Hamilton cops probing 'grandparent scam;' SUV driver wanted after Brampton crash
· Toronto Sun
The Hamilton Police crimes against seniors unit is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a fraud commonly known as the “grandparent scam.”
Cops said that on March 30, an elderly victim received a phone call from an individual who they believed to be a grandchild and that the caller claimed to have been arrested.
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The caller convinced the victim to withdraw a large sum of cash to post bail and instructed them not to tell anyone, claiming a “gag order” had been issued by a judge.
Later that same day, arrangements were made for a courier to attend the victim’s residence between about 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and a male suspect visited the residence on foot, retrieved the cash and was last seen walking eastbound on Beach Rd. toward Gage Ave.
Police are now asking residents in the area to review their surveillance cameras and contact investigators if they recognize the individual in images they released to the public.
The male suspect is in his 30s and has brown skin, a medium build, dark hair, a dark beard and he was wearing dark pants, a dark long-sleeve sweater and brown shoes with white soles.
Police are reminding the public these scams rely on urgency and emotion to pressure victims into acting quickly . If contacted, hang up and verify any emergency claims by speaking to a family member directly using a trusted number.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamilton Police crimes against seniors unit at 905-540-5155 or Det.-Const. Phil Poirier directly at the same number. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com .
Suspect vehicle sought after pedestrian critically hurt
Police are appealing for information about a vehicle that fled the scene of a crash in Brampton, leaving a male pedestrian fighting for his life in a hospital.
Peel Regional Police said officers responded to the collision at the intersection of Bovaird Dr. and McLaughlin Rd. on Monday at about 5 a.m. after an SUV travelling northbound on McLaughlin made a right turn onto Bovaird before striking a male pedestrian who was crossing the road.
Police said the pedestrian was then struck by two more vehicles, which remained at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped briefly, police said, before leaving without speaking to police.
The pedestrian, a 28-year-old man, suffered critical, life-threatening injuries.
Police said the suspect vehicle is a blue, newer-model Toyota RAV4 and they asked anyone with dashcam or cellphone footage of the area between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, Ext. 3710.
Anonymous information can also be sent to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or peelcrimestoppers.ca.
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Milton man charged with assaulting officer
A 50-year-old Milton man has been charged after police accused him of assaulting a parking enforcement officer over the weekend near Union Station.
Toronto Police said the officer was working in the Front St. W.-Bay St. area at about 6 p.m. on Saturday, when they issued a violation notice to a man’s vehicle.
Police said the man approached the officer and used profane language before allegedly reaching into the officer’s vehicle and grabbing the steering wheel. The man then allegedly assaulted the officer before fleeing.
The incident was reported to police and no physical injuries were reported.
Police said Leon Plummer surrendered on Monday and was charged with assaulting a peace officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com.
— With files from Jordan Ercit.