Halton Regional Police have charged a 30-year-old Brantford man in connection with the theft of specialized millwright and aerospace equipment from an Oakville company. The investigation also led to the recovery of approximately $250,000 worth of equipment and over $150,000 in cash, along with several high-value designer watches and sunglasses believed to be proceeds of crime.
Theft Investigation Details
In early June, police began investigating after an aerospace company reported the theft of specialized millwright and aerospace equipment and tools. Investigators alleged that an employee of the company was responsible after the stolen items were put up for sale on social media platforms.
On June 30, a search warrant was executed at a Brantford residence, where the accused was taken into custody. Investigators recovered about $250,000 worth of millwright and aerospace equipment along with more than $150,000 in cash. Several high-value designer watches and sunglasses were also recovered, which are believed to be connected to proceeds of crime.
Charges Laid
Abhishek Kumar Patel has been charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (trafficking). Investigators are continuing to work with the affected business to identify additional stolen property and determine whether further charges are warranted.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, Ext. 2216. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Oakville Home and Vehicle Shot Up
In a separate incident, Halton Regional Police are seeking the public's help in identifying a vehicle allegedly involved in an Oakville shooting. Police said that on July 1 around 1:30 a.m., a lone suspect exited a white four-door sedan parked outside of a residence on Sawyer Dr. in Oakville and fired multiple shots at the home and a vehicle parked in the driveway. While there were people inside the home at the time of the shooting, no one was injured.
Anyone with video footage from that area of Sawyer, including Rebecca St. between Bronte Rd. and Third Line, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on July 1 is asked to contact police at 905-825-4777, Ext. 2216. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Other Incidents: Fire and Moped Crash
In Toronto, two women were hospitalized with serious injuries after a fire broke out at a senior housing building at Victoria Park Ave. and O'Connor Dr. around 2 a.m. on Thursday morning. Toronto Police and Toronto Fire were on scene investigating after the two-alarm blaze broke out with reports of a mattress on fire in the hallway. The blaze was later doused. TTC shelter buses were at the scene for displaced residents to use, some of whom may not get to return to the building for a week.
“We are going to be working with the staff here in the building and determine how many are displaced,” Toronto Fire Cmdr. Paul O’Brien told CP24 at the scene. “But I can tell you for the ninth floor on the south side, they won’t be going in there for at least a week.” CP24 reported an earlier fatal fire happened at the same building in June.
Additionally, Toronto Police are investigating after a 17-year-old boy was seriously injured in a personal injury collision in the Redgrave Dr. and Clarion Rd. area on Wednesday. Cops said that around 9:45 p.m., they responded to the area after it was reported that a boy was operating a black moped on Redgrave, when he lost control and fell off the moped. Authorities said the driver was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police are asking local residents, businesses and drivers who may have video footage of the area or incident or anyone else with information to contact police at 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com.
