Category: Waterloo Regional Police

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

$1.4 Million Fraud – One Arrested

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service has arrested and charged a male in connection to a large-scale investment fraud investigation.

In March 2023, investigators from WRPS’ General Investigations Unit – Commercial Fraud began an investigation into an ongoing investment fraud.

Throughout the 14-month-long investigation, WRPS investigators collaborated with other agencies, including the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), and identified 23 victims from across Ontario who sustained losses of over $1.4 million.

On May 7, 2024, as a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged David Villanueva, a 62-year-old Guelph male, with:

  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Make False Statement in Writing
  • Laundering Proceeds of Crime

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

Police believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information to contact police by calling 519-570-9777, extension 6420.

When making decisions regarding investing, Waterloo Regional Police Service encourages members of the public to consider the following to help prevent becoming a victim of fraud:

  • Be cautious of higher than normal returns on investments.
  • Research any investment opportunity you are considering, as well as the company or person you are dealing with.
  • Keep detailed records.
  • Check the legitimacy of the investment through regulatory sites.

For more information about fraud prevention, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://wrps.info/3TvkAuG.

WA23030916 (915) 

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

$9,000,000 Drug Bust

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have seized over $9 million worth of drugs and more than $800,000 in currency in connection to an organized crime drug trafficking investigation. This is one of the largest drug seizures in WRPS’ history. 

In March 2023, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Patrol officers responded to a report of a residential break-and-enter in the area of Fergus Avenue and Weber Street East in Kitchener and located multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine inside the residence. WRPS’ Drugs and Firearms Unit then commenced an organized crime drug trafficking investigation that resulted in the completion of search warrants at two Kitchener residences, one in the area of Weber Street East and Fergus Avenue and the other in the area of Victoria Street South and Park Street, and the seizure of cocaine, MDMA, crystal methamphetamine, almost $100,000 in Canadian currency, and seven firearms.

On April 26, 2024, as part of the ongoing investigation, officers from WRPS’ Criminal Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, completed two search warrants at Kitchener residences in the areas of Sims Estate Drive and Fairway Road North, and Homer Watson Boulevard and Old Carriage Drive. A search warrant was also completed on a 2023 Audi motor vehicle. Investigators seized multiple kilograms of suspected cocaine, suspected crystal methamphetamine, and Canadian currency.

Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.
Seized property as a result of the investigation.

Over the course of the 13-month-long investigation, police seized:

  • More than 86 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  • Over 3 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine
  • Approximately 700 grams of MDMA
  • Approximately $815,000 in Canadian currency
  • Seven handguns

The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $9 million.

A 31-year-old male and a 22-year-old female, both from Kitchener, were arrested on April 26, 2024, and have been jointly charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The male is also facing three additional counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Both accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated. 

Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24106601 (921)

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Pedestrian Collision

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services Unit is investigating a serious, pedestrian-involved collision in Waterloo.

On May 2, 2024, at approximately 9:25 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at Northfield Drive West and Havelock Drive.

The involved vehicle, described as a white sedan, possibly a Honda Civic, did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling east on Northfield Drive West.

The pedestrian, a 60-year-old Waterloo male, was transported to an out-of-region hospital with serious injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is encouraged to call WRPS’ Traffic Services Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.

Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24112309 (951)

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Magic Mushroom Arrests

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested and charged two females with drug-related offences after completing search warrants at two businesses in Waterloo Region.

On May 2, 2024, members of the Direct Action Response Team (DART) completed search warrants at businesses in the areas of King Street East in Cambridge and Victoria Street South and Park Street in Kitchener.

Investigators seized a large quantity of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) in various forms and Canadian currency.

A 19-year-old and a 32-year-old from Cambridge, were arrested and charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Fail to Comply with Undertaking.

One of the accused parties was held for bail.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service wishes to emphasize to the public that the sale (trafficking) of psilocybin is a criminal offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), as psilocybin is categorized as a Schedule III controlled substance. Businesses engaged in selling these products are operating unlawfully, and the substances they offer are neither regulated nor subject to quality control measures.

WA24084504 (921)

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Steven Lehmann Arrested For Sexual Assault & Exploitation

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Special Victims Unit have arrested a male in connection to a sexual assault investigation in Waterloo.

In March 2024, police received a report of a historical sexual assault that took place between 2008 and 2009.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, on April 10, 2024, Steven Lehmann, a 52-year-old male from Woolwich Township, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on April 30, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing by WRPS’ Special Victims Unit.

WRPS’ Special Victims Unit is encouraging anyone with information or other victims to contact WRPS at 519-570-9777.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24065261 (904) 

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Two Arrested For Brandishing Weapons

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested two youths after a weapons-related incident at Victoria Park in Kitchener.

On April 15, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., police responded to reports of two male youths brandishing and pointing a firearm at parkgoers in Victoria Park.

Police quickly attended the area and began a search for the suspects. At approximately 4:10 p.m., officers located and arrested the two male youths. As part of the investigation, officers seized an imitation firearm.

No physical injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

As a result of the investigation, the male youths, both 14-years-old from Kitchener, were charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon, and pointing a firearm.

Both accused parties are scheduled to appear in court in May 2024.

WA24096733 (917)

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

$60,000 In Stolen Goods Recovered

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police’s General Investigations Unit (GIU) is continuing a break and enter investigation.

On April 10, 2024, police received a report regarding a commercial break and enter that took place in March 2024. The incident occurred in the area of Notre Dame Drive and Snyders Road East in Wilmot Township. 

On April 12, 2024, members of GIU, with the assistance of Barrie Police Service, completed a search warrant in Barrie Ontario regarding the investigation.

As a result of a warrant, detectives recovered approximately $60,000 worth of stolen items. A majority of the items were landscaping equipment.

Officers located a 29-year-old Barrie male inside who was arrested and charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence and possession over $5000.

The male is scheduled to appear in court in May 2024.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24083501 (911)

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Fatal Shooting Around Homer Watson In Kitchener

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a fatal shooting in the Country Hills East area of Kitchener. 

On April 11, 2024, at approximately 11:55 p.m., police responded to a report of an injured male in the area of Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road.

Upon arrival, police located a male with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. 

Investigators believe this was a targeted incident, and there is no ongoing concern for public safety.

The investigation is ongoing by WRPS’ Major Crime Unit, General Investigations Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit.

There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area as investigators conduct a canvass of the neighbourhood for witnesses and information. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Major Crime Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8191. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.  

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

WRPS Endanger Community By Withholding Names Of Human Traffickers

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have charged two individuals and seized proceeds of crime in connection to a human trafficking investigation in Cambridge.

In March 2023, police began an investigation after receiving a report that a business operating as a spa in the area of Industrial Road and McGovern Drive was offering sexual services.

Through investigation, police determined that the business and its owners were profiting from sexual services offered by the business and that women had been procured for employment providing sexual services.

On April 11, 2024, as a result of an ongoing joint investigation by members of WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team, Intelligence Services Branch, and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, police conducted a search warrant at the business and a residence in Cambridge. Proceeds of crime, including the unit the business was operating out of, the corporate bank account, and a luxury SUV have been seized/restrained.

A 45-year-old Cambridge female has been charged with several criminal offences, including:

  • Communication for the purpose of sexual services
  • Obtain material benefit from sexual services
  • Procurement (two counts)
  • Uttering forged documents
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

A 58-year-old Cambridge male was also charged with obtaining material benefit from sexual services.

The accused parties were held in police custody for a bail hearing.

Human Trafficking investigators believe there may be more victims. If you or someone you know feels they have been the victim of sexual exploitation or crimes of sexual violence while working at this business, please contact WRPS’ Human Trafficking Team at [email protected] or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.   

WA23057983 (985)

Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
[email protected]

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Hwy 85 Hit & Run Suspect At Large

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Neighbourhood Policing North Division is investigating a hit and run motor vehicle collision in Kitchener.

On April 9, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m., police responded to reports of a collision involving a commercial motor vehicle and a black Honda Civic in the southbound lanes of Highway 85 near Wellington Street North. 

The black Honda Civic was located a short distance away from the scene of the collision and the unknown driver had fled the area.

Highway 85 remained closed for several hours for the cleanup of a fuel spill.

There were no physical injuries reported as a result of this incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has dash-cam footage is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777, extension 6399.

To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com

WA24090718 (952)

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