicated person(s), drugs and any related problems.

Police are being proactive and directing additional patrols in the Chinatown area.

Similar projects have taken place over the past years in the downtown Chinatown area. Blue Serpent will be very similar. Chinatown is a very safe neighbourhood. Officers will provide a heightened presence in the area and will be proactive by visiting local businesses and reviewing crime prevention strategies as well as utilizing Auxiliary Officers to educate residents and visitors to remind them to lock their car doors and not store any valuables in their cars.

Graffiti remains to be a main concern to the Chinatown BIA. Police will be working with the community and are encouraging residents, visitors and business owners who witness the act of graffiti taking place to immediately call police on the emergency 9-1-1 telephone line to report this or any other crime in progress. If you see suspicious activity or witness a crime, please call police at 416-808-2222. All acts of graffiti should be reported to police. Person(s) who wilfully damage property commit the criminal act of ‘Mischief’ and are subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Protect Yourself from Fraud After a Collision, Public Service Announcements Launched

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Today, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Toronto Police Service launched a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on what drivers should do after a collision to protect themselves from fraud.

The PSAs are accompanied by helpful infographics and cover:"Don't let yourself become a victim of fraud, or unintentionally help auto insurance fraudsters. Be alert for signs or behaviours that suggest staged collisions or other auto insurance scams," said Constable Clinton Stibbe of Toronto Police Service's Traffic Services Unit.

Philip Howell, CEO and Superintendent of Financial Services, adds, "By being vigilant, Ontario drivers can help stop fraudsters who abuse the auto insurance system and take money out of drivers' pockets through higher premiums."

If consumers suspect insurance fraud, they should report it to police, Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS) or FSCO.

QUICK FACTS
  • In its Final Report, Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force concluded that fraud in the auto insurance system is substantial and has a significant impact on premiums
  • The Task Force's Final Report contains 38 targeted recommendations on four key areas: fraud prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement and regulatory roles and responsibilities
  • It's estimated that GTA drivers pay as high as $540 more on their auto insurance each year as a result of fraud, according to research conducted by Ontario's Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force
LEARN MORE

Thursday, March 21, 2013, 9.p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, #Fraudchat Covers Life Insurance Fraud

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Since November 2012, the Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Financial Service Commission of Ontario to educate the public about financial crimes and fraud through the use of social media.

Every Thursday evening, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, these two agencies host a one hour forum on Twitter called "#Fraudchat". This program seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the Financial Crimes Unit.

Tonight's program will cover life insurance scam frauds and how to detect and avoid this costly crime. Life insurance fraud costs everyone who pays premiums for coverage. Consumers that purchase fraudulent life insurance products are particularly vulnerable.

To follow this program please log on to Twitter and follow #Fraudchat. Other applications like "Tweet Chat" are also helpful in following and contributing to the program. Join us and learn how to avoid this crime and bring your questions to our experts.

For Fraud Prevention Month 2013 (March) #Fraudchat will cover the following topics:
  • March 21 - Life insurance fraud
  • March 28 - Staged motor vehicle accident frauds
Please join us on #Fraudchat and learn about frauds and scams that target us in our community.

For more information on this program and the Fraud Prevention Month strategy of the Toronto Police Service please contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Field at 416-808-7300.

Man charged in sexual assault investigation involving children, Eduardo Mendoza Arevalo, 37, faces 13 charges

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The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a sexual assault investigation involving children.

It is alleged that:

- between August 2011 and December 2012, a family rented out their basement to a man who was a family friend

- the man continued to have contact with the family after he moved out of the house

- on several occasions the man showed the family's seven-year-old daughter pornographic videos

- on several separate occasions, the man sexually assaulted her

- these offences took place between September 2012 and Tuesday, March 19, 2013

It is further alleged that:

- on a few occasions, between January 2013 and Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the man showed a neighbour's 15-year-old daughter pornographic videos

- on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the man sexually assaulted the girl

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, Eduardo Mendoza Arevalo, 37, was arrested.

He is charged with:

1) four counts of Making sexually explicit material available to child under 16
2) two counts of Exposure to person under the age of 16
3) two counts of Invitation to sexual touching
4) two counts of Sexual interference
5) three counts of Sexual assault

He was scheduled to appear in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West, in courtroom 206, on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 10 a.m.

Police believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Doctor faces three charges in sexual assault investigation

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On Friday, March 1, 2013, 14 Division officers started a sexual assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- in February 2013, the accused conducted a medical examination on a girl

- during the examination, the accused sexually assaulted the girl

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, Arturo Sanchez, 78, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Sexual Assault
2) Sexual Exploitation
3) Sexual Interference

The accused has a doctor's office at 474 College Street, suite 403.

Police believe there may be more victims.

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall, on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 11 a.m., room 111.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes Unit website.


Two TTC employees face 30 charges in theft investigation

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Between January 2012 and March 2013, members of the Toronto Police Service and Investigators with the TTC investigated suspicious transactions between members of the public and TTC employees.

It is alleged that:

- between January 2012 and March 2013, the accused, a TTC fare collector, received money from TTC patrons and did not turn the money over to the TTC

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 7:08 p.m., Krishna Rajkumar, 47, of Markham, was arrested and charged with:

1) eight counts of Theft Under
2) eight counts of Fail to Collect fare

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park, on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 2 p.m., room 505.

It is further alleged that:

- between October 2012 and March 2013, the accused, a TTC fare collector, received money from TTC patrons and did not turn the money over to the TTC

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 3:55 p.m., Paul Vardy, 56, of Pickering, was arrested and charged with:

1) seven counts of Theft Under
2) seven counts of Fail to Collect fare

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park, on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 2 p.m., room 505.

Public Safety Alert, Attempt abduction of child in Ajax, Street-proofing children

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On Monday, March 18, 2013, Durham Regional Police Service was alerted to an alleged attempt abduction of a 10-year-old-girl. Click here for DRPS news release.

The Toronto Police Service would like to make all parents aware of the DRPS' ongoing investigation.

Children are vulnerable members of our society and, as such, they need to be protected. The Toronto Police Service would like to offer some safety tips for parents and children to help protect children from these types of situations.

Children are exposed to strangers every day in their normal activities. These activities could be in their neighbourhoods, in the playground, on their way to and from school, or indoors in such places as shopping malls. Most of these strangers are not a danger but a few could be. Parents can protect their children from dangerous strangers by street-proofing their children by teaching them how to identify dangerous or suspicious behaviour, and by giving children tips that they can use to protect themselves when they are on their own.

Who is a stranger?

A stranger is someone your family doesn't know, or doesn't know well. Children may have the misconception that strangers or “bad people” look scary like the evil characters in television shows or cartoons. This is absolutely not always the case. There is no common "look" that these individuals have. They could be a man or a woman, adult or youth. They could even be well-dressed or "pretty." Regardless of how a person looks, they could be dangerous.

When you talk to your children about strangers, explain that you cannot tell if a stranger is a nice person or not just by looking at them and that they need to be careful around all strangers.

As parents, we cannot make it appear that all strangers are bad. If children need help whether they are lost, injured, being threatened by someone, or being followed by a stranger, the safest thing for them to do is to ask a stranger for help. Parents can make it easier for children by showing them which strangers are okay to trust.

Who are safe strangers?

Safe strangers are people children can ask for help when they need it. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics are a few examples of very recognizable safe strangers.

Teachers, principals, and librarians are adults children can trust too, and they are easy to recognize when they're at work. A safe stranger can be an adult who is already with children. But make sure that you remind your children that, when possible, they should go to a public place to ask for help.

Also show your children places they can go if they need help, such as local stores and restaurants and the homes of family friends in your neighborhood.

Recognizing and handling dangerous situations

By teaching your children to be aware of dangerous situations or scenarios, they will be able to deal with these situations should they arise. Some of these situations could involve strangers as well as known adults/youths who may have bad intentions.

A few of the situations that could occur are:

- someone asks a child to disobey their parents or do something without their permission
- someone asks a child to keep a secret
- someone asks a child for help
- someone makes the child feel uncomfortable in any way

Normally, adults should never be asking a child for help. If one does, teach your children to find an adult whom they trust right away and tell them what happened.

Children should also know how to handle a dangerous situation

One way is to teach them say "no," and to run away and find an adult they trust and tell them what happened. Remind your children it is okay to say "no," and to yell to keep themselves safe, even if they are indoors.

Here are a few possible scenarios:

- someone asks for help finding a lost pet
- someone asks a child to come into their house for a snack
- someone tells your child they are there to give them a ride home
- someone your child knows does something to make them feel uncomfortable
- while walking home, someone in a car asks for direction or offers them candy

What parents can do

- know where your children are
- ensure your children ask for permission before they go anywhere
- make sure your child knows safe paths to take and places they can go if they are in trouble
- teach them to trust their instincts
- remind your children that you will help them when they need it
- teach your children it is okay to say "no," to a stranger or when they are asked to do something they are uncomfortable with
- encourage your children to travel in groups; there's safety in numbers
- if your children have cell phones, remind them that it is okay to call 9-1-1 when they believe they are in danger
- establish a "secret password" with your children so they know whoever has it can be trusted

Remember it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Friday, March 22, 2013, 8 a.m., Toronto Police Service joins more than 100 agencies across six countries to take to Twitter

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On Friday, March 22, 2013, starting at 8 a.m., law enforcement agencies around the world will connect via Twitter to participate in a 24-hour Tweet-a-thon to bring attention to the use of social media by law enforcement. Agencies will tweet using the same hashtag, #poltwt, to create awareness about police work and issues police face, as well as to promote the use of social media in policing.

"We are excited to bring together police agencies around the world in this first-of-its-kind social media event," said Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications and organizer of the Global Police Tweet-a-thon. "We hope it sends the message to non-law enforcement that their police officers are up to speed with social media, and that they should use the channel to talk with police officers and to be stewards of public safety."

There are currently more than 100 agencies participating from the U.S., Canada, UK, Sweden, Iceland, and Australia. For a list of participating agencies, please visit https://twitter.com/ConnectedCOPS/police-tweet-a-thon-2013/members. For a Google map of participating agencies, please see http://goo.gl/maps/Hqkgf

“The Toronto Police Service has had great success using social media to connect and engage with the people of Toronto,” said Chief William Blair. “Our participation in this Tweet-a-thon will help us share with a global audience the excellent work our officers do every day.”

For more information
Please visit http://connectedcops.net/2012/12/18/global-police-tweet-a-thon/

Media advisory, Friday, March 22, 2013, 1 p.m., Headquarters, media gallery, News conference, Man re-arrested, facing more charges in historical sexual assault investigation

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On Friday, March 22, 2013, at 1 p.m., in the media gallery at headquarters, Sex Crimes Unit Detective Constable Roger Villaflor will update the media on the re-arrest of Gordon Stuckless, 64, including the additional charges.

See previous release.

The conference will be available on the Bell TOC in HD/SDI.

Homicide #13/2013 Media advisory, Friday, March 22, 2013, 1:30 p.m., Headquarters, media gallery, News conference

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On Friday, March 22, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., in the headquarters media gallery, Detective Sergeant Terry Browne will update the media on the investigation into the homicide which occurred on Thursday, March 21, 2013, on Bleecker Street.

The conference will be available on the Bell TOC in HD/SDI.

Man faces 12 charges in two separate shooting investigtions

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Ongoing investigations into two separate shootings have led to a recent arrest.

It is alleged that:

- on September 8, 2009, police investigated a shooting on Augusta Avenue in 14 Division

- shots were exchanged between two groups of people

- stray bullets narrowly missed a number of people who were in the area

- a firearm was located at the scene

It is further alleged that:

- on May 28, 2012, a shooting occurred in the Blevins Street/Wyatt Walk area in 51 Division

- approximately 8-10 males who were together were fired at

- stray bullets struck two residences, one bullet entering a kitchen and the other bullet entering a bedroom at a second residence

- a firearm was recovered at the scene

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 12:03 p.m., a 20 year old man of Toronto, was arrested in connection with both shootings and charged with:

1. two counts of Discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life
2. two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a firearm
3. two counts of Careless use of a firearm
4. two counts of Carry concealed weapon
5. two counts of Pointing a firearm
6. two counts of Weapons dangerous

He appeared in court at Old City.

The name of the accused cannot be released as he was a young person at the time of the offence in 2009.

Man re-arrested for historical sexual assault, Gordon Stuckless, 64, faces 15 new charges in historical sexual assault investigation

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The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of further charges in an ongoing historical sexual assault investigation.

See previous release.

It is further alleged that:

- in the late 1960s to the late 1970s, a man volunteered at local sports clubs as a coach and was also employed at Maple Leaf Gardens

- the man befriended five boys who were then between nine and 13

- the man sexually assaulted them at various locations in Toronto as well as at Maple Leaf Gardens

On Friday, March 22 2013, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Gordon Stuckless, 64, of Toronto, was re-arrested. He has been further charged with:

1) nine counts of Indecent assault - male
2) five counts of Gross indecency
3) Buggery

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Friday, May 3, 2013, at 9 a.m., courtroom 111.

Police believe there may be more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.


Man's name released in error, Name cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act

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A news release was issued which contained the name of an accused charged in two separate shooting investigations.

See previous release.

The name was released in error as the accused was a young person in the 2009 shooting incident.

The name cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Greek Independence Day Parade, Sunday, March 24, 2013, Parade route/road closures

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On Sunday, March 24, 2013, the Greek Community of Toronto will be hosting The Greek Independence Day Parade in the downtown area.

The parade will start forming up at Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute, 16 Phin Ave, at 11 a.m. and, at 1 p.m., the parade will proceed over the following route:

Parade route:

Assembly area: Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute

- north on Euston Avenue
- west on Danforth Avenue

Dispersal area: Danforth Avenue – west of Jackman Avenue

During this event, Danforth Avenue will be closed between Donlands Avenue and Broadview Avenue.

The organizers of the event are expecting thousands of participants.

Expect disruption of traffic in the area.

Public Safety Alert, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Images/Videos on the Internet & Social Media

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The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an issue related to child sexual abuse images/videos on the Internet.

Over the last few months, the Service has noticed an increase in the number of calls received reporting the distribution of child sexual abuse images/videos on the Internet and through social media.

Members of the public who are aware of these images/videos should do the following:

- visit Cybertip.ca and follow "Click Here to Report"

- delete the images/videos, links or posts immediately

Do not distribute the images/videos or make them available to others.

Every time a child sexual abuse image/video is viewed by an individual the child is re-victimized.

Distributing these images/videos or making them available to others, even for a non-sexual purpose, can lead to child pornography-related charges.

For further information, please contact the Toronto Police Service's Child Exploitation Section at 416-808-8500.

Homicide #13/2013, Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, Security camera images released

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On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11:26 p.m., police received several calls for the sound of gunshots on Bleecker Street.

Officers attended the area and located a man suffering obvious life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, of Toronto.

A post-mortem examination was scheduled for the morning of Friday, March 22, 2012.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Ramon Mills, 30, Photograph of man released

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The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 8 p.m., a 24-year-old woman was walking in the Jane Street/Finch Avenue area

- two men approached the woman and coerced her into their vehicle

- the woman was then driven to a hotel in the Jane Street/Wilson Avenue area

- one of the men went into the hotel with the woman while the other man left the area

- the woman was sexually assaulted by the man

Ramon Mills, 30, of no fixed address, is wanted for:

1) Kidnapping
2) Forcible Confinement
3) Sexual Assault

He is described as black, 5'9"-6', 165-185 lbs., short, black hair with brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.


A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes Unit website.

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