Wednesday, June 16, 2004

RIDE CHECKS THIS WEEK

During the week of June 7th to 11th, members from the new operation unit of the Sault Ste Marie Police Service continued with project “Kick Start”. Officers conducted Ride Checks throughout the city and 4 individuals were charged with impaired driving offences, and six 12-hour suspensions were issued as a result.

The unit also continued with speeding enforcement and 49 provincial offences notices were issued for various traffic infractions. The unit also responded to noise complaints from the motor vehicles in the Bay Street and Queen Street blocks, and will continue to monitor this area for infractions. This week the unit will continue with traffic enforcement for speeders, intersection infractions and will be performing RIDE checks throughout the city.

FRAUD CHARGES LAID

A 37-year-old male will appear in bail court today to answer to a number of fraud charges. Yesterday, members of the Sault Ste Marie Police Services Fraud Unit arrested Kevin Johnston. Mr. Johnston has been in custody in the Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre after he was sentenced to custody on other matters.

It is alleged that between the May 1st, 2002 and March 30, 2004, Mr. Johnston defrauded 13 separate complainants while in his position as a salesman while employed at the Great Northern Auto Centre, as well as being the owner of a used car dealership known as “The Lot.” Mr. Johnston was charged with 17 counts of fraud over $5,000, 9 counts of uttering forged documents, and 7 counts of obtaining credit by false pretences or fraud.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE

57-year-old Rainy Bishop, of 1107-70 East Street will appear in court on July 19th. Mr. Bishop was arrested yesterday and charged with on count of sexual assault after a female complained of the assault to the City Police on June 8th.

CITIZEN’S TO THE RESCUE

Yesterday at approximately 7 pm, City Police responded to a break and enter to the Community Outdoor Rink in the 100 Block of Park Street. Citizen’s observed 3 persons exit the area, immediately called the police, held one of the persons and turned them over to the police on their arrival. Nothing was taken during the break in. Charged with one count of break and enter is 19-year-old Nathan Chaput of 902 Frontenac Street. He will appear in court on July 19th. A 16 and a 17-year-old youth were also charged with break and enter, and they will appear in court on July 20th.

DOMINO EFFECT

On the 15th of June at approximately 8:35 am an officer from the Traffic Services Section investigated a 3-car collision in the 100-block area of Second Line West. 36-year-old Jan Olsson, of Sweden, had been stopped on Second Line West. Also stopped, and behind the Olsson car, was a car driven by 18-year-old Marc Palumbo of 851 Second Line West. A car driven by K. Daniel Whitfield, age 19, of 1948 Third Line West, was traveling east bound on Second Line West when it drove into the back of the Palumbo vehicle, causing the Palumbo vehicle to hit the back of the Olsson vehicle. A 17 year-old passenger in the Palumbo vehicle received minimal injuries. Damage to the 3 vehicles is described as light to moderate. Mr. Whitfield has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with careless driving.

STOLEN CREDIT CARD NUMBERS

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Fraud Unit is currently investigating several complaints where stolen credit card numbers are being used to purchase goods throughout the city. The credit card numbers are being received over the telephone with a variety of explanations including the purchase of gift certificates for someone in the Sault. The credit card numbers are valid - the cardholders have yet to become aware their numbers have been intercepted. Some of the card numbers are issued in the U.K.

Please bear in mind that despite approval from the card issuer, the credit card number may be stolen and the merchant held liable for the fraud purchase.

Always verify the card holder identity and the identity of the person sent to pick up the item and be suspicious of any orders taken via telephone (our advice is to see the actual credit card and verify it prior to acceptance - especially if the caller is sending someone to pick up a purchase for a large amount - cigarettes, clothing, tools and equipment etc.)

Please contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Fraud Unit at 949-6300 ext 340 or ext 388 if you have any information that would assist with identifying these suspects.