Police in Durham Region are searching for a wanted man who was last seen at Ontario Shores in Whitby on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Durham Regional Police, 70-year-old Howard Ross Kelly was last seen at approximately 2 p.m. on April 29 at Ontario Shores, located at 700 Gordon Street in Whitby. Kelly is the subject of a warrant of committal and is described as a white male, approximately six feet two inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, with balding grey hair and typically unshaven.
At the time he was last seen, Kelly was wearing an Adidas hat, a red jacket, and black pants. Police have indicated that he may be in the Scarborough area of Toronto, though the search is focused on Whitby and surrounding Durham Region communities.
A warrant of committal is a legal document issued by a court that authorizes the detention of an individual in a correctional facility. It is typically issued when a person has been found guilty of an offense and sentenced to imprisonment, or when they have violated the conditions of a previous release.
Durham Regional Police are asking anyone who sees Kelly or has information about his whereabouts to contact police immediately. Members of the public are advised not to approach the individual but to call 911 or contact Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520. Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online.
Police emphasize that Kelly should be considered potentially dangerous due to the nature of the warrant for his apprehension. The search involves multiple police units and resources, with officers conducting checks in known locations and following up on leads from the public.
Ontario Shores is a mental health facility located in Whitby that provides specialized care and treatment for individuals with complex mental health needs. The facility serves patients from across Durham Region and beyond.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, Kelly had not been located, and the search continued into the evening. Police will maintain an active search until he is apprehended or until new information changes the direction of the investigation.
Residents in Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, and surrounding areas are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that matches the description provided. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
