How a Nationwide Manhunt Led to the Arrest of High-Risk Sex Offender Christopher Watts
On June 9, 2026, Halton Regional Police arrested 66-year-old registered high-risk sex offender Christopher Watts in Hamilton, Ontario, following a nationwide warrant issued after he allegedly breached supervision requirements in the Montreal area. The arrest came just days after Watts was released from prison on May 28 and failed to comply with post-release conditions.
Watts had turned himself in as planned to a Montreal halfway house upon release but reportedly escaped before authorities could maintain oversight. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued on June 4. Officers located his unregistered vehicle parked at LaSalle Park in Burlington and monitored it until safely apprehending him later that evening in Hamilton.
A History of Violent Crime
Christopher Watts is no stranger to the criminal justice system. In 2015, he was convicted of manslaughter, sexual assault, and sexual assault causing bodily harm in connection with the 2001 death of 13-year-old Amanda Raymond near Cambridge, Ontario. He served a 12-year prison sentence for those crimes and was placed under a long-term supervision order upon release.
Investigators are now working to determine Watts’s activities during the five days between his escape from the Montreal-area halfway house and his arrest in Hamilton. Authorities urge anyone with information about his movements or whereabouts during that period to contact the Halton Regional Police 3rd District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2316, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.haltoncrimesteppers.ca.
Other Regional Crime Updates
Project Keystone Targets Drug Trafficking in Durham Region
Meanwhile, Durham Regional Police announced the results of “Project Keystone,” an investigation launched in May targeting drug-related activity around a motel on Osborne Street in Beaverton. After executing a search warrant and arresting two individuals, officers conducted proactive patrols and traffic stops, seizing 28 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, along with over $1,500 in cash. As of early June, 12 people have been arrested, 37 criminal complaints issued, and 53 compliance checks carried out. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Human Remains Identified as Barrie Man in Berczy Park Homicide
In Toronto, human remains discovered in Berczy Park have been identified as Jamie Goudreault, 50, of Barrie. Known by the nickname “Bones,” Goudreault was a familiar figure who regularly begged near Highway 400 exits. His death is being treated as a suspicious homicide, though the cause has not yet been determined. Police are seeking information about his recent movements and contacts. Anyone with details is asked to contact Barrie Police at 705-725-7025, ext. 2160.
Four Youths Charged in Woodbine Beach Stabbing
Toronto Police have charged four individuals—two 18-year-olds and two 17-year-olds—with aggravated assault following a knife attack near Woodbine Beach on June 6. Two victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being approached by multiple suspects who engaged them in a physical altercation. Rabeea Ziadah and Katchig Daneil, both 18, face two counts of assault each, while the juveniles face additional charges including attempted murder. Information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477.
