Suspects charged in relation to “24 hours challenge” videos
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit has laid a series of provincial offences in connection to a series of videos posted on YouTube.
Between October 17 and October 22, 2016, a number of incidents occurred that were later reported to Police. The incidents involved individuals entering a premise while open, and then secluding themselves inside until after closing, and until after all employees had left. The suspects then typically moved about the premises, recording their actions and later posting videos to YouTube. As a result of the investigations that followed, a number of charges have been laid against several adults, in relation to five incidents, under the Trespass to property Act:
- Gym on Frank Nighbor Place – October 17, 2016
- Bowling Lanes on Merivale Road – October 25, 2016
- Theatre on Kanata Avenue – October 20 – 21, 2016
- Stadium on Bank Street – October 21 – 22, 2016
- Farm on Bleeks Road – October 26 – 27, 2016
Charges laid are as follows:
- Jason ETHIER, 26 of Ottawa, charged five (5) counts of Trespassing
- Adam MORGAN, 20 of Ottawa charged one (1) count of Trespassing
- Hamzah FARAJ, 18 of Ottawa charged two (2) counts of Trespassing
- Olyad MOTUMA, 18 of Ottawa charged two (2) counts of Trespassing
The individuals will appear in Provincial Offences Court on December 9, 2016.
Warnings have been issued in relation to two other locations/incidents.
On November 13, 2016, Police were tipped off to a new posting by the same individual. The posting, titled “24 Hour Challenge in a Stranger’s House”, was briefly investigated and it was ascertained that the incident was staged. The occupant of the home was aware of, and had consented to, the incident as recorded. As a result, that investigation was closed.