Update on OPS’ Shooting Investigation and Violence Suppression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 11, 2021   9:00am 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police has used a whole of Service approach to investigate and resolve the recent spike in violent crimes and shooting incidents impacting our community’s safety.  

This includes the combined efforts of the following units: Guns and Gangs, Homicide, Drugs, Intelligence, Forensic Identification, Corporate Communications, OPSOC (Strategic Operations Centre)/Communications Centre, Neighbourhood Resource Teams, Crime Prevention Officers and our Frontline patrol officers.  

“This type of violence is simply unacceptable,” said Chief Peter Sloly. “We all know that this level of violence is not the result of a simple set of circumstances nor will it be solved with simple solutions. It is the result of a number of societal failures which ultimately leads to violence.” 

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has escalated its response and is in the process of finalizing a major operational plan to address street violence, shooting incidents and violent gang members. 

As such, the OPS is actively pursuing a range of investigations, prosecutions and incarcerations for all persons responsible for these violent crimes.  

As a result of the OPS focus on violence suppression and criminal investigations, the OPS has accomplished the following: 

1. Arrested and charged Hassen ABDI, 30 years old and Ugaryahan Abdi HUSSEIN, 19 years old, both of Ottawa – all stemming from the May 30^th shooting at Woodroffe and Iris;
2. Identified Ahmed SIYAD, Mohamed SHIRE and Abdullahi OSMAN (see photos) as the three wanted suspects in the Alta Vista Drive double homicide on May 28^th. The OPS is working with local, provincial, national and international justice partners in an active manhunt for these homicide suspects;
3. Laid Manslaughter charges against William BROWN in the beating death of Mikael Arjani on May 4^th on Carillon Street in Vanier. Mikael succumbed on May 26^th.
4. Released photos of the two persons of interest to identify in the Cyrville Road homicide; and
5. Seized thirty-five (35) crime guns this year and laid related criminal code charges against all the offenders. 

“The OPS’ success to date with these criminal investigations is the direct result of the diligent professional work of our members along with the active courageous support of our community partners,” said Chief Sloly.  “We know that our suppression and investigation efforts will only be successful and sustainable if we form trust-based community partnerships to prevent crime, while building healthier, safer, more inclusive and cohesive neighbourhoods.  That is why there is also a whole of community approach being planned with community partners to implement a range of community safety and wellbeing efforts that address the underlying issues that lead to street violence, shootings and violent gang activity – poverty, housing, education, mental health, etc.  Efforts will be a combination of place-based and person-based community-led efforts.” 

A heightened police visibility will continue through this weekend and into the summer months until the crime trend has been reversed.  The public can expect to see an increase of police patrols and an enhanced presence to improve community safety in public spaces as well as in high service demand areas of the city. 

Anyone with information regarding the recent shootings, violent street crimes or illegal gang activities should call the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050.  

Anyone with information about the recent or historical homicides should call the OPS Homicide Unit at ext. 5493. 

Anonymous tips should also be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or by email at crimestoppers.ca.   

-30- 

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366