Ottawa Police Services Board

May 27, 2013

Chief’s Verbal Report

 

Good evening.

 

Governor General’s Order of Merit of the Police Forces Award

 

I want to start this evening by congratulating S/Sgt. Pierre Gauthier and Sgt. Charles Momy for becoming honoured members of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, presented by the Governor General of Canada.

 

S/Sgt. Gauthier was inducted as a member for his 31-year career of and his work in drug prevention in the community and outreach efforts with the aboriginal population, both in Ottawa and abroad.  He has volunteered countless hours towards these causes.

 

Sgt. Momy was inducted as an Officer for his achievements and contributions in the field of policing, as well as his work with both the Ottawa Police Association and Canadian Police Association.

This is a great honour for both officers and speaks to the quality of the individuals who make up this service.

Ottawa Race Weekend

Congratulations are also in order for the runners and the organizers of the Ottawa Race Weekend that held another successful series of races this year.  Hundreds of OPS members joined in the efforts for this well-organized weekend that gets better every year.

One of our members, Constable Andrew Armstrong came in 13th in the half marathon at 1 hour and 18 minutes.  He was probably showered and changed when I crossed at 2:06.  Regardless, it was a big event for the city and the runners and I am happy to say it was uneventful from a policing perspective.

Canada Road Safety Week

 

During Canada Road Safety Week, which ran from May 14 to 20, we and our partners put a special focus on Traffic Safety with increased enforcement and education.  This year’s national campaign targeted the top four killers on our roads:  impaired driving distracted driving, improper seatbelt use and aggressive driving.  These efforts received some strong attention in the media.

 

Along with our education events, an average of 200 tickets were issued related to these four offences.

 

Good work by Break and Enter Team

 

In early May, a residential break and enter occurred in the East end where a MacBook laptop was stolen containing research for the victim’s Master’s thesis on it.  That evening, the victim contacted Cst. Robert Reeve of the East Break and Enter Team and provided an address in St. Eugene, where the computer was “pinging” on the device’s GPS locator.

 

The investigation led officers to a location in L’Orginal where the laptop was recovered.

 

Excellent cooperation was received from the Hawkesbury OPP in this investigation and we were able to reunite the laptop with its owner.

 

Two Homicide investigations

 

Since my last verbal report we have two homicide investigations in Ottawa:

 

Stabbing

On the afternoon of May 15 an individual arrived at the victim’s residence on Fernleaf Crescent looking for a female acquaintance.  An altercation occurred between the victim, Michael Wassill, and the accused.  The victim was slashed across the throat with a knife and fled the scene.  The victim was Vital Signs Absent (VSA), but with quick response from attending police officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) he was resuscitated and rushed to hospital where he underwent a lengthy surgery.

 

Thanks to the efforts of East Patrol, Neighbourhood Officers, and East District Investigators, the suspect was quickly arrested and charged.

 

Unfortunately, Mr. Wassill died in hospital on May 23.

 

It is anticipated the charges will be upgraded this week.  Major Crime has since assumed carriage of the file.

 

Ritchie Street Murder

Just before midnight on May 14th, patrol officers were called to an address on Ritchie Street where a 24-year-old man was shot.  The victim, Malik Adjokatcher, succumbed to his injuries.

 

Major Crime continues to investigate this murder.

 

Deputy Chief Gilles Larochelle

 

Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations to Deputy Chief Gilles Larochelle on his new assignment as Chief of the Kingston Police Force.  The new role is well-deserved and speaks to Gilles’ qualities and his experience as a police officer.  Kingston is lucky to have him just as we have been fortunate to have him as a colleague.

 

His love for and pride in our Service has been clear to anyone who has seen him in action over the past three decades.  Thank you Gilles and congratulations.

 

I am available to take any questions you may have.