Halton Regional Police arrested a high-risk registered sex offender after a nationwide warrant was issued for him being unlawfully at large for allegedly violating supervision conditions in the Montreal area.
Arrest in Hamilton
Officers located an unoccupied vehicle registered to Christopher Watts, 66, on Tuesday that was parked at LaSalle Park in Burlington. Halton cops watched the vehicle until it was safe to arrest Watts later that evening in Hamilton.
Investigators are working to establish Watt's activities during the five days before his arrest.
Watts was released from custody on May 28 and was to report immediately to a halfway house in Montreal. He reported as scheduled, but allegedly escaped before a nationwide warrant was issued for him on June 4.
Watts completed a 12-year prison sentence in 2015 after being found guilty of manslaughter, sexual assault and sexual interference in the 2001 death of Amanda Raymond, 13, near Cambridge and was placed on a long-term supervision order.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the 3 District criminal investigations bureau at 905-825-4777, Ext. 2316. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Project Keystone drug bust in Brock
Durham Regional Police said that an investigation known as Project Keystone, which began in May, has resulted in multiple arrests and drugs being seized in Brock.
Officers said that a significant amount of drug activity and trafficking was allegedly reported in and around a motel located on Osborne St. in Beaverton. In late May, investigators executed a search warrant at the motel and took two people into custody. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also seized.
Officers then began focused proactive patrols and traffic stops in the area and assisted frontline officers with drug-related calls, leading to the seizure of 28 grams of cocaine, fentanyl and more than $1,500 in cash.
As of early June, cops said, 12 people had been arrested, 83 project-related traffic stops were completed, 37 provincial offence notices and summons were issued and 53 compliance checks were executed.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the North Division community resource unit at 1-888-579-1520, Ext. 1501. Anonymous tips can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.
Berczy Park remains identified
Barrie Police have confirmed human remains found in Toronto's Berczy Park have been identified as Jamie Goudreault, 50, of Barrie. His next of kin has been notified.
The death is considered suspicious and being investigated as a homicide, although a cause of death had yet to be determined. The victim was known to police and went by the nickname Bones. He routinely panhandled at the Hwy. 400 off-ramp to Bayfield St. and the Essa Road on-ramp to the northbound 400 at Fairview Rd.
Investigators are seeking information on the victim's last known movements, contacts or activities in recent months. Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact investigators at 705-725-7025, Ext. 2160.
Aggravated assault charges in Woodbine Beach
Toronto Police have charged four people between 17 and 18 years old in an aggravated assault investigation. Cops said that on Friday at about 8:50 p.m., police responded to a stabbing call in the Woodbine Beach area. They said two victims were approached by several suspects and a fight broke out.
One of the suspects allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed one of the victims, both of whom were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Rabeea Ziadah and Katchig Daneil, both 18 and from Toronto, were charged with two counts each of assault causing bodily harm. Two male youths, both 17 and from Toronto, were charged with two counts each of assault causing bodily harm and one faces an additional count of attempt murder.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com.
