SHER E PUNJAB

October 22, 2026

VPD arrest wanted man for alleged assault on tourists near Gastown

A 34-year-old man remains in custody after allegedly assaulting two tourists last night. On October 21 at approximately 11:00 p.m., Vancouver Police officers on routine patrol witnessed an altercation between a suspect and two people near Abbott and West Cordova streets. Officers immediately intervened and safely handcuffed the suspect. The two victims were tourists from Calgary walking back from the Bruno Mars concert. The suspect allegedly punched the male victim on the arm with a sharp object, believed to be glass. The force of that contact pushed the female victim into a nearby light pole. The male victim sustained a cut to his left forearm and was treated at the scene by Emergency Health Services. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Derek Dale Driscoll, had two outstanding warrants, one in relation to an alleged breach of probation order and one for failing to attend court. He was arrested, transported to jail, and has now been charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm, and assault with a weapon. Driscoll remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Quesnel RCMP investigating fatal hit-and-run incident

Canada

October 22, 2026

Quesnel RCMP investigating fatal hit-and-run incident

Quesnel RCMP is asking for the public’s help with an investigation into a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run from early October.The incident occurred shortly before 3:00 a.m. on October 5, 2026. Police officers were called to Highway 97 south near Yellow Market, for a report of a man sitting on the side of the road. The man was located and transported to the hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries. Unfortunately, the man later died in hospital because of the injuries sustained in what was determined to be a hit-and-run incident A thorough investigation followed and it was determined the man was struck by a red 2023 Volvo Tractor Trailer, which has since been located by investigators. The driver of the vehicle has also been identified. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this distressing time. What police officers are requesting is for any witnesses or anyone with dash camera footage that captures the incident to please come forward and provide their information,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, BC RCMP Spokesperson for Northern B.C.Investigators are requesting dash camera footage from anyone traveling along Highway 97 south near Yellow Market between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Quesnel RCMP by calling the non-emergency line at 250-992-9211.This investigation remains ongoing.

BC RCMP announces launch of next generation 9-1-1

Canada

October 22, 2026

BC RCMP announces launch of next generation 9-1-1

The BC RCMP announces the upcoming launch of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) as part of a phased transition led by E-Comm 9-1-1.The federally mandated transition to NG9-1-1 replaces the decades old infrastructure, laying the foundation for faster and more informed communication in emergency situations. During this initial phase of the migration to NG9-1-1, there will be no noticeable difference in how your community can access help from the RCMP. Just like today, callers will continue to reach a 9-1-1 call taker at E-Comm 9-1-1 who then ensure the emergency call reaches the police or appropriate first responder agency for the situation. The only immediate public-facing change will be the introduction of a new automated callback system, operated by E-Comm, for managing 9-1-1 calls that are quickly disconnected or abandoned.The transition of RCMP OCCs in BC will be implemented gradually to allow for smoother migration into the new digital system, according to the following schedule:October 26, 2026BC RCMP Headquarters in Surrey, BC (provides call taking and dispatching services to Upper Fraser Valley and Mission)RCMP Island District in Courtenay, BC (provides secondary Public Safety Answering Point service to approximately 20 communities and air/marine/traffic units across Vancouver Island)October 29, 2026RCMP North District in Prince George, BC (serving approximately 40 communities across northern BC, from Haida Gwaii to the Alberta border and from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border)RCMP Southeast District in Kelowna, BC (serving approximately 45 communities across the southeast portion of BC, plus 10 Highway Patrol units, 2 Air Sections and BC Conservation)November 3, 2026Coquitlam RCMP DetachmentLangley RCMP DetachmentFuture capabilities of NG9-1-1 will give the public the ability to do more when reporting an emergency, such as real-time text with 9-1-1, and the ability to share streaming video. It will also give first responders more accurate location information to get help where it’s needed during an emergency. These features are not expected to be available for several years, in the second phase of the NG9-1-1 implementation.“Modernizing our tools and technology is one of the RCMP’s key organizational priorities,” says Superintendent Raina Siou, Officer in Charge of the BC RCMP’s Operational Communication Centres (OCC) Program. “This update to our 9-1-1 systems to support our officers and employees in a constantly evolving policing environment will ensure we keep pace with the demands of modern policing and allow for faster and more efficient response to emergencies.”“The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 is a critical step in modernizing how emergency calls are received and managed in British Columbia,” says Nancy Blair, Interim President & CEO of E-Comm. “This work strengthens the reliability of our 9-1-1 system today, while laying the groundwork for future technologies that will better support both the public and first responders.”In 2023, the provincial government announced a total of $150 million to enable NG9-1-1 implementation in B.C. E-Comm’s transition is just one part of a national shift to NG9-1-1 technology. Other public safety agencies across Canada are also progressing through their own NG9-1-1 transitions.

Toronto Police Arrest Three Individuals, Seize Firearm in Online Marketplace Robbery Investigation

Canada

October 22, 2026

Toronto Police Arrest Three Individuals, Seize Firearm in Online Marketplace Robbery Investigation

Toronto Police have arrested three individuals and seized a firearm in connection with a series of violent robberies linked to online marketplace transactions.In July the 43 Division Major Crime Unit began investigating a violent robbery linked to the sale of a luxury watch through an online marketplace.It is alleged that the victim was contacted by an individual using the name "Omar Clarkson," who expressed interest in purchasing the watch. They arranged to meet in the Ellesmere Road and Bellamy Road North area. It is alleged that multiple suspects arrived in a vehicle, assaulted the victim, causing serious injuries, and stole the watch.As the investigation progressed, officers identified a group believed to be connected to similar robberies targeting individuals selling high-value items online.After learning the suspects had arranged to meet another luxury watch seller on October 9, 2026, officers from the 42 and 43 Division Major Crime Units and Toronto Police Dog Services set up near the planned meeting location in the Highway 401 and Weston Road area. When the suspects allegedly arrived in a stolen vehicle displaying stolen licence plates, officers moved in and arrested two 17-year-old youths. A third suspect fled the area.One of the youths arrested was found in possession of a loaded Glock handgun equipped with an extended magazine. An image of the seized firearm has been released.On October 10, investigators executed three Criminal Code search warrants in Toronto, resulting in the arrest of the third suspect.Desmond Okuonhae, 18, has been arrested and charged with including Robbery with an Offensive Weapon, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 and Conspiracy to Commit an Indicatable Offence. After further investigation, Okuonhae was also charged in connection with two additional online marketplace robberies: the theft of a laptop in March 2026 and the robbery of a rare Pokémon trading card collection valued at approximately $80,000 in April He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West, Toronto on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in room 107.Investigators believe there may be additional victims who interacted with Desmond Okuonhae through online marketplace transactions. Police allege that he used the online aliases of “Oscar Morkil,” “Max Smith,” and “Omar Clarkson.”Two young persons aged , 17, have been charged with multiple offences. He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West, Toronto on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in room 107.He was scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West, Toronto on Saturday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m., in room 107.

Fatal Pedestrian Fail to Remain Collision in Ajax

Canada

October 22, 2026

Fatal Pedestrian Fail to Remain Collision in Ajax

A 76-year-old male pedestrian succumbed to their injuries following a fail to remain collision in Ajax.On Saturday, October 17, at approximately 4:45 p.m., members of West Division responded to a fail to remain collision involving a pedestrian in the area of Ringer Road and Harwood Avenue North. The 76-year-old male was walking within the crosswalk across Harwood Avenue North when he was struck by a white 2014 Dodge Ram pickup. The Dodge pickup failed to remain on scene.The pedestrian was initially believed to have suffered minor injuries at the time of the collision and was transported to a local-area hospital. The pedestrians condition later deteriorated, and he was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre where he has since succumbed to his injuries. The suspect vehicle and its 69-year-old female driver were located shortly after the collision.Members of the DRPS Collision Investigation Unit have since been notified of the incident and have commenced a further investigation. The cause of this collision remains under investigation.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to arrest of two women in Winnipeg

Canada

October 22, 2026

Drug trafficking investigation leads to arrest of two women in Winnipeg

A Winnipeg Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the arrest of two women and the seizure of drugs, weapons, cash, and other evidence following the execution of a search warrant in the city’s downtown area.On October 21, members of the Central Division Community Support Unit (CSU) executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of King Edward Street as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and other criminal activity.During the investigation, officers identified two suspects and an associated residence believed to be connected to illicit activity. Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the residence.At approximately 7:00 p.m., investigators located the suspects in the 1800 block of Portage Avenue and took them into custody without incident. A search of the suspects resulted in the seizure of 70 grams of Methamphetamine, 3 grams of Fentanyl, a vial of GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate), two cellular phones and $355 in CDN currency.Shortly afterward, a search warrant was conducted at the King Edward Street address and seized the following a 12-guage shotgun with obliterated serial number, 4 shotgun shells of ammunition, excalibur crossbow, 21 grams of Psilocybin, digital scales. A 36-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman face numerous firearms, weapons, drug trafficking and proceeds of crime-related charges.Both accused were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Jhota murder case: No postmortem before meeting demands, family clears

Punjab

October 22, 2026

Jhota murder case: No postmortem before meeting demands, family clears

Family members and supporters of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota say they will refuse to consent to an autopsy on his body until all of their demands are met by the state government, entering the 10th day of demonstrations over his killing.Speaking Thursday evening following a strategy meeting, Jhota’s wife, Manpreet Kaur, along with protest leader Bhim Singh, confirmed that the family will withhold autopsy permission until authorities address their grievances. Jhota’s body remains in the mortuary at Civil Hospital in Mansa, where protests have centered alongside a secondary demonstration near the deputy commissioner’s residence.The family and an action committee coordinating the protests boycotted a scheduled third round of talks with a state government panel Thursday morning after previous negotiations ended in a deadlock. Protest leaders stated that any future decisions regarding the autopsy or demonstrations will be made collectively with supporters and communicated directly by the action committee.The protest committee's demands include the resignations of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state's director general of police, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged nexus between drug traffickers, police officials, and politicians, and an autopsy conducted by a senior medical panel from PGIMER Chandigarh.Demonstrators are also calling for the dismissal of several local police officials and a drug inspector—three of whom have already been suspended—along with the construction of a trauma center in Jhota's memory in his native village of Khyala Kalan. Additionally, the family is seeking fast-track prosecution for the accused, government-funded medical treatment for four individuals injured during the incident, and immediate compensation of 2 million rupees ($32,000 CAD) for each injured victim.

Virginia State Senator Indicted for Leading a Criminal Marijuana Distribution Enterprise

Canada

October 22, 2026

Virginia State Senator Indicted for Leading a Criminal Marijuana Distribution Enterprise

An eight-count indictment charged seven defendants for their respective roles in a racketeering conspiracy involving marijuana distribution, money laundering, honest services fraud through bribery, maintaining drug-involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and wire fraud.“Louise Lucas has served in a position of public trust in the Commonwealth of Virginia for over three decades,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The charges alleged in this indictment reveal the behavior of a public servant who put her own financial interests before the people she was elected to serve. Our federal prosecutors will continue to be guided by the facts and evidence that led a grand jury to indict Ms. Lucas and her alleged co-conspirators.”“Today’s indictment reveals Louise Lucas allegedly abused her position of public trust as a 30-year Virginia State Senator to put her own financial interests ahead of the people she represents — orchestrating a five-year scheme worth an estimated $4.5 million,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The charges allege Lucas and a close-knit group of family members and associates used Lucas’ position as Chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to protect their criminal marijuana enterprise — the ‘Lucas Enterprise’ — insulating the business from criminal scrutiny and influencing legislation to financially benefit themselves.”“This indictment alleges that a sitting Virginia State Senator led a criminal organization that exploited access and influence to facilitate drug trafficking and other offenses,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Public office is a position of trust and should never be abused for personal gain. I am grateful to the agents and prosecutors whose dedication and tireless work throughout this years-long investigation has culminated in this indictment.”According to the indictment, Virginia state senator Lillie Louise Lucas, 82, of Portsmouth, Virginia, led a criminal enterprise (the Lucas Enterprise) comprised of a close-knit group of associates and family members, including her two daughters and her grandson. Lucas allegedly approved and directed activities of the enterprise, including arranging for the acquisition and distribution of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and supervising the laundering of marijuana proceeds.Lucas was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 1991, has served as the president pro tempore since 2020, and is currently the Chairman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, which handles the state budget, tax policy, and state expenditures. Lucas allegedly used her political position to insulate the Lucas Enterprise from criminal scrutiny and to influence legislation benefiting the enterprise. Carlton Upton Jr., 54, of Chesapeake, Virginia, was Lucas’ business partner in VA Freedom Life, an umbrella for The CBD Shoppe and The Cannabis Outlet beginning in 2019. Upton also managed the CBD Shoppe and allegedly worked with Lucas to obtain a recreational marijuana license to benefit the Lucas Enterprise. In April 2020, Upton allegedly made materially false attestations on an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for Virginia Freedom Life, which was funded in the amount of $11,800.In 2021, Lucas and her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, opened The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth, Virginia. Another daughter of Lucas, Theresa Lucas-Lamb, and Lucas-Lamb’s son, Ryan Eichelberger, allegedly acquired marijuana and supervised its distribution and managed The Cannabis Outlet for the Lucas Enterprise. On Feb. 1, 2022, Lucas listed herself as President and CEO of VA Freedom Life on the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory General Assembly Statement of Economic Interests form.In August 2022, Lucas allegedly paid $750,000 for a 100% stake in a business that was the shell holding company for a co-conspirator’s expected Virginia recreational marijuana license. Lucas allegedly failed to report the interest obtained in this entity on her required Statement of Economic Interests forms. Lucas allegedly met with the co-conspirator at her office at the capitol complex to receive a partial repayment and spoke with other officials, including legislators, about the co-conspirator’s qualification for a recreational marijuana license depending on her receipt of a bribery payment from the co-conspirator.On May 6, the FBI executed federal search warrants at The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe. Agents recovered marijuana and firearms at both locations.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt and Brian J. Samuels for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

Burnaby RCMP continues to search for Patrick Ratto, who was reported missing 20 years ago

Canada

October 22, 2026

Burnaby RCMP continues to search for Patrick Ratto, who was reported missing 20 years ago

Burnaby RCMP is renewing its appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Patrick Ratto, who was reported missing on July 27.Ratto, 43 at the time, was last seen on the morning of July 25, when he left for work. While a media release was issued at the time, no substantial leads were developed. Mr. Ratto has not been seen or heard from since.“This investigation is ongoing and will remain open until we can confirm what happened to Patrick,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP. “If you have any information or know someone that does, please come forward and speak to our investigators.” At the time of his disappearance, Patrick was described as 43 years old; (would be 63 today).

PM Carney meets Turkiye President, discusses deepening ties

Canada

October 22, 2026

PM Carney meets Turkiye President, discusses deepening ties

The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during the first bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian Prime Minister.The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Canada and Türkiye as close NATO Allies and G20 members. To that end, they launched an ambitious Strategic Partnership to deepen cooperation across trade and investment, energy, defence and security, and people-to-people ties.As part of the Strategic Partnership, Prime Minister Carney and President Erdoğan discussed expanding trade and investment ties. They welcomed the launch of the first round of negotiations for a Canada-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement and signed the newly expanded Canada-Türkiye Air Transport Agreement, which will increase connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, and help connect Canadian and Turkish businesses. They also welcomed enhanced cooperation between Export Development Canada and Türk Eximbank to support commercial opportunities in third-country markets.Prime Minister Carney highlighted the potential for increased commercial engagement in strategic sectors, including nuclear energy, aerospace, defence, and advanced technologies. In addition, he announced an upcoming Canadian trade mission to Türkiye in 2027. He also looked forward to meeting with leading representatives of the Turkish private sector during his visit.The Prime Minister and the President discussed deepening cooperation on energy security and natural resources. Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada’s world-leading expertise and its capacity to support Türkiye’s energy diversification objectives, including collaboration on LNG, civil nuclear energy, and emerging energy technologies.The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collective security and discussed strengthening defence ties, including greater collaboration between Canadian and Turkish defence industries to address shared security challenges.The Prime Minister and the President also exchanged views on pressing international challenges, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and security in the Black Sea. They emphasised the importance of continued dialogue to advance peace and stability.Prime Minister Carney thanked President Erdoğan for his warm welcome and looked forward to welcoming him to Canada for a state visit in the near future. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the two countries work to deliver on their new Strategic Partnership.