Monday, September 19, 2005

Fraud Alert - Counterfeit Cheque used to purchase vehicle in SSM

As we are all aware the city has been inundated with counterfeit fraudulent cheques sent to vendors who are selling things or renting property via internet classified ads. On Thursday 08 Sept. 2005 a woman was defrauded of her 2001 Ford Explorer when a male suspect attended her residence and purchased the vehicle with a counterfeit certified cheque made payable from a bogus account at the Sault Ste. Marie Bank of Montreal. The cheque was counterfeit and not issued by that bank or any other.

Vendors have always been warned against sales taking place over the internet where these cheques are mailed to them with some additional transaction that ends up with monies being wired back to the fraudster. This is a new variation on the scheme and the seller was approached directly. Anyone can counterfeit a local bank address onto a phoney cheque. All cheques should be verified with the issuing bank prior to the sale being made.

Suspect was male, Caucasian, age 22-24 yrs with short dark hair dyed orange on the top. He is described as 5'10", 160 lbs accompanied by a shorter heavier male with a darker complexion. They were driving a 1997 Chev Camero Black in colour with B.C. plates.

Anyone having information on this incident is asked to contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Fraud Unit.

Male Charged with 3 Counts of Assault

A 22-year old male will appear in bail court this morning. It is alleged that the male was at the courthouse on Friday morning in regards to a family court matter. When the male attended at the courthouse it is alleged that he pushed and shoved 3 males who were in the area of one of the courtrooms. It is further alleged that the male made derogatory comments to his ex-girlfriend at the same time. The commotion was overheard and investigated by officers who were in the area. The male was arrested after he was done in family court. The male has been charged with three counts of assault and one count of breach of probation. At the time of the offence the male was on probation with terms not to molest, harass or annoy the female and to keep the peace. He will appear in bail court this morning.

Warrant for Male's Arrest

On the 18th of September just after midnight City Police attended at a downtown residence in regards to a noise complaint. When the owner of the address from where the noise was coming from answered the door police recognized the male and learned that there was an arrest warrant for him. The 28-year old male was arrested on an outstanding warrant for one count of assault and for one count of fail to appear in court. The assault incident was from the 17th of July and was related to a domestic violence call involving a girlfriend. The male will appear in court on October 24th. The name of the male is not being released as it could identify the victim.

Male Smashed a Video Game Inside Top Hat Amusements

On the 17th of September just before 1:30 am City Police attended in the area of Top Hat Amusements on Queen Street East regarding person fighting. When officers arrived they arrested 27-year old Brian McNaughton of 39 Albert Street East and charged him with one count of cause a disturbance by fighting. He will appear in court on October 24th. A second male was arrested and charged with one count of assault and two counts of mischief. It is alleged that 29-year old James Meilleur of 2-46 Wellington Street West smashed a video game inside Top Hat Amusements and then smashed the front door when he exited the business. It is further alleged that the accused did punch a male victim twice in the mouth area when questioned as to why he broke the window. Mr. Meilleur will appear in court on October 24th.

Break and Enter

On the 16th of September City Police attended in the 100 block of Grandhaven Crescent for a break and enter to a residence. Entry was gained between 7:30 pm and 10 pm and fortunately nothing was taken.

On the 17th of September City Police attended at Avery and Onraet Ltd. Located at 940 Second Line West for a break and enter into the office. Sometime between 6:30 pm on the 16th and 6:30 am on the 17th thieves broke into the office and stole a safe which contained a substantial undisclosed amount of money. The safe was located a short distance away. If you know who is responsible for this break and enter contact City Police at 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 942-7867. If your information leads to an arrest you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Motor Vehicle Collision

On Friday afternoon just after 4:30 pm City Police attended at the intersection of Bay Street and Brock Street for a motor vehicle collision. Fortunately no one was hurt in the accident. Two vans were involved in the incident. Officers from Traffic Services are continuing the investigation into the collision and are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact the City Police at 949-6300.

Investigation into Assault

Officers from Investigation Services are currently investigating a serious assault that took place on September 17th. It is alleged that around 9:30 pm a male attended at an address in the 100 block of Birkshire Place and advised the homeowner who answered the door that he needed assistance with his vehicle, which was out on the street. The male homeowner left the residence and once he was in the driveway was hit in the head and the leg with a hammer. The homeowner was able to get away and police were called. The male is described as being in his 20’s, 5’7” tall, very slight thin build, slight moustache and slight goatee, dark hair and eyes. The male was wearing a dark ball cap on backwards and had earrings in both ears. He was wearing a grey sweatshirt and black jeans. The victim required medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries, and was treated and released at the hospital. City Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact City Police at 949-6300.