NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In January 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) commenced an investigation into the trafficking of an adult female throughout the region.
A suspect was identified, and during the evening hours on Jan. 17, 2023, the suspect was seen inside a red 2015 Dodge Dart in the area of Clifford’s Creek Park, located near Oakdale Avenue and Smythe Street in the City of St. Catharines. As 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) officers converged into the area, the suspect is alleged to have abandoned his vehicle and ran westbound into a ravine.
With the assistance of the NRPS Canine Unit and Emergency Task Unit, officers entered the ravine and attempted to locate the suspect. The track led officers to the guardrail of Highway 406, where it is believed the suspect ran across live lanes of the highway to evade arrest.
O’Neil Christopher King, 32, of Brampton is currently wanted for the following Criminal Code offences:
- Financial material benefit trafficking person over 18
- Advertising another person’s sexual services
- Trafficking in persons by exercising control
- Material benefits from sexual services
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Procuring / exercising control
- Uttering threats
- Assault
Detectives have reason to believe King is in possession of a firearm. King is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
Members of the public who know the whereabouts of King are encouraged to contact 911 immediately.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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