Cornwall Ontario Tim Hortons Robber Alleged to be Female – Ashley Hutt Charged Police Blotter

ROBBERY USING A FIREARM, DISGUISE WITH INTENT, POSSESSION OF A WEAPON FOR A DANGEROUS PURPOSE AND BREACH

 

Cornwall, ON – Ashley Hutt, 29 of Cornwall was arrested on March 27^th, 2014 and charged with robbery using a firearm, disguise with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on March 23^rd, 2014 the woman entered a Tim Horton’s store in the city of Cornwall while wearing a disguise and brandishing a hand gun. The woman demanded money from the clerk then left the area with an undisclosed amount. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On March 27^th, 2014 members of the Criminal Investigation Division executed a warrant at an Eight Street East residence and took the woman into custody. She was charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. During their investigation a hand gun believed to be the one used in the robbery was located and found to be a replica firearm.

 

The Cornwall Community Police Service would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for any information that was provided to police in an attempt to solve this crime.

ASSAULT, MISCHIEF, BREACH

 

Cornwall, ON – A 46-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on March 27^th, 2014 and charged with assault, mischief and four counts of breach of recognizance for having consumed alcohol, not notifying a change in address, communicating with someone he has conditions not to as well as failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on March 23rd, 2014 the man had been out drinking with his ex-girlfriend which he has conditions not to associate with when an argument took place. During the argument the man pushed his ex-girlfriend and tore her shirt. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On March 27^th, 2014 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

 

Cornwall, ON – A 27-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on March 27^th, 2014 and charged with assault with a weapon, mischief and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on March 27^th, 2014 the man was involved in a verbal argument with his 24-year-old common law wife when he threw a toy at her striking her in the leg. He then damaged the outside door. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

 

 

THEFT UNDER $5000

 

Cornwall, ON – Shawna Mitchell, 35 and Ashley Gagnon, 20 both of Cornwall were arrested on March 27^th, 2014 and charged with theft under $5000 and two counts of possession of stolen property.  Mitchell was also charged with breach of undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that during a traffic stop at an East end grocery store parking lot on March 27^th, 2014 the two women were found to be in possession of stolen meats and beauty products from three different stores. They were taken into custody and charged accordingly. Mitchell was held for a bail hearing while Gagnon was released to appear in court on April 29^th, 2014.

Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) (Tasers)

 

The Cornwall Community Police Service has begun a review and a community consultation process with regards to the possibility of an expansion to the deployment of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) (Tasers).

 

After much consultation and research, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has approved the expansion of deployment of CEWs to front-line police constables. This approval took into consideration inquest jury recommendations (12 in total), medical assessments, input from policing stakeholders, and community input including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

 

Based on the direction contained in the Ministry Guidelines and adhering with the normal practices of the Cornwall Community Police Service, consultation will form an important part of this review and serve to inform the deployment options considered. Chief Daniel Parkinson wants to raise awareness about the revised guidelines, provide some education on CEWs and their use within the Service and ensure that both the public and members of the CCPS have an opportunity to provide their feedback.

 

As part of this review, we are currently surveying our officers and are now looking to gather important community and stakeholder input. As members of our community your opinion is important to us. As such we want you to have an opportunity to complete a short survey. The feedback received will help us make an informed decision on future expanded deployment options of CEWs based on our local needs and circumstances.

 

CEWs Survey

 

For more information on CEWs and a direct link to the survey please visit our website at www.cornwallpolice.com

 

Secondly, members of the community will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Cornwall Community Police Service during a Community Engagement Session in order to address any concerns and share your thoughts on the expanded deployment of CEWs in Cornwall.

 

• ·         Tuesday April 8, 2014 between 6 and 7:30 pm at the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, 353 Pitt Street.

 

We look forward to meeting with you and listing to your thoughts and concerns regarding the expanded deployment of CEWs in Cornwall.

 

Background Information

 

The Cornwall Community Police Service first introduced CEWs to our community in March of 2004. Initially two units were purchased and deployed to members of the Cornwall Emergency Response Team and the Patrol Sergeants as permitted by current Ministry guidelines.  We currently have a total of 10 Model X26 Advanced Taser and Model M26 Advanced Taser.

 

In accordance with Ministry standards and the Use of Force Model, CEWs can only be used to gain control when a subject is assaultive as defined by the Criminal Code, and/or based on the totality of the situation. This includes an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death as well as suicide threats or attempts.
Our Policy and Directive indicates that members may use the CEWs to:

• ·         Prevent being overpowered when violently attacked;
• ·         Prevent a prisoner being taken from police custody;
• ·         To disarm an apparently dangerous person armed with an offensive weapon;
• ·         To control a potentially violent situation when other force alternatives are not viable.

 

Any new officers selected in the future will be issued a CEW only after they have completed the Ministry approved user training. The Service expects that this training will consist of 12 hours of study and scenario based exercises – four (4) hours longer than is currently the case. The training will include practical and written examinations. The officers will need to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency on the legislation and regulatory framework, the community context surrounding the weapon’s development and introduction, and the structure and function of the weapon and its effects. The four additional hours are dedicated to judgement training and our CEW Training Officer has re-designed the practical scenario training to continue to emphasize that officers must use sound judgement along with effective communication and de-escalation techniques when deciding whether to use force and what force options to use.

 

Recertification training takes place every 12 months, in accordance with Ministry training standards. Ministry certified use of force instructors conducts all CEW training.

 

Each year, the Service reports to the Cornwall Community Police Services Board on the use of CEWs. In 2013, CEWs were drawn/displayed on thirteen (13) separate occasions and actually deployed on four (4) of those thirteen (13) occasions.  In the past six years CEWs were used an average of nine (9) times per year.

 

The Service’s record consistently demonstrates that officers are using good judgement under difficult circumstances. Furthermore, the record also demonstrates that officers are making appropriate decisions to use only the force reasonably necessary to resolve tense and dangerous situations. Moreover, the CEW has proven to be an effective tool that has helped avoid injuries to the public and police officers. Consequently, the Service believes that through proper policy, procedures, training, and accountability, the CEW is an appropriate use of force option that can help maintain public and officer safety.