A St. Catharines man has been arrested by Niagara police (NRPS) for allegedly making online threats on YouTube.
In February, the NRPS was contacted by INTERPOL in the United States regarding threatening comments on YouTube. The initial investigation by INTERPOL led them to the believe the YouTube user was from St. Catharines.
Detectives determined that the YouTube user “Big Lips” posted concerning comments in the public commentary section of videos between Jan. 10 and Feb. 22 of this year. “The comments were found to contain threats of violence. Detectives were able to identify the suspect,” said a Niagara police news release.
Yesterday (Mar 9, 2021) detectives arrested the suspect at a St. Catharines residence and conducted a search warrant at the house.
Derek B. Spence, 41, of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the offences of: Uttering Threats contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code–nine counts.
Spence was held in custody for a video bail hearing. He was to appear at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse Wednesday (Mar. 10, 2021).
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives want to speak with anyone who feels they may have been the subject of online threats by Spence or his username “Big Lips”.
Police said that anyone who may have information about Spence and his online / social media activities is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 1009482.