Windsor Murder Suspect Arrested In Peterborough; Another Teenager Also Arrested For Accessory to Murder

The Windsor Police Service, in collaboration with the Peterborough Police Service, have arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Muhamad Taupan, for first-degree murder and a 16-year-old youth for accessory to murder, announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Jan. 27, police arrived at 400 block of Wyandotte St. E. in Windsor after receiving a report of an unresponsive man outdoors. Officers located 53-year-old Sean Shuart who suffered from a single gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Police say a preliminary investigation determined the victim was fatally shot following a verbal altercation with another man. The suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

The Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit took charge of the investigation and soon determined that the suspect, initially known as the suspect, had fled the Windsor area. Investigative efforts led officers to Peterborough, where a coordinated operation between Windsor Police and Peterborough Police was initiated.

At roughly 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers conducted a high-risk arrest in the George Street North and Simcoe Street area in Peterborough.

The teens were taken into custody without incident and during a search of the pair after arrest, officers seized:

• Replica pellet gun

• Large, sheathed machete

• Bear spray

• 21.5 grams of Fentanyl

• Pills

• Canadian currency

• Digital scales

  • Multiple cell phones

Further investigative work and a thorough review of the evidence led to the identification of Muhamad Taupan, also known as “TY,” as the murder suspect.

Taupan has been returned to Windsor and charged with first-degree murder.

The Peterborough Police Service has also charged him with the following:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (x 2)

• Possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (x 2)

• Carrying a concealed weapon (x 2)

The 16-year-old male — whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act — was charged with accessory to the murder of Sean Shuart.

He has also been charged in Peterborough with the following:

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

• Possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Failure to comply with a release order

• Failure to comply with a sentence

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Hometown PTBO: Kelli & Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials Celebrating 40 Years of Business and Their Induction Into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials about celebrating 40 years of business, being inducted into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame and their roles with the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University and PRHC Partner For Healthcare Advancement In Peterborough

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are partnering to advance healthcare with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities and student volunteer opportunities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”

“At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

As outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on various initiatives highlighting the two institutions' strengths, including research, leadership development and experiential learning for post-secondary students, according to Trent.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC

• Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers

• Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students

• Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership

• Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent

• Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

"When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, president, PRHC Foundation.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman Charged With Drug Trafficking With Value Over $400,000

A 26-year-old Tirath Odea is facing drug-related charges after a joint investigation between the Peterborough Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service Drug Unit and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) began this investigation last summer after an increase in drug trafficking activity throughout Peterborough and the surrounding area.

On Jan. 28, five search warrants were executed in Peterborough, Durham Region and York Region by members from the Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response team, OPP OCEB, Peterborough OPP Detachment, City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), and Peterborough County/Northumberland OPP CSCU.

As a result, the investigative team seized:

• Approx. 1.5 kilograms of Fentanyl

• Approx  1.6 kilograms of Cocaine

• 30 opioid tablets

• More than $5000 in Canadian currency

• 9 Electronic devices (eight cell phones and one laptop)

• Digital scales

The total street value of the seizure was $470,000.

Odea was arrested and charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine X2

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - fentanyl X2

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking - other opioid X2

• Possession of Property obtained by Crime Section

The accused was remanded into custody and appeared in court on Jan. 31.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Rescue Man Who Was Found In Hypothermic State In Jackson Park

A 61-year-old Peterborough male is recovering after officers found him outside in Jackson Park Wednesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers received a call about a man who had not shown up for a medical appointment. He had been known to frequent Jackson Park so officers started searching the park with the assistance of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and K9. 

At about 9:30 p.m., officers located the man in the park in a hypothermic state. With the assistance of Peterborough Fire Services and EMS, he was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

CMHA Launches Mental Health Walk-in Clinics in Peterborough and Lindsay

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched two Mental Health Walk-in Clinics in Peterborough and Lindsay as of Monday.

Jessica Swift, RPN (left) with the virtual care clinic at CMHA HKPR and Tracy Graham, Director of Programs and Services (right) photo courtesy of CMHA.

They are located at CMHA HKPR’s offices at 466 George St. N. in Peterborough and 33 Lindsay St. S. in Lindsay.

The clinics will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no appointment necessary. The clinics are closed over lunch from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

The clinics are meant for individuals 16 and over who are not already connected with CMHA HKPR but are seeking mental health support and may not know how to get connected to care.

Depending on need, those visiting will see a mental health worker to be assessed and connect with CMHA HKPR services or another community service.

“This clinic is about creating a resource that allows people to have a real time connection with a mental health professional who can provide support and assist in helping people have information that is helpful to them as they access the mental health system” says Tracy Graham, Director of Programs and Services with CMHA HKPR.

The Mental Health Walk-in Clinics are a conversation and assessment tool to help individuals determine the best pathway to care for themselves in real time. The clinics are not for individuals in crisis or requiring acute care.

PRHC advises that anyone in crisis or experiencing emotional distress should contact the 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Line by calling or texting 9-8-8. Individuals seeking acute care should go to the Emergency Department at their local hospital.

The Mental Health Walk-in Clinics differ from Peterborough’s Talk Now Clinic. The Talk Now Clinic provides talk therapy support while the new clinics connect individuals to a broader network of mental health supports and pathways.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Jeff Leal Uses 'Strong Mayor Powers' to Help Expedite Transitional Housing Project

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal has released a statement regarding using Strong Mayor powers to expedite their 52-unit transitional housing project at Chemong Road.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The following is Leal’s statement:

Today, I used Strong Mayor powers at Brock Mission’s request to help expedite their 52-unit transitional housing project at 738 Chemong Road. When there are opportunities to address our critical need for housing, I will do whatever is within my authority as Mayor to support those projects moving forward for the benefit of our community.

I directed City staff to prepare two bylaws for City Council to consider at a Special General Committee meeting on Monday February 24. The first will amend the City’s Zoning bylaw to facilitate this project, and the second will exempt it from site plan requirements. Using Strong Mayor powers, these bylaws will require 4 out of 11 votes to pass.

Strong Mayor powers were given to the City of Peterborough by the Province in October 2023. I believe that these powers are meant to be used in very specific circumstances - for planning matters that advance important housing developments. This project meets that criteria. Not only will Brock Mission contribute 52 units towards the City of Peterborough’s housing target of 4,700 homes by 2031, but these units will also provide critical supportive housing to help people in our community transition away from homelessness. The team at Brock Mission has made it clear to me that expediting their project will save them time and money and will put them in an ideal position to compete for funding opportunities from the provincial and federal government.

Adding 52 units of transitional housing, run by a capable and trusted provider in Brock Mission, is a crucial next step for our community’s response to homelessness. The City of Peterborough is already more than doubling our funding toward homelessness prevention programs to increase support and enhance services in 2025. Our community supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds provided in partnership with community agencies, offering among the highest per-capita provision of shelter beds in the Province. We have made a significant investment in the 50 units offered in the Modular Bridge Housing Community, and recently we learned that Peterborough will be the recipient of a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. 2

But it’s not enough. We have heard from our community partners that some individuals who enter the shelter system or who currently live in the Modular Bridge Housing Community are ready to move to the next level – supportive housing. They no longer need 24/7 supports, but they aren’t ready to live fully on their own. But there are no available transitional housing units in our community, so these individuals are forced to stay where they are, occupying beds that could otherwise go to people who need them. Brock Mission’s project will add 52 units of transitional housing for our community, and in the process will open up 52 spots in our shelter system.

As the recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) shows, homelessness across the province has increased by 25% since 2022. Municipalities are not equipped to address homelessness and its related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing issues. Our ability as municipalities to fund these services out of property tax revenue, which is based on property assessment rather than ability to pay, is limited.

Municipalities don’t have the resources to build supportive housing ourselves, but using Strong Mayor powers to expedite the approval of this project is something that is within our control.

Brock Mission’s project has already been endorsed in principle by this Council through our decision to provide them with $250,000 to cover some of the initial costs associated with getting their project off the ground. The proposed location on Chemong Road is in one of our Strategic Growth Areas, which our Official Plan has designated for intensification. Brock Mission’s experience and reputation in our community is well known, and they have clearly signalled to me that they will operate in a way that has minimal impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. The residents will be individuals who have been in a shelter for some time and are ready to take the next step.

This project is critically important for the future health and wellbeing of our community. I ask my Council colleagues for their support.

Yours sincerely,

Jeff Leal

Mayor

City of Peterborough

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming Night Hits Peterborough Memorial Centre For Petes Game On Feb. 13

The Peterborough Petes are hosting college students again with Fleming Night when they host the Ottawa 67’s at the Peterborough Memorial Cetnre on Feb. 13.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The night celebrates Fleming students, staff, faculty and alumni.

Members of the Fleming community, including alumnus and social media influencer Brendan Carpenter, will participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Announcements recognizing Fleming College will play throughout the game.

The game is the second part of a home-and-home series between the two teams being played on back-to-back days.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman Charged With Break and Enter and Violating Probation Order

A 41-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges after a break-and-enter incident Tuesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:30 p.m., the break-and-enter occurred at a Stewart Street and King Street-area residence.  An unknown female had entered the home and was still inside. Officers entered the home and took the woman into custody.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Canadian Flight Academy Named New Tenant for Peterborough Airport

Canadian Flight Academy is the newest tenant at Peterborough Regional Airport, with the company starting construction of a new facility at the airport in 2025.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new flight school will contribute positively to the local economy, generating 50 direct jobs and an estimated $20 million in Gross Domestic Product. The City’s Municipal Operations Department oversees the airport's operation and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition while integrating this new tenant at the airport.

Peterborough Regional Airport will safely integrate the operations of the Canadian Flight Academy into airport activities.

Canadian Flight Academy will enhance Peterborough Regional Airport’s strength as an aviation-related employment hub home to more than 20 businesses that employ about 500 people.

“Attracting this tenant, which is a significant, established employer, is another major milestone for the airport. The Peterborough Regional Airport is much more than transportation infrastructure – it’s a significant employment centre for the broader Peterborough Region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I’m excited to welcome Canadian Flight Academy to our community and I look forward to celebrating when they complete their new facility.”

Toronto Airways, which started offering flight training services from the Buttonville Municipal Airport near Toronto in 1963, purchased the Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998. It moved into a new facility at the Oshawa airport to accommodate the combined operations of Toronto Airways and Canadian Flight Academy in November 2016.

With the move to Peterborough Regional Airport, Canadian Flight Academy will continue to provide enhanced flight training services and create new opportunities for collaboration within the aviation sector.

Peterborough Regional Airport is an aerospace employment hub for the region serving various industry sectors. The airport's 7,000-foot-long runway and supporting infrastructure have been designed to accommodate Boeing 737 series aircraft.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.