Fatal hit-and-run in Vaughan: white Mercedes van sought, Durham officer charged
York Regional Police are searching for a white Mercedes Sprinter van in a fatal Vaughan hit-and-run. A Durham officer faces assault charges after an on-duty arrest.
White Mercedes van linked to fatal Vaughan hit-and-run; Durham officer charged with assault
York Regional Police are appealing to the public for help locating a suspect vehicle connected to a fatal hit-and-run collision in Vaughan, Toronto Sun Crime reports. The vehicle has been identified through security footage as a white, 2020–2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
The victim, a 60-year-old Richmond Hill resident who worked as a caregiver, was struck on Oct. 4 while walking northbound on Pine Valley Dr. near Major Mackenzie Dr. at approximately 8:30 p.m. The driver fled the scene without stopping. She has since died from her injuries.
Debris recovered at the scene has been forensically confirmed as belonging to the suspect van. Security footage shows the vehicle turning into a subdivision near Ballantyne Blvd. and Pine Valley Dr. shortly after the time investigators believe the victim was struck. Despite these leads, police have been unable to locate the van.
Investigators are warning the public that assisting a suspect by concealing, repairing or altering the vehicle — including body work, paint work or mechanical repairs intended to hide collision damage — may constitute a criminal offence. Anyone currently carrying out such repairs is urged to stop immediately and contact the Major Collision Investigation Unit. The driver is being urged to seek legal advice and surrender voluntarily.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Durham Regional Police officer charged with assault
A Durham Regional Police constable has been charged with assault following an investigation conducted by his own force. The alleged incident occurred while the officer was on duty during an arrest.
Const. Brandon Welsh-Battiste, assigned to West Division and carrying three years of service, faces one count of assault. He has been released on an undertaking and reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of court proceedings. Once those proceedings conclude, an investigation under the Community Safety and Policing Act is set to begin.
Anyone with information relating to this investigation can reach DRPS Professional Standards Unit at 905-579-1520, ext. 5131, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Toronto man charged with two counts of sexual assault
A 25-year-old Toronto man has been arrested and charged with sexual assault after police allege he assaulted the same victim on two separate occasions between late 2021 and mid-2022. Toronto Police say the accused and the alleged victim are known to each other.
Adam Martel-Brain, 25, faces two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault. Anyone with information is asked to call Toronto Police at 416-808-1200.
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Suspect sought in downtown Toronto break-and-enter
Toronto Police are seeking a 47-year-old man in connection with a break-and-enter that occurred on Sept. 8 at around 3:40 p.m. near Dundas St. W. and McCaul St. Officers say the suspect entered private property, broke into a combination-locked locker and stole personal belongings including bank cards, which were subsequently used to make purchases.
Robert Cropeardwolf, of Toronto, is wanted on charges of break-and-enter of a place other than a dwelling, breach of probation and two counts of possessing or using a credit card obtained by an offence. He is described as 5-foot-11 with a thin build, brown eyes and a clean-shaven face.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Man arrested in Georgina after breaching release conditions
A 31-year-old man sought in a criminal harassment investigation has been taken into custody after evading police for several months. Toronto Police say Baraa Badawi, of no fixed address, was originally released from the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on June 25 on a release order.
Investigators determined during July and August that Badawi had allegedly breached the conditions of his release order on multiple occasions. A warrant was issued after police were unable to locate him. On Wednesday evening, Badawi was found in Georgina and arrested. He now faces five counts each of failure to comply with a release order and disobeying a court order.
Source: Toronto Sun Crime