Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thames Centre

Brock NEILSEN Was Arrested

(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – Traffic stop leads to multiple charges for driver.

On January 29, 2026, at 8:53 p.m., a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) while on general patrol on Catherine Street in Thames Centre, observed a suspicious vehicle at which time a traffic stop was initiated.

As a result, Brock NEILSEN, a 45-year-old of Thames Centre, has been charged under the Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Cannabis Control Act with:

·      Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code

·      Driving while under suspension

·      Disobey stop sign – fail to stop

·      Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused has been released from police custody and is and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 4, 2026, to speak to the charges. 

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000. 

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OPP Police Press Releases Tecumseh Windsor

Megan MITCHELL – Drunk Driving

(TECUMSEH, ON) – A driver has been charged following a collision in Tecumseh.

 At approximately 9:50 p.m. on February 3, 2026, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on Tecumseh Road near Bedell Street in the Town of Tecumseh.

Megan MITCHELL, 30-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 19, 2026, to answer to the charges.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated for both drivers as per statute.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Categories
OPP South Porcupine

Drug Bust – Dean Bernier & Wendy Emans

(SOUTH PORCUPINE, ON) – On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) K9 unit and Iroquois Falls members, the OPP Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence in Monteith. Police seized suspected cocaine, Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia, all with an estimated street value of $13,800. 

As a result, two persons were arrested and charged. 

Dean Bernier, 48 years of age and Wendy Emans, 55 years of age, both from Monteith, have been charged with the following CDSA offences:

  • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and
  • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000

The accused persons are being held in custody and are awaiting a bail hearing.

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Centre Of Wellington OPP Police Press Releases

John KACHUR – Theft, Drunk Driving

(CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – An Elora resident is charged following a traffic stop.

On January 30, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a member of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a theft from a business on Parkside Drive West in Fergus. The accused concealed a bottle of vodka and left the store without attempting to pay for it. The accused was recognized as being involved in two previously reported alcohol thefts from the same business on January 16 and January 24, 2026. The accused remained outstanding.

On February 3, 2026, at approximately 11:45 p.m., a member of the Wellington County OPP was conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Sophia Street in Elora, when they located the accused’s vehicle and observed signs of impairment.

As a result of the investigation, John KACHUR, a 37-year-old from Elora, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts)

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day vehicle impoundment were initiated as per statute.

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on March 17, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Categories
Arthur OPP Police Press Releases Wellington North

Burke SEEHAVER Was Arrested

(WELLINGTON NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – An Arthur driver is charged following a traffic stop.

On February 2, 2026, at approximately 12:15 a.m., a member of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Wellington Road 109 in Arthur, when the cruiser’s Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) alerted the officer of a potential suspended driver.

As a result of the investigation, Burke SEEHAVER, a 35-year-old from Arthur, is charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving while under suspension

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on March 20, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Categories
Otonabee-South Monaghan Police Press Releases

Valence LINDO – Drunk Driving

(OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged an individual with impaired driving after stopping a vehicle on Highway 115.

On Monday February 2, 2026, just before 1:00pm, an officer from the Peterborough County OPP detachment was on patrol on Highway 115 when a vehicle attracted their attention. The officer conducted a traffic stop and approached the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer determined them to be impaired and the individual was arrested. The driver was transported to the Peterborough County OPP detachment for further testing where samples provided were over three times the legal limit.

Valence LINDO (age 52) of Grafton, ON., was arrested and charged with;

• Operation while impaired

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80+)

• Fail to have insurance card

• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

• Driver fail to surrender licence

• Fail to stop – nearest edge of roadway – for emergency vehicle

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on March 10, 2026.

The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90-days, and their vehicle impounded for seven days.

The Peterborough County OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Skylier BELL & Melissa RICHARD

(MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON) – Two people are facing drug related charges after a warrant was executed at a residence in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.

In January 2026, the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) initiated an investigation after receiving information regarding suspected drug trafficking at a residence in Wikwemikong First Nation. On January 22, 2026, OPP CSCU executed a search warrant at the residence, with assistance from Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and OPP Canine. Two people were arrested as a result.

Skylier BELL, 33-years-old of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

Melissa RICHARD, 32-years-old of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

Both accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court and were remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear before court today, February 4, 2026.

Categories
Free Press North Huron OFP Uncategorized Wingham

Council Turns Back On Cornered Female Councillor

(Wingham, North Huron, ON) It was supposed to be just another night of duck-and-cover democracy at North Huron Council — but instead, residents were treated to an impromptu hallway comedy special starring Councillor Anita van Hittersum, abandoned by her own colleagues.

As cameras rolled and questions flew, van Hittersum found herself outside the council chambers door with David Menzies and Buck asking simple, reasonable questions. Not hostile. Not threatening. Just questions. The kind public officials are allegedly paid to answer.

Inside the chambers? Silence.
Locked door.
Council and staff safely huddled together, refusing to let her in.

To be clear: she was not “cornered.” There was a wide-open exit door to her left. No one blocked her path. No one raised a voice. The only thing trapping her was the sudden realization that answering questions might be harder than avoiding them.

The hallway soon erupted in laughter as each non-answer piled on another. At first, Councillor van Hittersum laughed along — unsure why the crowd was laughing. Then it dawned on her: they weren’t laughing with her.

They were laughing at her.

In a moment that will live forever in Wingham folklore, she repeatedly knocked on the council chambers door, hoping one of her male colleagues would “man up” and let her in. Surely someone would open the door. Surely someone would help.

Nope.

Council stayed frozen inside — paralyzed with fear — much like they’ve been when asked to clear obstructed sidewalks forcing children into live traffic. Apparently, opening a door for a colleague is just as terrifying as enforcing bylaws evenly.

After several knocks and zero rescues, van Hittersum finally realized what the rest of the town already knows: council wasn’t coming to save her. They don’t rush to help residents, and they certainly weren’t about to help her.

Defeated, humiliated, and thoroughly unsupported, she eventually gave up waiting — and tried the other door.

The lesson?
When accountability shows up at the door, North Huron Council locks it… even on their own.

📅 Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the next council meeting on February 17.
It’s educational. It’s entertaining. And judging by recent events, it’s the best live comedy Wingham has to offer.

Bring popcorn.

Categories
OPP Penetanguishene Police Press Releases

Troy SWEENEY Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(Penetanguishene, ON) The Southern Georgian Bay OPP responded this morning to a report of an armed individual inside a Penetanguishene apartment building on Maria Street.

On February 3, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers were called to respond to a person who was aggressively swinging a machete‑style weapon inside the secure common area of the building. The victim, who happened upon the suspect, fled and secured himself inside an apartment.

Police arrived within minutes and searched the building’s hallways and stairwells. Officers located a male matching the description and were able to arrest him without further incident. A machete‑style weapon and a hunting‑style knife were seized at the scene.

The suspect was transported to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

The accused, Troy SWEENEY, 37 years old, of Penetanguishene, has been charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
  • Breach of Probation (two counts)

The accused was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 3, 2026.

The OPP reminds residents that if you observe suspicious or dangerous behaviour, call 911 immediately. Quick reporting from the public continues to play a critical role in maintaining community safety.

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Mono OPP Police Press Releases

Jason JOHNSTON & Michael BARRIE Were Arrested

(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three local residents with impaired operation-related charges following separate calls for service in Dufferin County.

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Dufferin OPP received a complaint regarding a motor vehicle collision in which a vehicle had struck a hydro pole. Officers arrived on scene, spoke with the driver, and initiated an impaired driving investigation.

Jason JOHNSTON, a 49-year-old male from Mono, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Fail to remain
  • Possess unmarked cigarettes
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

On January 31, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers received a complaint from a concerned citizen regarding a vehicle in a ditch, possibly believed to be operated by an impaired driver, in the area of 10th East Garafraxa Township. Officers searched for the vehicle and were able to locate it. Following a brief interaction with the driver, an impaired driving investigation was initiated.

Michael BARRIE, a 57-year-old male from Georgetown, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. Their driver’s licence was suspended 90 days, and their vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The Dufferin OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, rideshare, public transit or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you.

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Walpole Island First Nation

Hawke KIYOSHK Was Arrested

(WALPOLE ISLAND FIRST NATION, ON) – An individual is facing several charges following the execution of a search warrant on Walpole Island First Nation.

On January 30, 2026, members from the Lambton County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Essex CSCU, with the assistance of the West Region OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), West Region OPP Canine Unit, and Lambton County OPP and Walpole Island Police Service uniform members, executed a search warrant at a residence on Tecumseh Road, Walpole Island First Nation.

The search warrant was obtained as part of an ongoing drug investigation that began in January 2026.

As a result of the search, police seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, several firearms, Canadian currency, and other offence-related items. The combined estimated value of the items seized is approximately $19,400.

As a result of the investigation, Hawke KIYOSHK, a 41-year-old of Walpole Island First Nation, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order (18 counts)

·        Unauthorized possession of a firearm (four counts)

·        Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition (two counts)

·        Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition

The accused was held for a bail hearing and was subsequently remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in the City of Sarnia on February 4, 2026.

If you have any information that can help investigators, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Tillsonburg

Christopher VANKASTEREN Was Arrested

 (TILLSONBURG, ON) – A driver is facing multiple charges after members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Oxford Detachment, detected and arrested a dangerous driver in the Town of Tillsonburg.

At approximately 12:20 a.m., on February 1, 2026, a member from Oxford OPP detected a vehicle being driven dangerously on Broadway in Tillsonburg.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher VANKASTEREN, a 37-year-old resident of La Salette, has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure/Refusal to Comply with Demand
  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Careless Driving
  • Fail to Remain
  • Drive Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available

 The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice, in Woodstock, on March 31, 2026.

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Area OPP Huron-Kinloss OPP Police Press Releases

Terry FOX Was Arrested In Huron-Kinloss

(TOWNSHIP OF HURON-KINLOSS) – One person is facing several charges, including impaired operation, following an investigation in the Township of Huron-Kinloss.

On Monday February 2nd, 2026, at approximately 3:44 p.m. the South Bruce OPP were dispatched to a disturbance at a residence on Concession 8, Huron Township. Upon arrival, police were advised an individual had left the scene in a motor vehicle.

South Bruce OPP located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Officers determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Officers arrested the driver and transported the individual to detachment.

 Terry FOX, 34-years-old of Huron-Kinloss has been charged under the Criminal Code with the following:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Uttering Threats- Cause death or Bodily Harm
  • Assault

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 18, 2026.  

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Tillsonburg

Susana REMPEL – Drunk Driving

 (TILLSONBURG, ON) – Members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), arrested an impaired driver thanks to a call from a concerned citizen.

On January 31, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Oxford OPP responded to a report of a driver who appeared to be intoxicated.

As a result of the investigation, Susana REMPEL, a 28-year-old resident of Tillsonburg, has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 80 plus

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on March 17, 2026.

Categories
Archipelago OPP Police Press Releases

Justice DOUCETTE-PITAWANAKWAT Was Arrested

(ARCHIPELAGO, ON) – The West Parry Sound Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one person with impaired driving.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m. the West Parry Sound OPP responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 69 in Archipelago Township. Officers attended and initiated an impaired driving investigation.

Justice DOUCETTE-PITAWANAKWAT, 28 years-of-age of Birch Island was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drug
  • Dangerous operation
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Possession of a schedule 1 substance – Cocaine
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by a qualified driver
  • Class G1 licence holder – drive on prohibited highway
  • Class G1 licence holder – drive at unlawful hour

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on April 2, 2026. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.