Van sought in deadly Vaughan hit-and-run; Durham cop accused of assault

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York Regional Police have identified a suspect vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Vaughan and are seeking the public’s help locating it.

Investigators have obtained security video of the suspect vehicle, described as a white, 2020 to 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and debris found at the scene where the victim was struck has been confirmed as belonging to the vehicle.

On Oct. 4, the victim – identified as a 60-year-old resident of Richmond Hill who was heading to her job as a caregiver – was walking northbound on Pine Valley from Major Mackenzie Drs. around 8:30 p.m.

As she was walking, she was struck by a northbound vehicle that fled the scene.

The suspect vehicle is seen on video turning into the subdivision in the area of Ballantyne Blvd. and Pine Valley Dr., shortly after the timeframe of when the victim was believed to have been struck.

Investigators have been unable to locate the suspect vehicle and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.

Police are also reminding the public that anyone who assists a suspect by concealing, repairing or altering a vehicle in an effort to avoid detection may be committing a criminal offence and could face charges. This includes anyone who performs or arranges body work, paint work or mechanical repairs intended to conceal damage caused in this collision.

Investigators are urging anyone who has worked on the suspect vehicle, or is in the process of carrying out a repair, to stop immediately and contact the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

The driver is urged to seek legal advice and turn themself in.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DURHAM COP FACING ASSAULT CHARGE

A Durham Regional Police officer has been charged with assault following an investigation by his own force.

Cops say the alleged incident occurred on-duty, during an arrest.

Const. Brandon Welsh-Battiste, of West Division, with three years of service, has been charged with one count of assault.

The officer was released on an undertaking and has been re-assigned to administrative duties until court proceedings are complete, at which point an investigation under the Community Safety and Policing Act will commence.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call DRPS’ Professional Standards Unit at 905-579-1520, ext. 5131, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

TORONTO MAN, 25, FACES SEX ASSAULT CHARGES

A 25-year-old Toronto man faces sexual assault charges after it’s alleged he sexually assaulted a victim on two separate occasions between late 2021 and mid-2022.

Toronto Police claim the accused and alleged victim are known to one another.

Adam Martel-Brain, 25, has been arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-1200.

MAN SOUGHT FOR DOWNTOWN TORONTO BREAK-AND-ENTER

Toronto Police are requesting the public’s help locating a 47-year-old man wanted as a suspect in a break-and-enter investigation.

Cops say on Sept. 8, around 3:40 p.m., officers responded to a call for a break-and-enter near Dundas St. W. and McCaul St.

It’s reported that the suspect entered private property and broke into a locker secured with a combination lock, then stole personal property that included bank cards, which were then used to make purchases.

Robert Cropeardwolf, of Toronto, is wanted for break-and-enter commit place other than a dwelling, breach of probation and two counts of possess/use credit card obtained by offence.

He is described as 5-foot-11, with a thin build, brown eyes and clean shaven.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-5200 pr Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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MAN, 31, CHARGED FOR ALLEGEDLY BREACHING RELEASE CONDITIONS

A 31-year-old man wanted in an ongoing criminal harassment investigation has been located.

Toronto Police say on June 25, Baraa Badwai, 31, of no fixed address, was released from the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on a release order.

During July and August, investigators learned he had allegedly breached the conditions set out in his release order but investigators were unable to locate him, so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On Wednesday evening, Badawi was located in Georgina and taken into custody. He is charged with five counts each of failure to comply with a release order and disobeying a court order.

jstevenson@postmedia.com

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