Sudbury police awards officer who helped catch criminal while off duty
An officer and former paramedic who has been with Greater Sudbury Police Service for two years is being recognized for helping catch the suspect in a violent crime when off duty.
Const. Kevin Powell has received a Chief's Nickel Award "for excellent investigative work leading to the apprehension of an individual who committed a violent act," GSPS said in a news release Thursday.
Const. Kevin Powell (centre) receives Chief's Nickel Award from Greater Sudbury Police Service Chief Paul Pedersen (left) and Deputy Chief Natalie Hiltz (right) after helping catch the suspect in a violent crime while off duty. (Supplied)
"Recently, while off-duty, travelling in his personal vehicle, Const. Kevin Powell witnessed a violent crime. Despite being alone and off-duty, he immediately sprang into action and ensured the victim’s safety," police said.
"The suspect had fled the scene before Const. Powell was able to pull over and tend to the victim. Const. Powell’s next priority was to identify the suspect."
Police arrested the suspect a few days later.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
- Want more local news? Check out the Sudbury page
"Const. Powell’s vigilance, sense of duty and commitment to public safety while off-duty are directly responsible for the apprehension of this individual who is now before the courts," GSPS said.
"Despite only having two years under his belt as a Sworn Police Officer, Const. Powell routinely demonstrates policing excellence, going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. The Greater Sudbury Police Service is proud to call him one of our own."
This is not the first time Powell has been recognized by GSPS.
In 2021, he was presented with the Police Community Leader Award for his actions as an off-duty paramedic at a double fatal crash on Elm Street near Big Nickel Mine Road.
Kevin Powell receives Police Community Leader Award in 2021 from Greater Sudbury Police Service for actions as an off-duty paramedic at the scene of a double fatal on Elm Street near Big Nickel Mine Road. (Supplied)
Being one of the first to arrive at the scene Nov. 17, 2020, Powell "immediately took charge of the scene" directing bystanders to safety and administering CPR to one of the victims all the way to the hospital.
"Kevin’s quick thinking and immediate actions ensured the safety of bystanders and provided much-needed assistance to paramedic and fire crews who attended the scene," GSPS said in a news release in August 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted in Ontario double homicide: DOJ
A Canadian former Olympic snowboarder who is suspected of being the leader of a transnational drug trafficking group that operated in four countries is wanted for allegedly orchestrating the murder of an 'innocent' couple in Ontario in 2023, authorities say.
Ontario school board trustees under fire for $100K religious art purchase on Italy trip
Trustees with an Ontario school board are responding to criticism over a $45,000 trip to Italy, where they purchased more than $100,000 worth of religious statues.
A photographer snorkeled for hours to take this picture
Shane Gross, a Canadian marine conservation photojournalist, has won the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Tobacco giants would pay out $32.5 billion to provinces, smokers in proposed deal
Three tobacco giants are proposing to pay close to $25 billion to provinces and territories and more than $4 billion to some 100,000 Quebec smokers and their loved ones as part of a corporate restructuring process triggered by a long-running legal battle.
More Trudeau cabinet ministers not running for re-election, sources say shuffle expected soon
Federal cabinet ministers Filomena Tassi, Carla Qualtrough and Dan Vandal announced Thursday they will not run for re-election. Senior government sources tell CTV News at least one other, Marie-Claude Bibeau, doesn't plan to run again, setting the stage for Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet in the coming weeks.
Robert Pickton's handwritten book seized after his death in hopes of uncovering new evidence
A handwritten book was seized from B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton's prison cell following his death earlier this year, raising hopes of uncovering new evidence in a series of unprosecuted murders.
Former members of One Direction say they're 'completely devastated' by Liam Payne's death
The former members of English boy band One Direction reacted publicly to the sudden death of their bandmate, Liam Payne, for the first time on Thursday, saying in a joint statement that they're 'completely devastated.'
Israel says it has killed top Hamas leader Yayha Sinwar in Gaza
Israeli forces in Gaza killed top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year's attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel's most wanted man.
Indian government employee charged in foiled murder-for-hire plot in New York City
The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges Thursday against an Indian government employee in connection with a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.