A terrifying ordeal unfolded for a woman in Brampton earlier this month when she realized her rideshare wasn't what it seemed. What began as a routine trip home from Trinity Common mall quickly spiraled into a frightening situation as the driver allegedly deviated from the expected route.
The victim soon discovered the man behind the wheel wasn’t a legitimate rideshare driver, and her request to be let out was met with confinement. The 70-year-old driver, identified as Goutam Banerjee, was arrested and now faces forcible confinement charges. Investigators are deeply concerned this may not be an isolated incident.
Police are actively seeking information, believing other individuals may have been targeted by Banerjee, who used a grey 2008 Nissan Altima in the alleged crimes. Anyone with knowledge of similar experiences is urged to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, in Newmarket, small business owners are on high alert following a surge in break-ins targeting cash registers and boxes. Since the beginning of December, investigators have responded to multiple incidents where thieves forcibly entered businesses after hours, exploiting the increased cash flow common during the holiday season.
On December 7th alone, six businesses were hit, all seemingly the work of a single suspect. He is described as a white male, between 5’10” and 6’ tall, with a medium build, wearing a black jacket, dark pants, and a face mask. A distinctive slow gait and apparent impairment in his left hand may aid in identification.
Authorities strongly advise business owners to avoid leaving cash on the premises overnight, a simple precaution that can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a target. Surveillance footage from the area could prove crucial in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
In Toronto, a 35-year-old man is facing serious charges related to hate-motivated threats directed towards the Muslim community. Andrew Howes was arrested and charged with public incitement of hatred and seven counts of uttering threats, stemming from online activity between October 13th and November 28th.
The allegations paint a disturbing picture of targeted harassment and intimidation. Police are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of addressing hate-fueled behavior within the community.
The quiet of Hamilton’s east end was shattered early Thursday morning by the sound of gunfire near Melvin Ave. and Talbot St. Police responded to reports of multiple loud bangs, discovering over 20 bullet casings from two different types of ammunition scattered along a footpath.
Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported. Investigators are now meticulously reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage from the area between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., hoping to piece together the events that unfolded and identify any potential suspects.
A routine traffic stop in Whitby took a dangerous turn when a Festive R.I.D.E. team member discovered a loaded handgun during an impaired driving investigation. An 18-year-old man from Clarington, Armaan Ali Osmani, now faces multiple charges, including impaired operation and several firearm-related offenses.
The incident underscores the critical importance of R.I.D.E. programs in removing impaired drivers – and illegal weapons – from our roads. Police are appealing for any information or footage related to this incident to aid their investigation.
