Police searching for man after child's suspicious death in Cambridge
The Waterloo Regional Police Service has released the name of a man they say could have information on the suspicious death of an eight-year-old boy in Cambridge.
Police said on Monday afternoon their search continues for 41-year-old Curtis Hesselink.
"At this point investigators believe there is a concern for his safety and well-being," said Const. Andre Johnson at the press conference. "We are asking anyone who sees him not to approach, but to call 911 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers."
Police said Saturday that the man was believed to be armed and dangerous.
"The initial information that we received is that there could potentially be firearms associated with this individual," said Const. Johnson. "Since that time, and through further investigation, we no longer have that immediate concern for public safety. At this point in time… our concern is for the wellbeing and safety of Mr. Hesselink."
Police said the boy was found dead Saturday morning at a home on Townline Road near Hespeler Village.
Soon after they began a search for Hesselink, although they did not release his name.
"At the time, that was the priority," said Const. Johnson. "As the investigation has progressed we are releasing more information in the hopes of locating this individual, both for his well-being and because we believe that he has further information that could assist the investigation."
Curtis Hesselink. (Submitted/WRPS)
Hesselink is described as white, 5-foot-11 with blue eyes, a thin build, short blonde hair, and facial scruff. He was last seen wearing brown khaki pants and possibly a dark army-style bucket hat.
Police said Hesselink and the boy, who has not been identified, were known to each other but did not say how.
NEIGHBOURS SHOCKED
People who live in the area said they were shocked and saddened to learn about the boy’s death.
"Whenever a child's life is lost, it hits close to home," said Catherine Vanderlaan, who has lived in the area for nearly 40 years. "We're all very upset. It's not a dangerous neighbourhood and I don't think it's any more dangerous now. It's just a very tragic event that's happened."
"I've met a few neighbours around here, everyone seems nice," said Cameron Hughes, who recently moved to the area. "Just to know that it was a kid that it happened to, it's devastating."
Waterloo regional police on Townline Road in Cambridge. (Johnny Mazza/CTV Kitchener)
The area around the home was cleared by Monday morning and the crime scene tape had been taken down.
Police said they continue to investigate in the area of Townline Road and River Road.
"The tragic death of an 8-year-old, especially under unclear circumstances, raises many concerns for our community," said Police Chief Bryan Larkin in a media release. "I want to reassure Cambridge residents and the broader Waterloo Region community that we have dedicated investigators working around the clock to determine exactly what took place and locate Mr. Hesselink safely."
A post-mortem has been completed but police said the boy's cause of death has not yet been determined.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.