Detectives with the Branford Police Service are now investigating a homicide after the victim of a serious assault succumbed to his injuries early on Monday, June 20.
On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at approximately 6:00 p.m. members of the Brantford Police Patrol section responded to reports of an assault in an area along the Grand River near the Brant’s Crossing Riverfront Skateboard Park on Icomm Drive.
Upon police arrival, a 49-year-old male victim was located with head injuries. He was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The investigation revealed the victim was involved in an alleged property dispute with another group of individuals, during which time he was assaulted.
The suspects fled the area prior to police arrival and a K-9 track was completed.
Due to the severity of the injuries, members of the Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Section were assigned to investigate.
From the onset of the investigation, police have worked with the family of the victim to provide support and updates related to the progress of the investigation.
In the early hours of Monday, June 20, 2022, despite having received life-saving efforts, the victim, Brantford resident Peter POTTRUFF died as a result of the injuries sustained during the assault.
Police have now upgraded this to a homicide investigation.
Detectives are aware a number of citizens were in the area at the time of the incident and are hoping to speak with these individuals. Based on the information provided to date, police do not believe this was a random attack, and feel that those who were present at the time of the assault may have valuable information that will assist in identifying the person(s) responsible. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective John Allan of the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 ext. 2266.
