Suspect in Kitchener slaying added to Bolo Program’s Top 25 most wanted list
A suspect in a Waterloo Region homicide has been added to the Bolo Program’s Top 25 list of most wanted criminals.
Hamilton’s Habiton Solomon, 21, sought in connection with the Aug. 13, 2023 death of 18-year-old Joshua Tarnue, in Kitchener, is the first suspect in a Waterloo Region crime to be put on the program’s fugitive list.
Bolo, an acronym for “Be on the lookout,” is an initiative using social media and other means, such as advertisements, to amplify arrest warrants from police services asking for the public’s assistance.
During a news conference Tuesday at Toronto Police Service headquarters, Bolo announced it has a $1-million cash pool for information leading to the arrest of people on the Top 25 list. The reward offered is based on where each suspect ranks.
In co-operation with Waterloo Region Crime Stoppers, up to $50,000, until Dec. 3, is being offered for any information leading to Solomon’s arrest.
A Canadawide warrant was issued for Solomon shortly after Tarnue was pronounced dead in hospital after being shot outside the AfroEast Restaurant, at 91 Queen St. S. Solomon is wanted for second-degree murder.
Cherri Greeno, director of communications for Waterloo Regional Police, said she believes a cash reward might be the incentive people need to contact police or Crime Stoppers, especially those who know Solomon’s whereabouts.
“When this incident occurred in August 2023, we’ve had dedicated resources, officers and investigators, working tirelessly to try and bring some closure to the investigation, to the family, to the community,” Greeno said, following the news conference.
“We’re hopeful being part of the Bolo Program will put us one step closer to locating him and making an arrest.”
Const. Eric Weltz said police believe Solomon is in Ontario, specifically in the Greater Toronto Area or Hamilton. Solomon has connections to Ottawa, North Bay, Huntsville, Hamilton, Brantford and Windsor.
“If Mr. Solomon is reading this, we
Police believe a cash reward might be the incentive people need to contact police, especially those who know Solomon’s whereabouts
do encourage him to contact a lawyer and turn himself in,” Weltz said.
“The police are not the only ones on the lookout for him; there’s national attention now.”
Solomon stands five feet eight inches tall. He is 130 pounds with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes. The public is reminded not to attempt to apprehend Solomon as he may be armed and dangerous.
Two other men have already been arrested in the case, which police believe was a targeted shooting. A 25-year-old and a 19-year-old, both from Hamilton, were charged a week apart with manslaughter.
Tarnue’s death received attention last year when his grieving family told media about the loss of their son and that they came to Canada to give their children a better life with more opportunities.
The 18-year-old arrived in Canada from Liberia in 2019 with his older brother and father. His mother came to Canada in 2004 and sent money back to her family until they could be reunited.
Solomon is also wanted by the Hamilton Police Service in relation to a shooting that took place in the downtown area of Hamilton on July 22, 2023. For that case, he is facing charges including discharging a firearm with intent and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.