Latest news with #Boisvert
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Hartford police charge dirt bike, ATV riders after seizing vehicles in local park
Police seized more than a half-dozen dirt bikes and off-road vehicles on Sunday when a group was reportedly found illegally riding them in a park in Hartford. The riders were found in Colt Park as members of the Community Services Bureau and the Street Crimes Unit were assigned to a 'quality of life' detail aimed at addressing complaints of illegal off-road riding, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department. Boisvert said police seized five dirt bikes, an ATV and a Can-Am off-road vehicle. The drivers of each vehicle were all charged, according to Boisvert. They have not been identified.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Woman dead, two others injured after vehicle veers off road in Hartford, strikes multiple objects
A woman was killed and two other people were seriously injured when the car they were in left the road and crashed into a fence and two trees before striking a parked van in Hartford on Tuesday. The crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in a rear parking lot of 90 Retreat Ave. where emergency crews responded on the report of a serious crash involving a single vehicle, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department. First responders found that a white 2001 Acura 3.2 CL had struck an unoccupied passenger van in the parking lot. Inside the Acura, three people were found suffering from serious injuries, including the 41-year-old man who was driving, 38-year-old Christine Camacho of Hartford, who was a front seat passenger, and an 18-year-old woman who was a rear passenger, Boisvert said. All three occupants were taken to Hartford Hospital where Camacho was pronounced dead, according to Boisvert. The condition of the two others was not immediately clear. Boisvert said a preliminary investigation found that the Acura was being driven north on Franklin Avenue at an alleged 'high rate of speed' as it approached the intersection with Maple Avenue. The vehicle crossed the intersection and left the west side of the road where it struck a fence and two trees, continued into a parking lot and came to rest after striking the van, according to Boisvert. The Hartford Police Crime Scene Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Police are still investigating and asking anyone with information to call the Hartford Police Department Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
CT teen arrested after police raid allegedly turns up guns, magazines in apartment
A teenager was arrested in Hartford on Wednesday after a raid at his apartment reportedly turned up two guns, including one that would be fired as an automatic, and multiple magazines. The search was carried out at an apartment at on Lawrence Street by the Vice and Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department. Boisvert said authorities had a search warrant for the apartment in connection to an illegal firearms investigation. During the search, they allegedly found a Glock 19 with an extended magazine containing 29 live rounds, a Glock 17 equipped with an auto switch and various magazines, according to Boisvert. A resident of the apartment, 19-year-old Jefzabdiel Roman-Reyes, was arrested. He faces charges of possession of a machine gun and six counts of possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
What makes Dubai the best city for female solo travellers?
Once seen as a bold move, solo travel—especially for women—has grown into a global movement grounded in independence, self-discovery, and the joy of exploring on your own terms. And as more women embrace the freedom of travelling alone, certain cities stand out for the way they prioritise safety, ease, and inclusivity. A new study by InsureMyTrip now confirms what many travellers already feel—Dubai ranks as the world's best destination for solo female travel, earning an impressive overall score of 7.71. As the city continues to gain recognition as a haven for women travelling on their own, we explore what makes it stand out. The study The study analyses several factors in categories such as safety, gender equality, walkability at night, and overall tourism appeal. It was conducted across 62 cities based on metrics across female safety and tourism to create a definitive list of the best cities for solo female travel. 'Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardised using minmax normalisation. The minmax normalisation value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 1-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points which includes both city-level data and one country-level data point,' says Sara Boisvert, director of marketing, InsureMyTrip. Dubai scored in the following categories in the study. TikTok popularity' (35.7M hashtags), 'feeling safe walking alone at night' (83.11/100), 'feeling safe despite gender' (86.23/100), 'quality of things to do' (4.58/5), 'women peace and security index' (0.868/1), 'hotel ratings' (4.26/5, 'quality of things to do' (4.58/5) and 'average cost per day' ($289). 'To accomplish this, we standardised the latest available data for each city in categories like safety, gender equality, walkability at night, and overall tourism appeal, to help solo female travellers make informed decisions,' adds Boisvert. Safety cues What works in Dubai's favour is that the city has a very low crime rate and is considered a safe place to travel as a woman, with most of the public transport in Dubai offering a 'women's only section'. Mumbai based Dr Surabhi Wani, founder, Suhi Healthcare, explains, 'during my trip, I visited several places and saved a lot on transportation by using only public transport — metro, tram, and buses, which made me feel like a true resident. I had purchased the Nol card on my first day itself, and it was incredibly useful since almost everything in the main city is connected by the metro. The people in Dubai were incredibly helpful and kind, and most spoke both English and Hindi, so language was never a barrier. Whether in malls, stores, or local markets, I felt completely welcomed. I never felt alone for even a moment.' Interestingly, before her trip, she had watched multiple vlogs and chose to wear comfortable and modest clothing. 'But honestly, Dubai exceeded my expectations in terms of safety and respect. No stares, no unsolicited attention, let alone anything inappropriate. I walked 12-15 kilometres almost every day, sometimes in areas where I was the only person around, yet I felt completely secure,' she adds. Vocal for local For those planning a solo trip to Dubai, embracing the local culture truly elevates the experience of your travel. Strolling through Dubai Creek and its traditional souks offers a glimpse into the city's historic past, while the vibrant food scene reflects its cosmopolitan mix. 'Traveling solo to Dubai was a transformative journey. The city's perfect balance of safety, culture, and modern comforts made it an incredible space for self-discovery and adventure. I'd highly recommend it to any solo traveller looking for a dynamic yet secure destination near to your homeland. The low crime rate and respectful environment provided a sense of security, even when venturing out at night was very easy and comfortable. While it's always prudent to remain aware of one's surroundings, Dubai's commitment to safety is reassuring for solo female travellers or any traveller,' says Tarana Lalchandani, a 28-year-old marketer in a Mumbai luxury hotel. In fact, connecting with locals can open doors to unexpected experiences as people are very friendly and helpful. Trade speak The city's world-class infrastructure, stringent law enforcement, and commitment to safety make it an attractive choice for those exploring independently. 'From an industry perspective, the travel and trade have seen a steady rise in solo travel bookings to Dubai over the past few years, particularly among young professionals and digital nomads. While exact numbers vary, solo traveller inquiries and bookings to Dubai have grown by approximately 20-25 per cent year-on-year, reflecting its appeal as a secure and well-connected destination,' says Karen Mulla, co-founder of TravelK. 'At India Assist, we have observed a notable increase in solo travellers heading to Dubai for both leisure and business over the past year. In line with our commitment to providing personal care and real-time support, we have launched UAE Assist — a service designed to offer on-ground assistance during unexpected moments. Our goal is to make solo travel even more secure and accessible through technology-driven traveller support across the region,' adds Harish Khatri, founder and MD at India Assist. First-time travellers If you are travelling solo for the first time, Dubai is the destination that makes it effortless, even though it may seem like a daunting task. Karishma Sakhrani, MasterChef India finalist, culinary consultant, and content creator says, 'Dubai is the safest city in the world—hands down! That's honestly the biggest reason I'd recommend it for solo travellers. Whether it's walking around at night, taking public transport, or just going about your day, you never have to think twice about safety. It's a huge relief, especially when you're travelling alone. Whether you are indulging in a luxurious spa day, exploring the desert, or dining at a buzzing restaurant, there's something for every kind of traveller. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience a place that is both exhilarating and welcoming.' Ira Arora, a Delhi-based PR professional, agrees, 'I loved the sense of independence. Long walks at La Mer were incredibly peaceful, giving me time to reflect and soak in the beauty of the city. I never once felt unsafe, and that gave me the confidence to truly enjoy being on my own. The cab drivers were kind, the city was easy to navigate, and I had the best 'me time' I could have asked for. When my flight took off, I was full of anxiety. But on the way back, all I felt was gratitude—gratitude for doing this for myself, for pushing past my hesitation, and for proving that I could.' Gender bender Interestingly, even men opine that the city has been their go to choice for solo travel and extol its virtues. Delhi based Anas Ali, UI/UX designer, who decided to travel alone says, 'I was astounded by how quick and easy the immigration procedure was as soon as I touched down. No lengthy lines, no pointless inspections — just a seamless arrival in one of the most opulent cities on Earth. The security system at The Dubai Mall, however, was the one item that really caught me off guard. I simply strolled in without being checked, unlike in India, where there are security checks at every entrance. Although it seemed unreal, it demonstrated how secure and well-run Dubai is.' Dubai is a city where modern luxury meets impeccable order. Whether it's the breathtaking skyline, the unmatched cleanliness, the respectful traffic culture it has something to appeal to everyone. 'I chose to go for a walk at two in the morning one night because I was a little bored. I noticed nothing except opulent automobiles driving silently down the streets as I walked along the sidewalk. It was a serene, dreamlike experience with no one around, no fear, and no anxieties,' adds Ali. A highly developed tourism ecosystem, with luxury and budget-friendly stays tailored for solo explorers, 24/7 surveillance in public spaces, ensuring a secure environment even at night and a mix of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and high safety standards, Dubai continues to be a top choice for solo travellers worldwide. So, here's another reason to say: Habibi, come to Dubai!
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Killer who strangled Edmonton woman, hid body in carpet sentenced to 10-1/2 years; defence says police errors led Crown to accept manslaughter plea
Telling him he must spend the rest of his life making amends, a judge sentenced a man who strangled a young Edmonton woman in a random attack to 10-1/2 years in prison. Court of King's Bench Justice Jody Fraser on Thursday passed sentence on 34-year-old Ryan Farrell, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter for the brutal 2023 killing of Lauren Jarvis. Court heard Farrell attacked Jarvis — a woman he did not know — at the four-plex where they both lived on April 2, 2023. He beat her with a walking cane, strangled her with a rope, then bound her body and hid it inside a carpet in her bedroom. No motive was offered for the crime, which Farrell's defence lawyer said her client does not remember. Farrell had initially been charged with second-degree murder. During Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Farrell's defence lawyer said the Crown accepted a plea to the lesser charge due to a Charter issue, which could have 'gutted' the prosecution's case. Dozens of Jarvis's loved ones attended court and gave victim impact statements. Fraser told them he had little option but to accept the joint sentencing submission from the Crown and defence. 'Lauren's life was valuable to so many people,' the judge told them. 'All your suffering has not gone unnoticed.' Turning to Farrell, who sat in the prisoner's box in orange and black coveralls, he told him he owes society 'a great debt.' 'You have a lot of making up to do for the rest of your life, sir,' he said. Farrell declined an opportunity to address court. During submissions on Wednesday, defence lawyer Danielle Boisvert portrayed her client as a normal man who, during an uncharacteristic drug and alcohol binge, committed an act of horrific violence. Farrell was born in Halifax, one of five brothers. His upbringing was stable and unremarkable, and no one in the family had ever been in trouble with the law, Boisvert said. He attended Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and, in 2018, joined the Canadian Forces reserves. Farrell's life took a turn in 2019, when one of his brothers died by suicide. He was unemployed during COVID, stringing together the occasional art contract — including designing materials for the Halifax Rifles. His resume also includes stunt work in the East Coast film industry. In 2023, Farrell's dad — who had worked in the Alberta oilfield since 2005 — suggested he move west. Farrell joined his father in February 2023, moving into his 10919 122 St. apartment one floor above Jarvis' home. He planned to become an oilfield scaffolder, but, according to Boisvert, he was delayed in acquiring the union certifications. While his dad was working up north in late March and early April, Farrell began a 'weeklong bender,' abusing alcohol, Adderall and steroids he had acquired for bodybuilding, Boisvert said. Before this, his alcohol consumption was 'average,' and Farrell had no history of substance abuse, Boisvert said. He has 'little to no recollection' of killing Jarvis and does not know why he did, Boisvert said. Farrell was arrested the day he killed Jarvis and has been in custody since. Despite the fact that he had been abusing drugs for a week, his father's apartment was 'extremely clean,' Boisvert said. Police found a garbage bag containing containers of Pine-Sol used to clean up Jarvis' blood, as well as the broken walking cane he used to strike her. Police also found Jarvis's IDs, which had been cut to pieces, as well as her laptop and a stained rope. Farrell was taken to the Edmonton Remand Centre, where he was housed in a unit with what he described as 'schizophrenics, drunks, drug addicts and homeless people.' He was later assaulted by two inmates, likely over the fact that Farrell had been promoted to unit cleaner, Boisvert said. Crown and defence agreed to deduct half a year from Farrell's overall sentence for the assault. More to come. jwakefield@ @ Crown and defence ask court to sentence Edmonton man to 10-1/2 years for strangling woman to death in random attack Accused Edmonton drug dealer acquitted after judge finds 'serious breach' of Charter rights by RCMP
