New Year starts with two bangs and other city crime news
OTTAWA – Day two of the New Year has police investigating two New Year’s Day shootings in the city.
“The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Guns and Gangs Unit is investigating a shooting in the area of Somerset Street West and Bronson Avenue that occurred at 10:29 p.m. on Jan. 1,” the OPS released in a statement today (Jan. 2).
A 44-year-old man suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries in the Chinatown shooting.
“The suspect is described as a Caucasian man in his 40s,” the OPS said. “At the time of the incident he was wearing a grey and black hoodie with a jean shirt underneath, blue jeans, black and white shoes. Investigators would like to speak with anyone who has information about this incident.”
Ottawa Police are also investigating a shooting inside a residence in the 100 block of Willow Creek Cir. in Barrhaven that occurred at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.
“No one was injured,” the OPS said. “Three people were arrested and have been released. There are no outstanding suspects.”
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5050. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
Charges laid in Argyle Street stabbing
CENTRETOWN – The OPS responded to a stabbing in the 100 block of Argyle Street at 4:57 a.m. this morning (Jan. 2). A man was located with minor injuries.
“A male suspect was arrested in the area by responding officers,” the OPS released in a statement today.
Central Criminal Investigations has charged David Girouard, 51-years-old of Ottawa, with:
- Two counts of assault with a weapon
- Assaulting a peace officer
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of a weaponGirouard is scheduled to appear in court today. Anyone with further information is requested to contact the Ottawa Police Central Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5166.Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
Two loaded handguns seized following traffic stop on Hunt Club Road
GREENBORO – A traffic stop in Greenboro turned up two loaded handguns.
“An Ottawa police frontline officer stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a red light at the intersection of Blohm Drive and Hunt Club Road on Dec. 30 at approx. 12:15 a.m.,” the OPS released in a statement. “The driver, who was suspended, was arrested and a loaded handgun was located and seized. Following the search of the vehicle a second loaded handgun was located and seized. The male passenger was also arrested.”
As a result of the investigation by Guns and Gangs Unit, Colin James Haddad, 32-years-old and Ahmed Wardak, 23-years-old, both of Ottawa were charged with:
- Possession of unregistered restricted weapon
- Possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession of firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Transport a prohibited weapon carelessly x2
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace x2
- Carry a concealed weapon x2
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime x2
- Tampering with serial number of a firearm x2
- Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number has been tampered with x2
- Unlawfully possess schedule III substance
Wardak has been additionally charged with:
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Both appeared in court Dec. 30.
Greely fire contained to garage
GREELY – Rural south volunteer firefighters were able to contain a New Year’s Eve fire in Greely to a garage.
“Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) dispatch received a 911 call at 11:31 p.m. Dec. 31, 2019 for heavy black smoke coming from a garage,” the OFS released in a statement that same night. “With a volunteer firefighter from the OFS arriving on scene, a working fire was declared immediately.”
The home was a single-family bungalow.
“There was no one home at the time,” the OFS said. “The fire seemed to be contained in the garage only. With a fast offensive attack the crews were able to knock the fire down quickly and have it under control at 12:20 p.m.”
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.
Police warning of the dangers of thin ice
OTTAWA –The OPS has received multiple calls regarding people venturing out onto the ice this past weekend (Dec. 29, 28) and is reminding residents of the many dangers that may arise due to thin ice.
Even though temperatures have been below zero, the ice remains thin in many areas and presents hidden dangers,” the OPS released in a statement. “The Marine Dive and Trails Unit is offering safety advice to keep Ottawa residents out of danger:”
- Ice is inherently dangerous at this time of year and is always unpredictable. Stay away from open bodies of water.
- Always supervise children playing outside who may wander or want to play near rivers, ponds, creeks or ditches etc. A child can drown in less than two inches of water.
- Falling into water at this time of year can lead to hypothermia and death.
- Cold water temperatures at this time of year can prevent even strong swimmers from escaping once they’ve fallen through the ice.
- If snowmobiling, stay safe on the trails and away from water or thin ice.
“Over half of drownings related to snowmobiling occur after dark and consumption of alcohol and/or drugs continues to be a contributing factor in snowmobiling related drownings,” the OPS said.
Ottawa Police reminds everyone to remain vigilant when outside near area waterways. More ice safety tips are available online.
