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Search for victims of theft following the administration of an intoxicant
Gatineau, January 31, 2019. – On January 29 th 2019, the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) arrested 34 year-old Daniel MacKay following two complaints of theft. The suspect is alleged to have administered intoxicants to his victims, possibly GHB, to enable him to perpetrate thefts in their homes. The SPVG has reason to fear that Mr. MacKay may have left other victims, and wants to take this opportunity to make the public aware of the importance of vigilance. Modus operandi | ● | Mr. MacKay contacted his victims through dating apps. |
| ● | In both complaints being investigated by the SPVG, the Grindr app was used. However, the investigation has revealed that in the past he also used the Gay411 app. |
| ● | It is possible that the suspect may have left other victims, without concern for gender or sexual orientation, using other dating apps or sites. |
| ● | The investigation has revealed that he used Stéphane, Craig, Dan and Stephen as user names. He may also have used other names. |
| ● | In both of the cases reported, after initial exchanges between the suspect and his victims through apps, he got himself invited to their homes, where drinks (alcoholic and other) were consumed. |
| ● | The victims very quickly felt extremely intoxicated, became confused, and lost contact with reality. |
| ● | Mr. MacKay then took advantage of the fact that his victims were unconscious to search their homes and steal various items. |
| ● | Once they came back to reality, several hours later, the victims noticed that he had left and that several valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, ID and credit cards were missing. |
| ● | The SPVG has reason to believe that Mr. MacKay may have left other victims, and asks them to contact an investigator by calling 819-243-2346, extension 6040. |
Information about the investigations and the suspect | ● | The two complaints of theft were filed with the SPVG a few days apart. Mr. MacKay was quickly identified as the suspect. He was already known to police in connection with break and enters, theft and fraud in Gatineau and Ottawa (with different modus operandi, and not involving harmful substances). |
| ● | Mr. MacKay was arrested by SPVG police on January 29th at approximately 7:30 p.m. in Ottawa. |
| ● | He was taken to SPVG headquarters, where he met with investigators. |
| ● | He was then kept in custody, and appeared at the end of the day in the Court of Québec. |
| ● | The Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales laid charges of theft, break and enter, breach of recognizance and breach of parole. |
| ● | The investigation continues, and additional charges may be laid. |
Personal safety tips | ● | It is important to all times be vigilant about personal safety. It is always best to avoid risky situations. |
| ● | Even though not all situations can be prevented or controlled, it is possible to take steps to reduce the risk of falling victim to certain crimes of opportunity. |
| ● | For example, in a first meeting resulting from an online connection, the following precautions should be taken:
- always meet on neutral ground, such as a public place;
- be sure to make your own transportation arrangements both there and back;
- let someone know about the meeting, and specify the location, the time you expect to be home and the name of the person you are meeting;
- keep personal effects on your person (cell phone, keys, ID, etc.); and
- if you feel at all uncomfortable about the person, the best thing to do is trust your instincts and leave immediately. |
| ● | The SPVG has a number of prevention tips for residents at police.gatineau.ca. Those tips can help identify potentially dangerous situations and ways to avoid them. |
GHB | ● | GHB in liquid form is odourless, colourless and tasteless. It also exists in capsule and powder form. Although it may taste slightly salty or soapy, it is difficult to detect when mixed with an alcoholic beverage. |
| ● | The main effects of GHB are as follows:
- feeling of being intoxicated;
- loss of inhibition;
- limited vision;
- loss of balance and of contact with reality;
- impaired judgment and confusion;
- sensation of calm or euphoria;
- signs of excitability or aggression;
- chills and nausea;
- amnesia and hallucinations; and
- loss of conscience. |
| ● | If you feel any of these things, immediately seek out someone who should be able to help (bar staff, store clerk, hospital, police, etc.). |
| ● | Tips:
- whether out in public or in your home, always be aware of your surroundings and of what you consume;
- it is best to refuse a drink offered by a stranger and not to “taste” someone else's drink, even if it's someone you know;
- if you leave a glass unattended, for instance when you go to the bathroom, do not drink from it again; and
- if in doubt as to whether someone else has touched your glass, it is best not to drink from it. |
| ● | When consuming GHB voluntarily, it is best to do so in the presence of someone you trust. |
Statement by police communications officer Andrée East “We invite anyone who may have been a victim of Mr. MacKay or anyone else to immediately file a complaint or seek help from a specialized organization. Waking up at home without any recollection of what happened and finding that you have been robbed can be a very traumatic experience. Victims should not be afraid of being judged if they decide to file a complaint. Their file will be treated in strict confidentiality, and we will respect the victim's decision as to whether or not to take legal action.”
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