2026-03-31
Proactive Patrol Interrupts Attempted Home Invasion -Charges Laid in Child Abuse Investigation
Unwanted Person Arrested
On March 18, 2026, Smiths Falls Police responded to a 9‑1‑1 call reporting a disturbance that had just occurred at a local residence. Officers were dispatched immediately and initiated an investigation upon arrival. A suspect was quickly identified and subsequently taken into custody.
As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Chelsea GRACZOL of Smiths Falls stands charged of being unlawfully in dwelling (x1). The accused was later released from custody with conditions and a scheduled court date.
Arrest Made in IPV Investigation
On March 20, 2026, Smiths Falls Police received a 9‑1‑1 call reporting an intimate partner violence incident that had just occurred at a local restaurant. Officers were dispatched immediately and began an investigation upon arrival. Following continued investigative efforts, the suspect was located on March 25 and arrested without incident.
As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old female from Smiths Falls stands charged with assault (x1) and failure to comply with their bail release order (x1). The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Proactive Patrol Interrupts Attempted Home Invasion
On March 22, 2026, a Smiths Falls Police Service officer conducting proactive patrols observed a vehicle operating suspiciously within a residential neighborhood. The officer monitored the vehicle as its occupant exited and approached a nearby home, where the individual attempted to forcibly gain entry. The officer acted immediately, intervening and taking the suspect into custody.
As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Nicholas PLACE of Merrickville has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired (x1)
· Operation while impaired- blood alcohol content over 80 mg (x1)
· Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (x1)
· Disguise with intent (x1)
· Assault with a weapon (x1)
The accused was later released from custody with conditions and a scheduled court date.
Charges Laid in Child Abuse Investigation
On March 26, 2026, members of the Smiths Falls Police Service Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a local residence. Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene without incident. The warrant was issued as part of an investigation launched on February 13, following reports of suspected abuse made to police by Family and Children’s Services.
As a result of the investigation, a 41‑year‑old male and a 36‑year‑old female from Smiths Falls have each been charged with one count of aggravated assault. Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Shoplifter Arrested by Undercover Officers
On March 26, 2026, members of Smiths Falls Police Service conducted a proactive plain‑clothes assignment. While on patrol they observed a suspect inside a local store concealing merchandise with no attempt to purchase the items upon leaving. Officers intervened, and the suspect was arrested at the scene without incident.
As a result of the investigation, 42-year-old Matthew BENOIT of Smiths Falls stands charged with theft under $5000 (x1). The accused was later released with a scheduled court date.
Disturbance Leads to Multiple Charges
On March 28, 2026, Smiths Falls Police initiated an investigation into a disturbance that had occurred earlier that day within a residential building. The suspect, who was already in custody on an unrelated matter, was subsequently advised of the additional charges stemming from this incident.
As a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Bryan MORDY of Smiths Falls is charged with:
· Theft under $5000 (x1)
· Assault (x1)
· Assault with a weapon (x1)
· Mischief under $5000 (x2)
· Break, Enter a dwelling (x1)
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Arrest Made in IPV Breach Investigation
On March 28, 2026, Smiths Falls Police received information regarding a possible breach of conditions related to previous intimate partner violence charges. Officers attended the scene and located the suspect hiding in a pile of laundry. The individual was subsequently arrested.
As a result of the investigation, a 41-year-old male from Lombardy stands charged with failing to comply with their bail release order (x1) and failing to comply with their probation order (x3). The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Flight From Police Suspect Arrested
On March 30, 2026, an individual wanted in connection with an earlier police investigation attended the Smiths Falls Police Service station to surrender. The outstanding charges stem from a February 2 incident in which the suspect failed to stop for police during a traffic stop and subsequently fled the area.
As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Justin MCFADDEN of Lombardy stands charged with:
· Flight from peace officer (x1)
· Dangerous operation (x1)
· Operation while prohibited (x1)
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The charges in these matters have not been proven in court.
The Smiths Falls Police Service urges anyone with information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, to contact our service at 613-283-0357. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).