Opinion: Cop stops or pot shops?

Huge opportunity to shift vital resources back into community seems invisible to many.

Chris Nicholas, a lifelong resident of Ottawa currently residing downtown, speaks on the recent ongoing execution of search and arrest warrants on medical marijuana storefronts, the majority of new locations within a walking distance of his apartment in Sandy Hill. Both sides of the argument are considered in the hopes that an agreement can be met so we can better focus on more substantial issues affecting the city.

Controversial: Search warrant executed at Vanier pot shop, police say storefronts 100% illegal

Unrelated Fall '16 search warrant aftermath on Montreal Rd

Ottawa Police announced yesterday that on Dec 30 2016, a warrant issued under the Control Drug and Substance Act (CDSA) was executed at an illegal marijuana dispensary located at 274 Montreal Road. When police first arrived at the scene, one male and one female, both adults, were taken into custody peacefully. Click below for description of the charges laid, as well as the drugs and property seized.

Rebel Media covers alleged honour killing in Ottawa, citizens react but stay tight-lipped

 

Once again, Rebel Media has ventured into territory no liberal mainstream media outlet dare enter, and we applaud them. We give a particular nod of our caps to Faith Goldy, a regular correspondent with Rebel Media, who has committed to covering the latest news surrounding this tragedy in Ottawa, which left two young sisters dead, at the hands of their own brother, prompting outrage among citizens at the possibility of yet another honour killing in Ontario.

A look at homicides of 2016, "What can I say? It's been a hell of a ride.", says Staff Sgt when asked about Ottawa's record-setting year of homicide

CBC.ca has published a lengthy article describing Ottawa Crime in 2016 and the huge spike in homicides and gunshot incidents that saw regular coverage in the media throughout the year. Ottawa Police Services Major Crimes Unit Staff Sargent Bruce Pirt was quoted saying, "We're hoping this is just an anomaly in the statistics and that it does slow down for 2017. ... This has been a hell of a year.".

While OCN works on several articles highlighting statistics and outlining important facts, see below for our 2016 Ottawa Homicide Report.

Ottawa murder suspect arrested on unrelated drug charges in Thunder Bay after investigation

On May 25th 2016 , CBC reported the shootings of Nicholas Kim and Katrina Galloway, resulting in the death of Kim. 30 years old, while Galloway, in her 20s, was taken to hospital by paramedics for gunshot wounds. Suspect Johnathan Ranger, 32 and Galloway are reported to have a child together.
While no warrant was issued for the arrest of Johnathan Ranger in connection to the Ottawa murder, a separate investigation resulted in his arrest, along with three others in Thunder Bay, ON on unrelated drug charges, after Thunder Bay Police concluded an investigation, with two high-risk vehicle stops, and the search of a residence.

Ottawa Police Services have not laid charges against Ranger in connection with the May 2016 homicide and shootings, as of 8pm on Jan 2 2017, although he remains in custody.

Stay tuned for updates as information becomes available.

January is Crime Stoppers Month, help stay safe by getting involved and keeping yourself informed

Crime Stoppers has announced several events in Ottawa across the entire city. With the increase in crime we've seen in the past year, this annual awareness mission serves to be even more useful, arming average citizens with resources they can use to fight back against the armed criminals out to wreak havoc on their lives. The events are intended to educate citizens about the program as well as make coordinators and volunteers available to the general public in order to answer any questions people may have for them.