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St. Catherines

$10 Million Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(ST. CATHARINES, ON) – Police seized more than 100 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and arrested a full patch member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and three other individuals following a three-month drug trafficking investigation spanning from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Niagara area into Nova Scotia.

In January 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), with assistance from Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), York Regional Police (YRP) and Halton Regional Police Service, commenced an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity by outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) members in St. Catharines. The investigation revealed that large quantities of cocaine were being trafficked throughout the GTA and distributed to the East Coast of Canada.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the OPP-led BEU, YRP #2 District and YRP Forensic Identification Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Richmond Hill where the following items were seized:

  •         Approximately 101 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  •         More than $215,000 in Canadian currency

As a result of the investigation, four individuals were charged with a total of eight offences.

Randy McGEAN, age 53, Sherry STILLWELL, age 44, and Cody SOULLIERE, age 40, all residents of St. Catharines, have each been charged with the following two offences contrary to the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):

  •         Possession of proceeds of crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on May 29, 2025.

David CROTHERS, age 47 of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following two offences contrary to the CC and CDSA:

  •         Possession of proceeds of crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Niagara on April 24, 2025.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, members from the NRPS Intelligence Unit and Tactical Response Unit executed additional search warrants at two residences in St. Catharines. The following items were seized:

  •         Approximately 25 oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets
  •         Approximately five ounces of suspected cocaine
  •         A money counter
  •         A quantity of Canadian currency

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $10.1 million.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the OPP-led BEU provided information to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nova Scotia. The RCMP conducted a vehicle stop and located approximately five kilograms of suspected cocaine, a rifle, ammunition and high-capacity magazines. The driver of the vehicle has been charged by Cumberland County District RCMP.

Anyone with information regarding illegal activity associated with OMGs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers – PANGOWISH & RECOLLET

(ESPANOLA, ON) – On Friday, April 18, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP were conducting a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check on Centre Street in Espanola, and made two impaired arrests.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., a vehicle came through the RIDE check. Police initiated an investigation, and the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Hillary PANGOWISH, 31-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operate unsafe vehicle

The Manitoulin OPP continued the RIDE check, and at approximately 2:00 a.m., a vehicle came through the check and an odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Dante RECOLLET, 22-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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MANITOULIN

3 Impaired Drivers Arrested

(MANITOULIN DETACHMENT, ON) – On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP arrested three drivers for impaired operation.

On April 13, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) occurrence, where the caller reported that an involved person had fled the scene in a vehicle. Shortly after, police located and stopped the vehicle in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, a 41-year-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Assault – Spousal
  • Assault with a Weapon – Spousal

The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 13, 2025.

A second arrest for impaired operation was made at approximately 1:00 p.m. Police received a traffic complaint for a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. Officers located the vehicle on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Lorri MILLSAP, 57-years-old from Bonfield, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Driver motor vehicle, fail to display two plates

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 2025.

The Manitoulin OPP made a third arrest for impaired operation at approximately 4:30 p.m. Police received a traffic complaint reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police located the vehicle on Highway 17 and conducted a traffic stop. Police observed signs that the driver was impaired, and an arrest was made.

As a result, the driver, Warren BETTY, 60-years-old from Sault Ste. Marie, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

Jaelyn LANDON – Drunk Driving

(KENORA, ON) – The Easter Long Weekend Traffic Campaign has come to a close, with officers from the Kenora OPP detachment working diligently to keep the roads safe and prevent impaired driving.

On April 21, 2025, shortly before 4:00 p.m., members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Norman Drive, in Norman, Ontario. A vehicle came to the R.I.D.E. program, and investigation determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and an approved screening device (ASD) test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Kenora Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.    

Jaelyn LANDON, 22-years-old, from Rat Portage First Nation, Ontario has been charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·      Novice Driver – B.A.C. above zero

In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on May 8, 2025.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Collison Leads To Cocaine Bust

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Three people are facing charges after a single vehicle collision.

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a single motor vehicle collision (MVC) on Highway 6 near Whitefish River First Nation. Police attended the scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation. Police confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the collision.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,800 and a knife.

As a result, the driver, Nicole PHEASANT, 33-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The passenger, Tyler BONDY, 29-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Failure to comply with release order

The second passenger, Allison RECOLLET, 47-year-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay in May. 

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Bayham OPP Police Press Releases

Motorcyclist Sent To Hospital

(BAYHAM, ON) – Elgin County OPP investigating a serious single vehicle collision, which sent a motorcyclist to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., emergency services including members of the Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County Paramedic Service and local fire, were dispatched to Richmond Road in the Municipality of Bayham, for a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle.

The lone rider was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Richmond Street remained closed between James Line and Heritage Line for approximately 6 hours for the investigation. The road has since opened.

Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) attended the scene to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-84777 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

Robert GREEN – Drunk Driving

(KENORA, ON) – Members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were working hard this Easter long weekend keeping impaired drivers off our roads.

On April 17, 2025, shortly before 11:30 p.m., members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Railway Street in Kenora, Ontario. A vehicle came to the R.I.D.E. program, and investigation determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and an approved screening device (ASD) test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Kenora Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.    

Robert GREEN, 32-years-old, from Ear Falls, Ontario failed has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on May 8, 2025.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Noah VAILLANCOURT Arrested For Child Pornography

(COCHRANE, ON) – A local resident is facing child pornography charges following an investigation by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the James Bay OPP Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Shelby Avenue in Cochrane. During the search, officers seized three electronic devices for examination. The investigation was supported by members of the OPP’s Digital Forensics Unit and the Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.

As a result, on Thursday April 10, 2025, Noah VAILLANCOURT, 25 years-of-age of Cochrane, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

The accused was released from a bail hearing and is scheduled to next appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on May 29, 2025.

The OPP is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who exploit children through the possession, distribution, or creation of child sexual abuse material.

If you have information about suspected child exploitation, or if you are concerned about a child’s online interactions, please report it at www.cybertip.ca – Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn more about online safety and how to protect children through resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases South Huron

37 Year Old Arrested Near Exeter – Details Released

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Lucan resident with several criminal driving offences following a traffic complaint near Exeter in the Municipality of South Huron on April 5th, 2025. 

Just after 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 05, 2025, Huron County OPP officers responded to a traffic complaint on London Road in South Huron. Officers located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Police spoke to the driver and discovered that they had consumed alcohol prior to driving.

The driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation and transported to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton where they provided breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician. Breath samples were provided to police which resulted in readings over the legal limit.

Fijo FRANCIS, 37 years of age from Lucan has been charged with:

–      Impaired Operation – alcohol and drug,

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80,

–      Dangerous Operation,

–      Operation while Prohibited.

The vehicle involved was towed and impounded for 45 days.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on May 05, 2025. 

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Huron East OPP Police Press Releases

Passed Out Behind Wheel – 32 Year Old From Huron East Arrested – Details Released

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Huron East resident with criminal driving offences after they were found unresponsive in a vehicle on a live lane of traffic in the Municipality of Huron East on April 5th, 2025. 

Just after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 05, 2025, Huron County OPP officers located a pickup truck idling in a live lane of Johnston Line in Huron East. The driver was unresponsive and was awoken by officers. Police spoke to the driver and discovered that they had consumed alcohol prior to driving.

The driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation and transported to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton where they provided breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician. Breath samples were provided to police which resulted in readings over the legal limit.

Jesse McKINNON, 32 years of age from Huron East has been charged with:

–      Impaired Operation – alcohol and drug,

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80.

The accused was additionally charged with offences under the Liquor Licence Control Act and the Tobacco Tax Act.

The vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on May 26th, 2025. 

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Midland OPP Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers

(MIDLAND, ON) – Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and myself would like to thank area motorists and those passing through for driving safe this year on the roadways in North Simcoe over the Easter Long weekend.

Detachment officers were highly visible on area roadways conducting traffic enforcement interacting with over 276 motorists either providing them with education or Provincial offences notices and stopped over 170 vehicles at 10 separate R.I.D.E. programs checking for impaired drivers.

“I believe that the combined presence of officers on the roadways and R.I.D.E. checks accounted in part for the fact that there was no loss of life due to motor vehicle collisions in the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment patrol area, in fact only three collisions were investigated over the weekend period. Your dedication to road safety and your efforts in enforcing the Big Four traffic initiatives play a critical role in encouraging responsible driving behavior and fostering a safer environment for all members of our communities. I was particularly impressed by both the enforcement results and the strong presence our members maintained through vehicle stops.” Quote- Interim Detachment Commander Inspector Mike Thurlow

Impaired Driving Investigations

On April 21, 2025, at approximately 9:55 p.m. Detachment officers were conducting a (R.I.D.E.) Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere program on Highway 12 just east of William Street, Midland. The driver of a Dodge Ram pickup truck was spoken to at the program and the officer entered a drinking and driving investigation.

As a result, Kristopher HALLY 40 years of Tiny Township has been charged criminally with the following offences.

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

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on June 5, 2025, and was also served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved vehicle was towed and subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

On April 19, 2025 at approximately 8:44 p.m. officers were dispatched to a report of a possible impaired driver in the area of Osborne Street and Robins Point Road in Tay Township.

The dispatched officer was able to locate the suspect vehicle shortly afterwards and upon speaking with the driver, entered a drinking and driving investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Travis DODGE 40 years of New Lowell has been charged criminally with the following offences.

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

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on May 1, 2025, and was also served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved vehicle was towed and subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life.  The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.

File # E250482624 / E250494576

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OPP Police Press Releases Rainy River

2 More Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released

(RAINY RIVER DISTRICT, ON) – The Rainy River District Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was busy over the long weekend with the arrest of two impaired drivers and 104 traffic related charges laid.

The first impaired incident occurred on April 19, 2025, at approximately 12:00 pm. Fort Frances OPP responded to a report of an unresponsive person behind the wheel of a car. Officers attended and forced entry into the vehicle.

Investigation determined that the driver was impaired by drug consumption and required medical intervention.

Brett BROWN, 19-years-old, from Fort Frances is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol or drug. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 12, 2025, to speak to the charge.

The second impaired driving incident also happened on April 19, at approximately 5:00 pm. An officer with the OPP in Atikokan stopped a vehicle on Hwy 11 west of town after the automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) instrument indicated on the licence plate of a passing vehicle.

The officer determined that the driver had been drinking and demanded a roadside alcohol test. The driver failed the test, was placed under arrest and transported to the Atikokan Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.

Joanie Alison SPOON, 45-years-old, from Seine River First Nation is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol or drug and one count impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs or over.

The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Atikokan Ontario Court of Justice on May 29, 2025.

The Easter long weekend traffic campaign ran from Friday April 18 to Monday April 21. Officers in the Rainy River District laid a total of 104 traffic related charges. In a first for the district, the Fort Frances OPP teamed up with the Treaty Three Police Service and deployed a drone to capture video of drivers utilizing handheld communication devices while driving. This innovative project resulted in seven distracted driving charges.

Incidents of impaired driving continue to trend upward in the district. The Rainy River District Detachment OPP is committed to improving road safety through increased enforcement, and public education. The public can do its part by reporting impaired drivers. If you suspect someone is driving impaired call 9-1-1. Road safety is everyone’s shared responsibility.  

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OPP Police Press Releases Springwater

Pervert Alert: Mitchell KOOPMANS Arrested For Luring Children

(SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) – Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with multiple serious offences in Springwater Township following suspicious person investigation.

On April 16 and 17, 2025, Huronia West OPP officers responded to a suspicious person call from several residents in Hillsdale, Ontario, after a man was observed leaving notes at a park on Davenport Drive and the surrounding areas. Officers commenced an investigation and identified several locations with similar evidence.

The Huronia West OPP Crime Unit, with the support of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), and OPP Repeat Offender and Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Unit commenced a multi-day investigation leading to the identity of a local man.

On April 23, 2025, as a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged Mitchell KOOPMANS, 34, of Hillsdale, with the following offences:

  • Make Sexually Explicit Material available to a Person Under 16 yrs of age – two counts
  • Luring a Person Under 16 years of age by means of Telecommunication – two counts
  • Invitation to Sexual Touching under 16 years of age
  • Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

The accused remains in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on April 24, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The Huronia West OPP would like to advise the community that there is no threat to public safety and believe that this individual acted alone.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Huronia West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, you will remain anonymous, and will not have to testify in court.

The OPP is dedicated to the prevention of the victimization and exploitation of children. The Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind the public of the importance of educating youth of online safety. Educational resources can be located at www.crimestoppers.ca, www.cybertip.ca, www.needhelpnow.ca, www.youthconnected.ca, and www.opp.ca.

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Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

Martin JANZ – Drunk Driving

(LAKESHORE, ON) – One person has been charged following a collision in the Town of Kingsville.

On April 10, 2025, at approximately 5:06 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a collision on County Road 20 at Graham Side Road in the Town of Kingsville. 

Martin JANZ, 55-years-old of Kingsville, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 23, 2025, to answer to the charges.

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 of 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).

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OPP Oxford Police Press Releases

Ronald LUCIER – Assault With Weapon

(OXFORD COUNTY, ON) – On April 21, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a disturbance complaint on Broadway in Tillsonburg.

The investigation determined that there was an altercation between two people and one individual was taken into custody.

Ronald LUCIER, 48-years-old of Tillsonburg has been charged with the following offences:

  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Uttering Threats – Cause Deth of Bodily Injury
  • Fail to Comply with Undertaking

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on a later date.