Administration Section

Media Relations Section

Overview   |   Media Releases

Media Releases, July - December, 2004

December 09 2004 1155 a.m.

Incident: Missing Person – medical condition (bi-polar)

File: 04-300097

Date/Time: November 06 2004 (date reported missing)

Location: last seen 11800 blk of 80th Avenue North Delta on November 01 2004

Missing person: Dawne FARNSWORTH

In response to media releases regarding the Missing Person Investigation ofDawne FARNSWORTH, Police received a tip concerning a van which is believed to have provided a ride to Dawne FARNSWORTH. Information received indicates that Dawne was seen between November 01 -03 in the area of the 11900 Blk of 83A Avenue in North Delta conversing with the driver of a brown van. After a brief conversation she walked around to the passenger side of the van and got in at which time the vehicle drove westbound out of the area.( see attached map and photo of area)

Police have no reason to believe that this van is a suspect vehicle. She was observed willingly walking from the driver's side to the passenger side to enter the vehicle.

Vehicle Description: Older style American madevan, faded brown or tan in color.

The driver and/or occupants of this vehicle, or anyone with knowledge of this vehicle being in the area of the 11900 blk of 83 A Ave in Delta between November 1st - 3^rd ,2004 are are asked to contact the Delta Police at (604)946-4411

Brief of original information provided:

Circumstances: Dawne FARNSWORTH 28 years old was last seen possibly on November 1, 2004 at her residence in North Delta B.C. Police and her family are concerned for her wellbeing and safety as FARNSWORTH does suffer from a mental illness and her ability to adequately care for herself is likely to diminish over time.

Desc: Caucasian Female 173 cm / 5’8’’ Tall, 61 Kilograms / 132 lbs Shoulder Length Straight Blonde Hair Blue Eyes, wearing 3 Gold Mini-Hoop earrings in each ear. There is no clothing description known.

November 30 2004 1115 a.m.

Incident: Armed Robbery

Date/Time: November 29 2004 1:35 p.m.

Delta File: 04-31945

Location: 11944 88 Avenue - Grace Furniture in North Delta

At approximately 1:30 p.m. an employee of Grace Furniture noted a suspicious male standing inside the store. He also observed the business’ computer tower was outside of the store. He retrieved the computer and then attempted to determine if anything else was stolen, looking through plastic bags hanging on a blue mountain bike outside of the store. As a result there was a brief verbal altercation between the two. The suspect then produced a box cutting knife and slashed the employee causing a 3 inch laceration to the employee’s arm. The suspect then fled the area on a blue mountain bike. The employee was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The injuries are not believed to be serious in nature.

Suspect desc: Caucasian male early 20’s , 5’10, thin build, short blond hair and unshaven. Wearing blu baseball cap with white mesh over the head; sleeveless dark jacket and dark blue jeans

Bike( suspect fled area with): newer model blue mountain bike with chrome handle bars with black handles

Police remind business staff not to become confrontational with suspects as they are potentially dangerous and unpredictable. The Delta Police continue with their investigation into this incident.

November 30 2004 1040 a.m.

Males attempt to coerce (adult) female into vehicle

Incident: Suspicious Male(s)

Date/Time: November 29 2004 @ 4:40 p.m.

Delta File: 04-31962

Location: 1200 blk 56^th St South Delta

At approximately 4: 40 p.m. on November 29 an adult female was walking west on 12^th Avenue (in Tsawwassen) when a bright yellow van pulled up beside her with three male occupants inside. One of the passengers engaged in conversation with her telling her to get into the vehicle. They followed her for a short distance then pulled into a parking lot. She continued walking and passed the van in the parking lot. The vehicle then left the area.

A short time later the female called the police however the vehicle had long since left the area.

Vehicle: newer bright yellow mini van

Desc of passenger #1: Caucasian male 19-20 yrs wearing a white hoody and white baseball cap.

Desc of passenger #2: long light colored hair wearing a dark baseball cap

This is the only report received of this nature however, police continue to advise the public of these types of incidents to provide information and safety tips.

Young people and women need to walk in pairs or small groups and in well lit high traffic areas to deter anyone from approaching them for a harmful purpose.

Police ask the public to be vigilant and should you see any suspicious activity/person to report it immediately to the police

November 19 2004 12:50 p.m.

Marijuana Grow - op dismantled and one in custody

Incident: Marijuana Grow Operation

Date/Time: November 18 2004 @ 2:15 p.m.

Delta File: 04-3756

Location: 5200 Saratoga Dr. South Delta

As a result of an investigation conducted by the Delta Police, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 5200 Block of Saratoga Drive. There were 67 mature marijuana plants seized along with related equipment. The estimated value of marijuana and equipment is $62,000.

Police also took a 34 year old male associated to the residence into custody and are recommending drug related charges under the CDSA.

November 19 2004 0930 a.m.

On November 16 2004 at approximately 8:50 p.m. the Delta Police responded to a report of a break and enter in progress in the 10400 blk of 59^th Ave.

On arrival officers noted a smashed window near the front of the residence. Officers entered the residence to ensure suspects(s) were not still inside or to render assistance to any injured persons. While doing this, officers discovered a large quantity of marijuana, however no individuals were located within the premise. Further investigation lead to the discovering of firearms that were then seized.

Police seized approximately ten pounds of marijuana (estimated value of $25,000), two shotguns and a handgun along with ammunition.

Police did arrest 30 year old Sean Ewart ADAMS of Delta. He has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance under the CDSA.

November 19 2004 0910 a.m.

Investigation into possible child pornography offence(s)

As a result of information recently received, the Delta Police Department has initiated an investigation relating to child pornography. On November 17, 2004 the Delta Police did execute two search warrants in the South Delta area however police are not indicating the locations at this time. Police did seize materials which are currently being reviewed. No arrests have been made at this time as police are in the preliminary stages of this investigation.

The Delta police appreciate the level of concern this issue raises in the community and are working diligently through this investigation.

Police must be careful not to compromise the investigation while at the same time providing information as we are able. The Delta police believe with a great deal of certainty that there is not a current or active threat to the community with respect to issues relating to this investigation.

November 01 2004 3:15 p.m.

Incident: motor vehicle collision/ impaired driver

Date/Time: October 30, 2004 6:35 p.m.

Delta File : 04- 29415

Location: 72 Avenue 112 Street North Delta

At approximately 6:35 p.m. the Delta police responded to a motor vehicle collision in the 7200 blk of 112 St. On arrival police determined that the 1981 black Chev Pick- up truck, operated by a 42 year old Delta man, was traveling westbound on 72 Avenue who failed to realize that a line of cars ahead of him had come to a stop. The suspect crashed into one vehicle which set off a chain reaction resulting in four vehicles sustaining damage. No one suffered life threatening injuries and the suspect driver was taken into custody. Charges being recommended include impaired driving and Over .08.

November 01 2004 2:50 p.m.

Incident: Single vehicle collision/ impaired driver

Date/Time: October 29 2004 0717 a.m.

Delta File: 04- 29223

Location: 6700 blk Nicholson Road North Delta

At approximately 7:20 a.m. on October 29, 2004 the Delta Police responded to a report of a vehicle into a house in the 6700 blk of Nicholson Rd in North Delta

On arrival police observed a 1991 red Mercury Topaz had gone off road and into a townhouse complex coming to rest on a tree and fence.

The driver (and lone occupant) of the vehicle was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The amount of damage to the property is not known.

The 39 year old driver from North Delta is facing charges including impaired driving and over .08.

This was the first of three collisions on October 29/30 2004 involving impaired drivers fortunately no one in any of the incidents were seriously injured. Police remind the public - Don’t Drink and Drive – alcohol mixed with driving can be a deadly combination.

November 01 2004

A Delta Police officer sustained minor injury after his police car was struck by a 1985 black CJ Jeep traveling northbound on the Alex Fraser Bridge on October 29 2004 at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Delta Police were assisting RCMP Freeway on the Alex Fraser Bridge at the scene of a collision, with all emergency lights illuminated, when a possible impaired driver struck the officer’s vehicle. It was while the police officer was seated in the passenger seat of his vehicle completing paper work on a collision he was assisting RCMP Freeway Patrol with at that location.

The police officer was attended to by the emergency personnel on scene and transported to hospital and was later released. The damage to the police vehicle is extensive.

The driver and the passenger were uninjured.

Although police are continuing with their investigation, charges of impaired driving and over .08 are being recommended with the possibility of other Motor Vehicle Act charges being pursued.

November 01 2004

Delta Police Prepared for Halloween Weekend Celebrations

Police were prepared with an operational in anticipation for a busy Halloween weekend. Components of this plan included, working in cooperation with Parks and Recreation, School Board, additional support staff, additional police resources on patrol, Community police stations extending their hours and Community Crime Watch volunteers conducting patrols in vehicles and on bikes.

The total number of files initiated for the weekend was 475 and of those 186 were on Halloween itself.

Comparison of 2002 to 2003 to 2004 Halloween with respect to files initiated and seizure of fireworks for destruction only no charges:

2002, 446 files were initiated over the Halloween weekend (Oct 31 Thurs, Nov 01 Fri and Nov 02 Sat) of those 214 were on Halloween itself. There were also 32 seizures of fireworks on Halloween. One seizure alone yielded 2000 fire crackers;500 bottle rockets and 500 Roman Candles.

2003, 483 files were initiated over the Halloween weekend (Oct 31 Fri., Nov 01 Sat., Nov 02 Sun.) of those 226 were initiated on Halloween night itself. There were 26 seizures and of note 13 packages of Bottle rockets; 300 Mighty Mites; 20 Smoke balls;5 Screechers; 2 Dancing Devils and 1 Air bomb were seized from a 13year old youth.

This Halloween, Sunday October 31, 2004, there were numerous calls relating to noisy youths and fireworks. Police also attended calls relating to mischief, vehicle fires, impaired drivers, motor vehicle collisions, intoxicated persons and many other calls.

There was a significant amount of fireworks seized from young people. These young people were dealt with appropriately either by way of charges, call home to parents and or a drive home and handed over to parents.

Overall it was a busy weekend for police but things were kept well in hand and for the most part celebrations were carried out in a safe and responsible manner.

October 29 2004 1130 a.m.

Break and Enter to local Marine Store

At approximately 12:40 a.m. the Delta Police responded to an intruder alarm at Massey Marine Store. On arrival it was determined that unknown suspects gained entry to the premise stealing a variety of items including, float suits, float jackets GPS monitors and sunglasses. Value of theft is in excess of $8,000.00

Unfortunately this is not the first time this business has been the victim of a break and enter. A year ago they suffered a similar loss. Police continue to investigate this incident.

October 29 2004 1:20 p.m.

Traffic Stop nets 1.1 kilograms of Marijuana

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on October 28, 2004 while conducting patrols in the 6900 blk of 120^th Street a Delta Police officer carried out a traffic stop and wrote more than a violation ticket. During his investigation the officer located and seized 1.1 kilograms of marijuana.

The 21 year old occupant from surrey was arrested and later released on a promise to appear compelling his court appearance at a later date. The recommended charges by police include, Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking under the CDSA.

Delta Police continue to work toward maintaining the safety and security of our community.

October 20 2004 1115 a.m.

Insecure Premises Prime Targets for Break and Enter

Incident: Break & Enter and Thefts

Delta File: 04-28368/28371

Date/Time: October 19 2004 reported between 5:15-5:30 p.m.

Location: 3900 blk Arthur Drive – Ladner/ 11700 blk of Lyon Road North Delta

Ladner incident:

Unknown suspects gained entry to a Ladner residence through an insecure door sometime during the day. Suspects stole numerous items including electronic equipment, sports gear, ID and credit cards.

North Delta incident:

Unknown suspects gained entry to the North Delta residence through an insure ground level bathroom window. Once inside suspects stole TV, DVD, Commuter equipment and other items.

Police remind citizens to ensure that their premises are secured (doors and windows) to minimize the potential of being victimized by these opportunity seeking thieves.

Police identified locals, Meier, Davidson and a third male as being a part of a group attempting to acquire the “Dial a Dope” business left unattended in South Delta after Operation Big Wheels.

On October 07 2004 Delta Police acting on their strategic maintenance enforcement plan arrested these individuals who were otherwise not known to police. All have been charged with drug related offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Calvin MEIER 21 years of Tsawwassen – Charged Possession for the purpose of trafficking x3

Charged Trafficking in a controlled substance x3

Dana Erik DAVIDSON 20 yrs of Ladner - Charged Possession for the purpose of trafficking x2

Charged Trafficking in a controlled substance x2

A third adult male was arrested however, drug related charges are pending.

MEIER and DAVIDSON appeared in Court Tuesday October 12 2004 and were released with conditions.

Further arrests are anticipated as police continue to implement their operational maintenance plan in an effort to relieve the pressures placed on our young people to experiment or regularly use these substances that will lead them down the path of self –destruction. The Delta Police remain committed to bringing those involved in the drug trade, regardless of their level of sophistication, before the courts.

Background: “ Operation Big Wheels”

As a result of information received regarding a drug trafficker operating in the Ladner area, the Delta Police implementing Intelligence Led Policing Model, embarked on a strategic and target specific drug investigation in May of this year. This investigation involved the use of undercover operators and assistance from our partners in law enforcement (including NWPS, Municipal Joint ERT, RCMP, VPD and CFSEU-BC). This effort led to the infiltration of a local “Dial a Dope” Operation. Over the course of this 5 month investigation police were able to identify key players and target the leader of the local operation (believed to be CAMERON). Further, the investigation revealed that the drug ties go beyond the local level indicating links to the Hells Angels and Asian Organized Crime.

As the investigation progressed, investigators carried out several planned and controlled drug transactions, resulting in sufficient evidence being gathered to secure a search warrant at the residence of the drug trafficker. A search warrant was executed on September 14^th 2004 at CAMERON’s residence in the 5000 blk of 59^th Street in Ladner. It was at this time that CAMERON was taken into custody and the round up of the others was initiated.

Six arrested, approx. 39 drug related charges secured under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ( CDSA), and 1.5 kilos of Cocaine, cash and marijuana seized resulting in the suppression of a significant local drug operation. The Delta Police continue in their investigation anticipating further arrests and charges in the near future.

Subjects arrested and charged as a result of Operation Big Wheels;

• Christian (Chris) Muir CAMERON (28 years) of Ladner
• William BORDENAVE (25 yrs) of Ladner>
• Wayne Gordon OBRIEN ( 21 yrs) of Ladner
• Jeffrey Darryl RAWLUK (22 yrs) of> Ladner
• Jonathan Antonio DA CRUZ (22yrs) of> Ladner
• 1 female YO

October 13, 2004 1030 a.m.

Delta Police Department Updating the Community on its Activities and Initiatives

The Delta Police were busy on many fronts throughout the summer months, from attending community events, conducting several complex investigations to carrying out future planning initiatives.

Delta Police at Community Events:

Police provided assistance (traffic control and enforcement) at a variety of special events throughout Delta during the summer months including; Mayor’s picnic; Tour De Delta; May Days; Tsawwassen Sun Festival; Delta’s ½ Marathon

Victim Services of the Delta Police Department: The Victim Services Team of 4 participated in the 60 Km “Walk to End Breast Cancer”. The team has family or friends that have had or are presently dealing with breast cancer so they were determined to take action. The Delta Police Victim Services team raised $10,663.32 for this worthy cause

Terry Fox Run: The Delta Police actively participated again this year and had several runners including, Police Chief Jim Cessford. We were proud to contribute to this worthwhile effort held in our community and those across the Province.

Delta Police Pipe Band attended the 2004 Nova Scotia International Tattoo performing on several occasions during their stay. The Delta Police Pipe Band was excellent ambassadors for Delta.

Officers recognized and awarded for their expertise and achievements:

Cst Suki Thind – Serving the past three years in the Forensic Identification Section Delta Police Department:

Cst Thind, a police officer for 15 years, received the “Tiller Award” from the Canadian Identification Society at their annual conference held in St Johns Newfoundland in July 2004. Cst Thind was recognized for his work on obtaining latent prints from a firearm. It was a very complex process involving forensic chemicals, photography and forensic light source. The raising of the latent print from the gun resulted in the arrest and charge of an individual on drug and weapons related offences. (See photo attached)

Tiller award: This is an award given to those who have demonstrated excellence in law enforcement photography and are judged on the basis of photographic quality; evidential value and ingenuity/utilization of techniques and equipment.

Cst.< Mo Parry and PSD Jula (5 yr old German Shepherd)- K-9 Unit Delta Police Department:

Cst Parry ( with 7 years service ) and his canine partner Jula participated in the Canadian Police Canine Association 2004 trials held in Regina Saskatchewan in September.

30 teams from Vancouver to Halifax participated at this event and Cst. Parry and his partner received 3^rd place trophies in the following categories; Building Search; Criminal apprehension; Compound Search and Evidence Search. (See photo attached)

Police Operations:

There have been several lengthy investigations conducted by the Delta Police and most will continue into the months ahead. The Delta Police continue to actively investigate the JOHL homicide; deceased female found on Annacis Island; Fraud offences; Drug related offences and other criminal incidents.

The Delta Police have established their TARGET team. The TARGET Team is a group of officers that are deployed to target specific crime trends and individuals with the view to maintain our low crime rate and the safety and security of our community.

The Delta Police have also successfully integrated our Emergency Response Team with Port Moody, Abbotsford and New West Police Services in an effort to standardize response protocols & training as well as further developing expertise and enhancing our team base while being fiscally responsible and maintaining independence within our respective jurisdictions.

Future Planning:

The Delta Police believe that future planning is critical to the effective operation and service provided to the community by this Department. The Delta Police held a strategic planning workshop and from that have identified the 2005 Strategic goal and objectives for our Department. This process involves representation from each section of the Department including, volunteers and police board members. These sessions are an exchange of information to identify strategic goals, priorities and objectives.

The 2005 Strategic goal has been identified as “Intelligence Led/Accountability Driven Policing. Further details on our 2005 strategic plan will be public in the near future.

This is merely a snap shot of the activities and initiatives carried out by the Delta Police Department in the past few months. A more comprehensive overview will be provided in the upcoming Annual Community Report.

The Delta Police remain committed to delivering excellence in policing through community partnerships that maintain order, promote safety and reduce crime.

October 01 2004 1:22 p.m.

Near Drowning 10 month old fights for his life

Incident: Near Drowning

Delta File: 04 -26655

Date/Time: September 30 2004 @ 1145 a.m.

Location: 11200 blk Kendale Way North Delta

The Delta Police responded to a report of a possible drowning of a 10 month old baby.

On arrival police learned that the mother briefly left the bathroom while giving the child a bath and when she returned found him face down in the bathtub in full cardiac arrest.

Ambulance was called and help was sought from a passer-by (who assisted in administering some aid to the child). The baby was then transported by Ambulance to hospital.

Currently the child remains in critical but stable condition with no updates on his condition expected for at least the next 72 hours.

Police continue their investigation into this incident but preliminary findings indicate that this was a very devastating accident.

Police are not releasing the identity of the child or the mother at this time and there are no further details available.

Police remind parents to be very cautious and attentive to their young ones when in or around water be it at home, park, beach or public pool area. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

September 27 2004 1:00 p.m.

Six arrested, approx. 39 drug related charges secured under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ( CDSA), and 1.5 kilos of Cocaine, cash and marijuana seized resulting in the suppression of a significant local drug operation. The Delta Police continue in their investigation anticipating further arrests and charges in the near future.

To date subjects arrested and charged are;

• Christian (Chris) Muir CAMERON (28 years) of Ladner
• William BORDENAVE (25 yrs) of Ladner
• Wayne Gordon OBRIEN ( 21 yrs) of Ladner
• Jeffrey Darryl RAWLUK (22 yrs) of> Ladner
• Jonathan Antonio DA CRUZ (22yrs) of> Ladner
• 1 female YO

Next court appearance for CAMERON and BORENAVE is September 28 2004 at 1:30 p.m.

Investigation

As a result of information received regarding a drug trafficker operating in the Ladner area, the Delta Police implementing the philosophy of intelligence led policing model, embarked on a strategic and target specific drug investigation in May of this year. This investigation involved the use of undercover operators and assistance from our partners in law enforcement (including NWPS, Municipal Joint ERT, RCMP, VPD and CFSEU-BC). This effort led to the infiltration of a local “Dial a Dope” Operation. Over the course of this 5 month investigation police were able to identify key players and target the leader of the local operation (believed to be CAMERON). Further, the investigation revealed that the drug ties go beyond the local level indicating links to the Hells Angels and Asian Organized Crime.

As the investigation progressed, investigators carried out several planned and controlled drug transactions, resulting in sufficient evidence being gathered to secure a search warrant at the residence of the drug trafficker. A search warrant was executed on September 14^th 2004 at CAMERON’s residence in the 5000 blk of 59^th Street in Ladner. It was at this time that CAMERON was taken into custody and the round up of the others was initiated.

It is believed that not only the trafficking of controlled substances has been taking place but there is evidence to suggest that there has been active recruiting on going in an effort to build the “business” so to speak. Although this operation appeared to be well established and somewhat sophisticated it was not insulated and police successfully penetrated this group. This investigation resulted in police suppressing a significant drug operation in the Ladner area.

Superintendent Brad Parker, Officer in charge of South Operations and the Criminal investigation Branch states, “Our officers have done an excellent job in suppressing this operation but make no mistake about it, we must remain vigilant in working together, keeping in mind that your son or daughter may not be the first to be recruited or approached to purchase drugs but we don’t want them to be next. We must all continue to work together (citizens and police) to ensure our young people are free from the pressures of drug traffickers possibly recruiting them or worse, pushing dangerous and addictive substances onto them”

The Delta Police have taken this aggressive and proactive approach in an effort to maintain the safety and security of our community and to send the clear and direct message to the criminal element that the Delta Police will actively pursue those involved in criminal activity, organized or otherwise, before the courts.

September 24 2004 1005 a.m.

Incident: Single Vehicle Collision

Date/Time: September 23 2004 @ 4:50 p.m.

Delta File: 04-26066

Location: 34B Avenue and 64^th Street ( Ladner)

Delta Police responded to a single vehicle collision at 34B Avenue and 64^th Street

(Ladner). On arrival police determined that the vehicle had gone off road right and into the ditch. There were a total of 16 passengers in the vehicle, 10 of which sustained injuries. 6 were transported to various hospitals in the lower mainland to be treated for non life threatening injuries.

The vehicle involved is registered as a bus and therefore seatbelts were not required.

The police have towed the vehicle and ordered a vehicle inspection.

The investigation continues to determine factors that may have contributed to this collision.

September 20 2004 1:55 p.m.

Collaborative effort of volunteers and police producing positive results

Incident: Suspicious Vehicle

Date/Time: September 19, 2004 @ 1125 a.m.

Delta File: 04-25789

Location: 1400 blk of Derwent Way – Annacis Island

At approximately 1125 a.m. on September 19 2004, sharp eyed Community Crime Watch volunteers spot what they believe to be a suspicious vehicle and occupants possibly casing businesses in and around the 1400 blk of Derwent Way on Annacis Island. The volunteers followed protocol and reported the information to the police dispatcher, who then relayed the description and the last known location of the vehicle to patrol officers. Officers arrived into the area and located the vehicle and subjects in question and began.

As officers conducted further investigation, it was discovered that a business at 1471 Derwent Way had the fence cut and wire and metal products taken from the compound area valued at approximately $2000.

Officers were able to establish sufficient evidence that linked the occupants directly to the break and enter and theft. Both, John Daponte,40 yrs of Surrey and Patrizio Cavasinni 46yrs of Vancouver were subsequently arrested and charged with mischief, theft and possession of break-in instruments and held in custody to go before the courts September 20, 2004.

This is an example of the on going intelligence led/joint operational approach to policing of our industrial parks within our jurisdiction. The combined effort of all sections of the Delta Police Department from patrol, traffic, target team to volunteers is producing positive results in our effort to continue to reduce crime in the industrial areas within Delta.