Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Help Locate Missing Person

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is appealing to the public for their continued assistance in locating missing person Rita Vannini.

Rita Vannini was first reported to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service as missing back on the 13th of December 2004. Despite extensive canvassing by the police and two previous media releases, requesting public assistance, no new information has been forthcoming that could assist in determining the whereabouts of Ms. Vannini.

The last known address for Ms. Vannini was the Algonquin Hotel (Queen Street East and Pim Street) here in Sault Ste. Marie. At the time of her reported disappearance Ms. Vannini was known to frequent the downtown area within walking distance of this location. Again Rita Vannini is forty-nine (49) years of age and described as being approximately five foot two inches tall (5’2”), slim build, weight approximately one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) with short, straight black hair and known to wear glasses. Ms. Vannini is believed to suffer from epilepsy.

The immediate whereabouts and welfare of Ms. Vannini continues to be of grave concern to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. Any person believing that they may have sighted or know where Ms. Vannini might be located are asked to call the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at (705) 949-6300 extension 210 with this information.

News Release from February 23rd.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is continuing to look for a male who failed to meet his conditions of parole. A Canada Wide Warrant has been issued and is being help by the R.C.M.P. for Garnet Sean Hanifan, age 39, of no fixed address. It is believed that Mr. Hanifan is in the Sault Ste. Marie area. Mr. Hanifan is currently on statutory release. He is described as being 6’tall, weighs about 250 lbs, has brown hair and eyes.

If you know the whereabouts of Mr. Hanifan call the City Police at 949-6300. If you know his whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. If your call to Crime Stoppers leads to the arrest of Mr. Hanifan you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

News Update:

Yesterday afternoon 39-year old Garnet Hanifan turned himself into the City Police in regards to his Parole Violation Warrant. He has been remanded into custody.

Drug Charges Laid

A 17-year old youth will appear in bail court this morning after being arrested around 3 am this morning. Officers attended at a downtown residence after receiving a call that the youth was creating a problem. The youth was found to be in possession of approximately 1 gram of cannabis resin. The youth was on probation with conditions to keep the peace and be good. The youth as been charged with one count of possession of a controlled drug or substance and two counts of breach of probation.

Male Charged with Sexual Assault

23-year old Keith Huron of 166 Trelawne Avenue was arrested shortly before 2 am this morning after City Police attended a local drinking establishment regarding a complaint about the accused. It is alleged that the accused grabbed the breast of a female unknown to him. The accused has been charged with one count of sexual assault and will appear in court on March 25th.

Vehicle Collision

Yesterday afternoon, just before 5 pm, City Police attended at Trunk Road near Lake Street for an accident that resulted in traffic in the area being congested for short time. It is alleged that a car operated by Anthony Huluk of 22 Grosvenor Avenue pulled out of a civic address in the 100 block of Trunk Road and struck another car being operated by Linda Euale of Desbarats, Ontario. It appears that another driver that was on Trunk Road waved to Mr. Huluk that it was clear to cross, but Mr. Huluk’s car ended up striking Mrs. Euale’s car. Drivers are reminded to make sure they can themselves see that the roadway is clear, and not rely on someone else to indicate that the way is clear. Unfortunately this scenario is not uncommon. Mr. Huluk has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario with one count of Fail to Yield from Driveway.

Quick Change Reminder

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service would like to advise local merchants to be aware of a possibility of a “quick change” suspect. Yesterday morning City Police received a report of a possible “quick change artist”. It is alleged that a Caucasian male, mid 20’s, 5’7”-5’10”, thin build attended at the Foremost Pets Store on Great Northern Road on March 21st and short changed the staff $20. It is alleged that the suspect purchased a small ticket item and paid for it with a $50 bill. When the clerk gave the accused the change, the accused argued that the clerk owed him $20 more. If you encounter a quick-change artist, contact the City Police to report the matter.