Back to SearchToday’s News:
- Police in two Ontario communities in mourning, with calls to ‘break the stigma’ around mental health (InSauga)
- Man arrested, another sought after Toronto police officer shot during stolen e-bike call (Toronto Star)
- ‘We’re proactive’ Barrie Police Guardian Program enters second year (CTV)
- Brantford Police launch United Against Hate campaign (Brantford Expositor)
- Province says Windsor's long-promised police helicopter still on the way (Windsor Star)
- CHEO says e-scooter injuries on the rise as police launch crackdown (CBC)
- Do you recognize your stuff? Toronto police seek to return $1M in stolen goods from condo break-and-enter ring (Toronto Star)
- As WRPS backpack donations fall, one group gives more than ever (Waterloo Region Record)
- Early-morning London raid linked to alleged drug operation on Oneida (London Free Press)
Today’s News:
The Durham Regional Police Service is in mourning after tragically losing one of their own on Wednesday, two days after a Hamilton Police died.
The deaths have renewed calls for increased mental health supports for police officers around the province.
“Our member was a dedicated public servant, a caring colleague, and a valued member of our DRPS family. Their passing has been deeply felt across our service,” Durham Police said in a statement. “We will remember them for their kindness, commitment to serving others, and the positive impact they had on those around them. This loss serves as a reminder that we are more than colleagues; we are a family. Behind every badge number is a valued and respected person, deeply loved by their family, friends, and fellow members.”
“As a service, we remain committed to supporting their family, loved ones, and our members as we navigate this profound loss together. On behalf of the DRPS, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.”
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared, police said.
The officer’s death was the second such tragedy in 48 hours in the Ontario policing ranks, with a 20-year officer in Hamilton also losing his life.
Hamilton Police Association president Jaimi Bannon said in a statement that police organizations in Canada must “break the stigma around mental health, create safe workplaces for our members, and ensure that officers receive the support they need before the consequences of inadequate support become tragic.”
Condolences came in from other police services, including Toronto Police, who mourned the loss of an officer who “chose a career dedicated to serving and protecting others.”
Police say officers were making an arrest on Bloor Street early Thursday morning when one of them was shot in the leg.
A man on bail for a weapon-related offence and wanted in connection with violent offences last month is facing new charges after a Toronto officer was shot attempting to arrest a suspected thief of an e-bike, police said.
Police said multiple officers responded to a robbery call in the area of Shuter and Sherbourne streets just before 3:25 a.m. on Thursday, where two male suspects, one armed with a knife, allegedly pushed a male victim from his e-bike.
The suspects were also riding an e-bike, with one fleeing on the victim’s bike toward Bloor and Sherbourne streets, and the other fleeing in an unknown direction, police said.
Shortly after, officers located the suspect on the stolen e-bike and chased him on foot after he failed to stop.
During the arrest, police said a struggle ensued in which the 27-year-old suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and shot one of the officers in the upper thigh, then attempted to grab an officer’s conducted energy weapon.
“What happened this morning is unacceptable,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters outside of St. Michael’s Hospital later in the morning. “Every day officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep this city safe.”
This is the second time a Toronto police officer has been shot on duty this year after Const. Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was killed during a police raid in June.
Pogue said other officers eventually arrested the suspect and seized the firearm. They applied a tourniquet to their colleague’s leg to stop the bleeding. The wounded officer, who has been on the force for about three years, was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Pogue added the officers didn’t fire their guns during the arrest.
Stefano Edwards of Peterborough is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, robbery with an offensive weapon and disarming a peace officer. He appeared in a Toronto bail court Thursday afternoon.
Police said there is no description of the second robbery suspect at this time.
The deputy chief said Edwards had previous weapons charges, was out on bail and had two warrants in Peel and Waterloo.
Edwards is also accused of being in a Mississauga parking lot armed with a knife in February 2024. Officers attempted to arrest him but he was able to flee the area, police said. He was arrested later that year in Peterborough, a Peel police spokesperson confirmed. He was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and escape from lawful custody.
He was granted a conditional discharge and put on probation, with conditions prohibiting him from possessing weapons or ammunition.
On July 7, Peel police said they found ammunition in Edwards’ car after a vehicle pursuit in which he hit another car and fled on foot.
Waterloo police also confirmed to the Star that Edwards was wanted in connection with a July 30 incident and faces charges that include break-and-enter, forcible confinement and pointing a firearm.
“Here we go again,” said Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, alongside Pogue. “We have someone out on bail for violent offences, committing other violent offences.”
In a statement on social media, Chief Myron Demkiw also expressed frustration about repeat offenders. .
“I have been raising concerns about repeat violent offenders for some time,” reads Demkiw’s post on X. “There must be stronger accountability and meaningful deterrence for those who repeatedly engage in serious violence and put the public — and the officers working to protect them — at risk.”
Toronto police said that of the 650 officers who sustained injuries in the line of duty so far in 2026, 177 were the result of violence.
Mayor Olivia Chow said in a social media post her thoughts are with the officer and their loved ones, thanking Toronto police for responding to the incident and “keeping our city safe.”
“This is another reminder of what front-line officers face each day as they serve our city and work to keep people safe,” Chow wrote. “We are grateful for their courage and commitment.”
‘We’re proactive’ Barrie Police Guardian Program enters second year (CTV)
Barrie Police continue to have a presence in the downtown core through their guardian program.
When downtown, the public will see special constables often wearing blue outfits and have certain powers and arrest privileges.
Paul Matte is a sergeant with Barrie Police Services and community safety and well being, he said their goal is be proactive not reactive.
“We’re proactive right? So we’re not just waiting for those calls so as the officers are patrolling downtown and interacting with everyone from business owners, folks coming down to shop, and the beach,” said Matte.
From walking the streets to biking and even a utility vehicle, officers can cover the downtown area.
“there’s obviously a time for the enforcement, we’re here to make sure that everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing in peaceful way,” said Matte.
Nathan Cooper has been a special constable with the guardian program since its inception.
he said the expansion of the program for its second year has been beneficial for public safety, and having a visible presence downtown
“We’re talking to families, handing out stickers to kids, we’re interacting with people in the unhoused community, seeing if they need resources and obviously using any enforcement actions that we do need to to use, primarily Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act and, control drugs and substances,” said Cooper.
Businesses along Dunlop Street downtown have noticed the proactive patrols.
“Sometimes they pop in and say hi, and when I get to chat with them, it’s nice to catch up,” said Alison Oakes, owner of Oh Beehive Refillery. “They’re real people, too and normally when I see them walking past, it does feel nice and my customers definitely enjoy that too.”
With other businesses recognizing an improvement.
“I think overall, I’ve seen an improvement in certain areas,” said Mark Wise, owner of On The Mark Vintage. “Certain areas are kind of to be expected, but, foot traffic is a good first step.”
Since its inception, the program has seen a combined 17 constables and special constables with the program continuing to grow.
Last year, the program focused on four main downtown arteries including city hall, the downtown library branch, Meridian Stage and the bus terminal.
Brantford Police launch United Against Hate campaign (Brantford Expositor)
If you attended the Brantford International Villages Festival last month, chances are you noticed a police presence.
That’s because members of the Brantford Police Services Community Safety and Crime Prevention Unit were there to engage with residents as they launched a campaign to educate people about what constitutes a hate incident or hate crime, how to report it, and how police investigate such incidents.
“Hate has no place in our community,” said Detective Constable Jet Khagura. “Whether someone has experienced a hate crime or a hate incident, we want people to know they will be treated with respect, their concerns will be taken seriously, and support is available.
“Reporting these incidents helps us identify patterns, support victims, and work with our community to prevent future occurrences.”
Chris Tolhurst, marketing and promotions manager for the annual Brantford International Villages Festival, told The Expositor he has seen negative comments on social media, in particular, questioning culture at the Muslim Village.
“Don’t judge it until you go,” he said. “They are some of the most welcoming people. When you walk in the door they have a Turkey booth, a Serbia booth, and they talk about the Muslim countries in that region.
“The girls they had manning those booths are more than willing to discuss any questions you have about it.”
According to the Brantford Police Services website, a crime becomes a hate crime when it is motivated by bias against a specific community, including crimes that target people for their race or ethnicity; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity and expression; mental or physical disability; age or sex.
A hate incident includes any behaviour motivated by bias, such as slurs or offensive language; insults regarding ethnic or religious clothing; hate-motivated bullying or social exclusion.
So far this year, Brantford Police have investigated 12 incidents, compared to a total of 24 in 2025.
“We recognize that people’s experiences with police can vary, particularly for newcomers who may have come from countries where their interactions with police or other authorities may not always have been positive,” said BPS communications manager Robin Matthews-Osmond.
“That’s why part of our goal is education and awareness. We want everyone in our community to understand what a hate crime and hate incident are, know how to recognize them, and feel more informed about how and when they can be reported.”
The United Against Hate information brochure is available in multiple languages by visiting the Brantford Police website.
Province says Windsor's long-promised police helicopter still on the way (Windsor Star)
'We want that helicopter on deployment, fabricated, manufactured as soon as possible, and in the sky.'
Windsor police will still get the helicopter promised to them in Ontario’s 2025 budget, the province’s solicitor general says.
“Helicopters play a vital role,” Michael Kerzner said during a visit to Windsor on Tuesday. “We will have a helicopter that will help Windsor Police Service and LaSalle and be used right here in the area.”
Premier Doug Ford first floated the sky-high idea of giving Windsor police a helicopter in December 2024 following a national border-security meeting with the prime minister, when he told reporters he’d ask the solicitor general to focus on procuring the aircraft. At the time, he suggested the force could patrol the Detroit River from above, since Canada Border Services Agency doesn’t have a boat.
Months later, in May 2025, Ontario’s 2025 budget included $57 million for two new H-135 helicopters: one for the Niagara Regional Police Service and one for Windsor police to support “increased patrols, security and enforcement at key entry points at the U.S. border,” according to the budget document.
Not much has been stated publicly about the helicopters since the border-security meeting, until Tuesday’s media event, when Kerzner announced $32.5 million in grant funding for municipal and First Nations police services. Law enforcement agencies can apply for the funding to purchase specialized equipment related to border security, including drones, marine vessels, radar, thermal imaging cameras, and more, and to support investigations into illegal firearms trafficking, drug smuggling, organized crime, and other illegal cross-border activity.
Kerzner also brought up the previously approved helicopters, which “will come as soon as we can get Airbus to manufacture them,” he said, referring to Airbus Helicopters Canada in Fort Erie.
“They will come here as a tremendous asset for LaSalle, Windsor, and the OPP, but they’re ours. They aren’t going to be used for the RCMP or CBSA — but we will work collaboratively, as we have,” he said.
“We want that helicopter on deployment, fabricated, manufactured as soon as possible, and in the sky. We’ve got a great partner in the OPP, because they are our co-ordinating partner.”
Ontario Provincial Police Supt. Mark Lucas said the OPP has already implemented “increased proactive patrols in the air, on land, and on waterways” as part of a broader provincial initiative along the Canada-U.S. border.
Lucas called the helicopters for both Windsor and Niagara police “game-changing in our mission to provide operational support.”
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our policing partners,” he said. “The addition of this aircraft will enhance regional policing capabilities and strengthen our collective commitment to public safety. Aviation is a critical tool used during time-sensitive incidents, such as locating vulnerable missing persons, tracking suspects, and supporting frontline operations.”
Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley said his force would “have some involvement” in the helicopter through a “support role,” but not a pilot role.
“It’s (the OPP’s) project, in the sense that they’re the ones (who are) going to be operating the helicopters,” Crowley said. “To be honest, we really don’t have much knowledge of helicopters and aviation in the sense that we’ve never had one.”
CHEO says e-scooter injuries on the rise as police launch crackdown (CBC)
ER visits for e-scooter-related injuries nearly tripled last year
Ottawa's children's hospital has seen a drastic increase in injuries related to e-scooters at its emergency department, as police crack down on their misuse.
From July 2025 to June 2026, CHEO's emergency department saw 93 visits for e-scooter-related injuries. Over the same period the previous year, 34 young people visited the ER for injuries sustained while riding e-scooters.
The rise comes as the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) mounts a summer enforcement campaign aimed at the misuse of the scooters.
The use of e-scooters is governed both by the provincial Highway Traffic Act and under city bylaws. Under these rules, users must be at least 16, and any user under 18 is required to wear a helmet.
"I'm seeing a lot more kids under the age of 16 using these e-scooters in the community," Sgt. Josh Callaghan from the OPS's road safety unit told CBC Radio's All In A Day.
"I have two young children, and I definitely in my opinion wouldn't be letting one of my children operate one of these things," he said. "They're too unsafe."
Injuries include 'serious trauma'
CHEO did not provide a spokesperson or offer comment about the rise in injuries, but Joshua Ramjist, a pediatric general surgeon and co-medical director of the trauma program at Toronto's SickKids, said his hospital has also seen a sharp increase in e-scooter injuries, prompting it to release a video warning of the dangers.
"These are more than just bumps and scrapes," Ramjist told All In A Day. "It's serious trauma including traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, intracranial bleeding, major fractures or multi-system internal organ injuries."
Ramjist described e-scooter injuries as more in line with those suffered in motor vehicle collisions than those typically associated with bicycles or push scooters.
"For children, they can often underestimate the power within these devices and they're viewed as toys, but in reality they're motorized transport devices," he said.
Ottawa police said they're cracking down on violations including speeding and "double-riding."
Callaghan said one colleague clocked an e-scooter going 52 km/h, more than double the legal limit of 24 km/h.
He said such violations typically involve privately owned e-scooters, as the rental ones available across the city are speed-regulated to keep them legal.
The enforcement campaign began at the start of the summer and will continue for the rest of the year.
Police have launched an online catalogue of the stolen items as a way to return them to the original owners.
Disguises, a pawnshop and more than $1 million in stolen goods.
Those are some of the updated findings of a “large-scale” residential break-and-enter investigation, dubbed Project Compass, that Toronto police shared on Thursday. The probe, originally announced in March, resulted in three arrests, 150 charges laid and 2,500 stolen items recovered.
Police also launched a dedicated website to “help reunite” some of the recovered goods, like rare collector bills, heirlooms and hundreds of high-value jewelry.
“We want to return these items to their owners,” Insp. Joe Matys said at police headquarters downtown. People can browse the catalogue and submit a claim if they believe the item is theirs, Matys said.
The investigation started in September 2025 after investigators noticed a pattern of break-and-enters where gold, cash and luxury jewelry were targeted, Matys told reporters. Authorities linked the incident to eight to 10 others, dating back to May 2025, and uncovered a network of suspects allegedly responsible for thefts across the Greater Toronto Area, Matys said.
Matys said officers have investigated 21 break-and-enters in Toronto, mainly in condos across various neighbourhoods.
In March, authorities executed five search warrants at various homes and seized disguises, break-in tools, stolen goods and a vehicle — a new silver Jeep Compass — believed to have been used to commit some of the crimes, Matys said.
In a press release from March, authorities described the three accused disguising themselves as construction workers to enter residential condos and apartments.
Three people were arrested, ranging between 35 to 49-years-old, according to the March news release, and now face a combined 150 charges, including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent and break-and-enter.
“Investigators also uncovered a secondary component of this operation involving a pawnshop in the Queen Street East and Church Street area,” Matys said. “We allege stolen property was being trafficked through this business and converted into cash.”
Authorities found more than 2,500 stolen goods at the shop, Matys said.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities believe there are more victims. The pawnshop owner was not one of the three arrested, Det. Sgt. Bruno Miron said, adding that he may face charges in the near future.
Residents submit claims for their potential stolen goods
Matys urged people to browse through an online catalogue of the stolen property and reach out to investigators with 14 Division if they believe anything belongs to them.
“Many of these items are of high value, and some may even be family heirlooms,” Matys said.
Matys added that people can submit a claim through the website which will then prompt an investigator to reach out for more information.
In 2025, there were 3,494 residential break-and-enters across the city, according to the Toronto police data dashboard, about 250 incidents fewer than 2024. Those incidents include a wide-range of scenarios, like theft to unlawful dwelling.
“If people want to visit the Toronto Police Service’s website, you can look for crime prevention tips through our community partnership and engagement unit,” Matys said.
As WRPS backpack donations fall, one group gives more than ever (Waterloo Region Record)
The Upasana Outreach Group teamed up with the Satya Jyoti Cultural Sabha in Brampton this year to collect more than 1,600 backpacks.
A group of volunteers has collected 1,650 backpacks for children in Waterloo Region — its biggest donation yet to the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s annual backpack challenge, even as the overall number of donations is down this year.
The Upasana Outreach Group teamed up with the Satya Jyoti Cultural Sabha in Brampton this year to collect the backpacks, and the two groups handed them over to police Wednesday morning.
Pandit Avinash Sharma, Upasana Outreach Group’s team lead, said the effort is about more than giving a child a backpack.
“When we provide a child with the basic tools for education, we’re not simply giving a backpack but we’re helping create an opportunity for that child to learn, grow, dream and build a brighter future,” Sharma said.
The group has taken part in the backpack challenge for five years, with its donations growing from about 300 backpacks in its first year to 1,400 last year. This year, it reached 1,650.
Sharma said the group raised the money by making posts on social media and reaching out to family, friends and community members.
The Upasana Outreach Group started about five years ago with about 10 volunteers. It now has roughly 60 people involved, including teenagers, university students, adults and some children between the ages of nine and 13. The volunteers come from Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Brampton, Mississauga, Milton and Etobicoke.
The group does not have one permanent location. Instead, its volunteers go from place to place to help wherever they are needed.
Jaya Narine, a volunteer with the group, said helping others is part of what she believes in.
“As Hindus we believe in selfless service (sewa) and we see this as a duty to help wherever possible,” she said. “The experience of knowing you are helping those in need gives you such an immense joy to do good in the community.”
The 1,650 backpacks are a big success for the group, but the overall backpack challenge is having a slower year.
This is the ninth year of the WRPS campaign. It started as a challenge between emergency services after police heard there was a need for backpacks in the community.
Police usually collect between 3,000 and 5,000 backpacks each year. Last year, about 6,000 were collected.
This year, WRPS expects to collect closer to 3,000 to 3,500 backpacks.
Cherri Greeno, director of corporate affairs, said the drop comes as many families are dealing with higher costs for everyday needs.
“There’s a lot of financial strain with families, groceries, gas — you name it. It’s tough times for people,” she said.
At the same time, the need for backpacks has also grown.
Police opened registration for families for just one day this year. About 325 people registered, and the spots filled up within 24 hours.
There are also about 25 community organizations asking for backpacks. In total, Greeno said about 4,500 backpacks have been requested with hundreds more people on a waiting list.
Police had collected about 2,000 backpacks at the time of the interview and were still asking the community for help.
Greeno said people can donate backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies or money that can be used to buy backpacks.
The service is not setting a specific goal for the year, but Greeno said it would like to collect about 5,000 backpacks if possible.
The campaign is run with help from people across the region.
Greeno noted the number of community groups getting involved has actually grown, even though the number of donations has dropped.
The need is clear from the number of people waiting for help.
“We have a ton of people on the waiting list waiting for them, so we would love to add them to the list to get a backpack,” she said.
For the Upasana group, the backpack challenge is one of several ways its volunteers give back to the community.
The group also cooks food for shelters and puts together winter care packages for people who need them. Sharma said the group wants its younger volunteers to learn to be thankful for what they have and to understand the importance of helping others.
Narine hopes the children who receive the backpacks will remember what it felt like to get help when they needed it.
“Hopefully, when you help someone, whether they be in the community or not, maybe one day they remember how important it was to receive a helping hand and pay it forward to help someone else who is in need,” she said.
The backpack challenge will return next year for its 10th anniversary, and police hope to make it the biggest year yet.
Police are asking people who can help to donate what they can.
“I know we work for a police service, but it’s not just about public safety, it’s about supporting the community,” Greeno said. “It is about helping the youth.”
Early-morning London raid linked to alleged drug operation on Oneida (London Free Press)
A resident reported about 20 police officers and a tactical vehicle outside the building before sunrise.
ONEIDA – An early-morning raid on a north London apartment building is linked to an investigation into an alleged drug-making operation on this Indigenous community southwest of the city, police say.
London police tactical officers assisted the OPP in carrying out a search at 260 Villagewalk Blvd., a high-rise building west of Richmond Street and Sunningdale Road, around 5 a.m. Wednesday.
The London search and another conducted on the Oneida of the Thames First Nation are part of an investigation into an illegal drug operation, Middlesex OPP Const. Jeff Hare said.
“The investigation is ongoing; therefore, we cannot provide further details at this time,” Hare said in an email.
A resident of the Villagewalk Boulevard building, who asked not to be identified, described seeing a large police presence outside the building before sunrise.
“They had the fire alarms going off and there were about 20 cops outside, including what looked like a SWAT vehicle,” he said in a text message.
The building’s property manager sent an email two hours later to update residents on the police activity.
“A unit was raided by police, which caused some loud noises throughout the building,” said the email obtained by The Free Press. “The issue has been taken care of, and the individual has been arrested. Thank you for understanding.”
Oneida police assisted the OPP with a search of a property in the area of Fairgrounds Road, Oneida officials said in a statement posted to social media.
“Police initiated an investigation involving a criminal organization operating within Oneida Nation Settlement . . . and the dismantling of an illegal drug manufacturing operation,” the statement said.
“The individuals involved are alleged to have been engaging in the production and distribution of illegal drugs within our community and surrounding areas.”
Police had cleared the scene by mid-afternoon.
Oneida Chief Deborah Hill declined to comment on the investigation.
“We’re meeting as a council on this soon,” she said.
Oneida, located 30 kilometres southwest of London, is home to more than a dozen cannabis dispensaries that aren’t licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the province’s cannabis regulator.
Cannabis shops on Indigenous territories across Ontario have largely escaped police scrutiny since they started appearing before cannabis became legal in Canada in 2018.
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