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Grey Bruce OPP Police Press Releases

Wire Theft – Mitchel GORMAN & Saleena SMITH

(GREY BRUCE, ON) The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals in connection with telecommunication‑wire thefts that have affected several OPP detachment areas across southwestern Ontario.

Throughout 2025, the theft of telecommunication wire has been a recurring issue in the Grey Bruce, Wellington, and Dufferin OPP detachment areas. Suspects have been cutting poles and wire, removing the wire, and stripping it for copper before selling it to scrap yards. Each incident results in approximately $5,000 – $10,000 in damage and disrupts 911 service for surrounding communities until repairs can be completed.

On January 7, 2026, Grey Bruce OPP received a report of a suspicious vehicle north of Wiarton. Officers attended and discovered a utility pole that had been partially cut. The suspects had left the scene; however, the complainant provided officers with detailed descriptions and photographs of the individuals and their vehicle.

Later that same day, officers responded to a call regarding a vehicle stuck on Highway 6 south of Chatsworth. Police attended and determined that the individuals associated with the vehicle were responsible for the earlier damage to the pole. Both parties were arrested, charged, and later released.

On January 8, 2026, further investigation revealed that one of the individuals had provided false information to police. Officers later located both individuals operating a stolen snowmobile. They were both arrested.

As a result of the investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged the following individuals:

Mitchel GORMAN 26-year-old, from Chatsworth

  • Mischief Over $5,000 – CC
  • Mischief Endangering Life – CC
  • Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited – CC
  • Fail to Comply with Release Order – CC

Saleena SMITH 35-year-old, from Milton

  • Mischief Over $5,000 – CC
  • Mischief Endangering Life – CC
  • Obstruct Peace Officer – CC
  • Personation with Intent – CC

Both accused were held for a bail hearing on January 9, 2026, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound. GORMAN was remanded into custody, while SMITH was released on a Form 11. Both have future court dates scheduled.

The OPP continues to work with partner agencies to address ongoing wire thefts and protect critical infrastructure. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

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Meaford OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler WALTENBURGH Was Arrested Again

(MEAFORD, ON) The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual following an investigation into a prohibited driver operating a motor vehicle while bound by release conditions.

On January 15, 2026 at 2:15 p.m., members of the Grey Bruce Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) were conducting an investigation in the Municipality of Meaford when they observed an individual known to be prohibited from driving enter the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle and leave the area. The individual was also bound by a release order with conditions not to occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle.

A short time later, uniform officers located the individual and arrested them without incident.

Tyler WALTENBURGH, 32-year-old from Meaford, has been charged with the following criminal code offences:

  • Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited – CC (3 counts)
  • Fail to Comply with Release Order – CC (2 counts)

The accused was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 16, 2026, where they were remanded into custody.

The OPP remains committed to enforcing court‑ordered conditions and ensuring the safety of all road users. Anyone with information regarding unlawful activity is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

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Fergus Police Press Releases Wellington

Ruth CLAY – Drunk Driving

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Two impaired drivers were removed from Wellington County roadways over the weekend.

On January 16, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on Tower Street South in Fergus.

As a result of the investigation, Ruth CLAY, a 59-year-old from Fergus, is charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

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

Neither of the involved drivers sustained injuries.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on January 27, 2026.

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

Additionally, on January 17, 2026, at approximately 12:00 a.m., a member of the Wellington County OPP Traffic Management Unit was conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Main Street South in Mount Forest, when they encountered a vehicle suspected of being operated by an impaired driver.

As a result of the investigation, Alexander BOWIER, a 36-year-old from Mount Forest, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on January 27, 2026.

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

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.

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Lambton Point Edward Sarnia

Christian EADE & William HAYTER Were Arrested

(POINT EDWARD, ON) – Members of the Lambton County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals following an investigation into suspicious activity in the Village of Point Edward.

On January 14, 2026, at approximately at 3:50 a.m., police responded to a report of suspicious activity at an address on Mara Street.

As a result of the investigation, Christian EADE, 36-year-old of Barrie, and William HAYTER, 42-year-old of Sarnia were arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with possession of property obtained by crime.

The accused have been released from police custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 2, 2026, in the City of Sarnia.

The Lambton OPP reminds residents to lock vehicle doors, remove valuables, remain alert, and report suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-888-310-1122 or *677 (*OPP) from a cell phone.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or to provide a web-based TIP, please visit www.p3tips.com. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000. 

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Uncategorized

OPP Warn North Huron – Stop Blowing Snow On Fire Hydrants, Roads & Sidewalks #PedestrianLivesMatter

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is advising the public that it is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act to deposit snow or ice onto the roadway.

As outlined in the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s.181), no person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without permission in writing to do so from the Ministry or the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road.

Why it’s a problem

  • Creates a hazard: Snow pushed onto the road can freeze into icy patches, posing a risk to drivers.
  • Slows down cleanup: It forces public works crews to re-clear areas, delaying the overall process and potentially leading to higher costs.
  • Disrupts visibility: Large piles of snow on the side of the road can obstruct the line of sight for both drivers and pedestrians. 

What to do instead

  • Pile snow on your property: Shovel or plow the snow onto your own lawn or driveway area.
  • Be mindful of neighbours: Do not push snow onto your neighbor’s property unless you have their permission.
  • Keep fire hydrants clear: Ensure snow is not piled around fire hydrants, so emergency services can access them quickly.
  • Avoid blocking curbs: Leave space for your garbage and recycling bins, as staff may not climb over snowbanks to collect them. 

Parking on Roadways

  • Check your local bylaws regarding overnight parking: Municipalities have established certain times of the year where vehicles are NOT permitted to be parked on roadways. In winter months, snow removal is required to maintain clear, safe roadways. Please move your vehicle onto your own property to allow for safe snow removal and avoid having your vehicle damaged or towed.

Please remember that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility!

Editor’s Note: Next council meeting is 02Feb.

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OPP Warren West Nipissing

Jeremy LEAVENS-GOULAIS – Drunk Driving

(WEST NIPISSING, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a novice driver with impaired driving offences after investigating a motor vehicle in a ditch.

On Friday January 16, 2026, at approximately 1:20 a.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP, responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Kirkpatrick Road, West Nipissing.

The novice driver received minor injuries and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to the local hospital.

The investigation found the driver to be impaired by alcohol and was arrested,

Jeremy LEAVENS-GOULAIS, 22 years-of-age, from Warren was charged with,

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Novice driver – Blood Alcohol Concentration above zero
  • Driver – fail to properly wear seat belt

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on February 5, 2026, in North Bay.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Cobourg Northumerland OPP

Patricia BLASTORAH & Grant SCHWASS – Drunk Driving

(NORTHUMBERLAND, ON) – Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two motorists in unrelated impaired driving investigations.

On January 16, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a report from a concerned citizen regarding a single‑vehicle collision in the area of Archer Road and Lakeshore Road.

Police arrived and located a passenger vehicle on its side in the ditch. The driver was uninjured. After speaking with the individual, officers entered into an impaired driving investigation. The driver was taken into custody and transported to a local OPP detachment for further testing.

Patricia BLASTORAH (54) from Cobourg, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Drive motor vehicle – no license

On January 18, 2026, shortly after 2:00 a.m., police were notified of a single‑vehicle collision on County Road 45 near Division Street.

Officers located the vehicle on the Highway 401 eastbound on‑ramp. The driver was not injured. Following initial interaction, officers commenced an impaired driving investigation. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further testing.

Grant SCHWASS (29) from North York, has been charged with:

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

Each accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in February 2026. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impound were also imposed.

If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. Your call could prevent serious consequences. Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offence, and speeding is another dangerous behavior that can lead to those same serious consequences. If you plan to drink or consume drugs, plan ahead: arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or choose another safe option. Slow down, stay sober, and help keep our roads safe for everyone.

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Erin OPP Police Press Releases

Opkar BRAR – Assault With Weapon

(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) – an individual has been charged following an incident in Erin.

On January 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an altercation outside of a residence in Erin.

As a result of the investigation, Opkar BRAR, a 47-year-old from Erin, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Assault with a weapon

The victim did not sustain any injuries.

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

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Brant OPP

Robert Paul BELL – Impaired Driving

(BRANT, ON) – A driver is facing Impaired charges after police were called to a single motor vehicle collision.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 4:12 a.m., Brant County OPP were called to Powerline Road between Oneida Drive and Kerek Road to investigate a single motor vehicle collision.

Police charged 41-year-old, Robert Paul BELL of Brantford with the following offences:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration Over 80

The accused was released and given a date of February 5th, 2026, to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford.

The OPP continues to prioritize road safety through proactive enforcement and public education. Impaired driving-whether by alcohol or drugs-remains one of the leading causes of serious collisions and fatalities on Ontario roadways.

Anyone who suspects impaired driving is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. Your actions could save lives.

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Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Brett NOBLE Was Arrested

(BRANT, ON) – A driver is facing an Impaired related charge after police stopped and investigated a vehicle.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 1:49 a.m., an officer with the Brant County OPP conducted a traffic stop on Fairfield Road east of Maple Avenue South in the county of Brant, regarding a possible impaired driver.

As a result of the investigation, police charged 30-year-old, Brett NOBLE of Brantford with the following offence of “Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand”. 

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford.

The OPP continues to prioritize road safety through proactive enforcement and public education. Impaired driving-whether by alcohol or drugs-remains one of the leading causes of serious collisions and fatalities on Ontario roadways.

Anyone who suspects impaired driving is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. Your actions could save lives.

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Bracebridge Huntsville OPP Police Press Releases

Adam PLAVINSKI – Drunk Driving

(HUNTSVILLE, ON) – Officers of the Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) are always looking for criminal driving behaviour. 

On January 17, 2026 at 7:45p.m., Huntsville O.P.P. officers were on patrol on Main Street West when they observed a vehicle failing to signal its turns and had no headlights on.  Officers conducted a stop of the vehicle and quickly suspected the driver to have alcohol in their body. The driver of the vehicle failed the roadside approved screening device test and was arrested.

 As a result of the investigation, Adam PLAVINSKI, 38 years old of Bracebridge Ontario, has been charged with:

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

The accused was released and is to appear in February 2026 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge Ontario.

The accused was also issued a 90 Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Kingston OPP

Robin PREST – Drunk Driving

(KINGSTON, ON) – A routine traffic stop north of Kingston has led to charges, including impaired driving.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, around 9:15 p.m., officers with the Frontenac Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol on Road 38 near Van Order Drive when they saw a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner.

The officers pulled the vehicle over and observed open alcohol inside.

A roadside alcohol screening device was utilized, and the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.

As a result, Robin PREST, age 34 of Kingston, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Failing to surrender a drivers’ licence

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston on March 17, 2026. The individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1. You could be saving lives.

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Mississippi Mills OPP

Angela SEARSON – Drunk Driving

(MISSISSIPPI MILLS TWP, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an Ottawa resident with impaired driving.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Lanark County OPP received a traffic complaint regarding a possible impaired driver on County Road 29 in Mississippi Mills Township. A short time later officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle travelling at inconsistent speeds just after 7:15 p.m.

The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP Detachment in Carleton Place for testing.

As a result of the investigation, Angela SEARSON, 49-years-old, has been charged with:

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

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Drive motor vehicle with open container of alcohol

·        Having care and control of a motor vehicle with open container of alcohol

·         

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days (Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Drummond-North Elmsley OPP Police Press Releases

Justin HENEY – Drunk Driving

(DRUMMOND-NORTH ELMSLEY TWP, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Tay Valley Township resident with impaired driving.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Lanark County OPP received a report from a citizen regarding a possible impaired driver in the Town of Perth. A short time later officers conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed just before 2:30 a.m. on County Road 43 in Drummond-North Elmsley Township.

The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP Detachment in Perth for testing.

As a result of the investigation, Justin HENEY, 39-years-old, has been charged with:

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

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days (Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Police Press Releases

Robin CHATTERJEE Facing Numerous Charges

On January 17, 2026, at approximately 10:15 p.m., members of the West Parry Sound and Bracebridge detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a report of a possible impaired driver travelling on Highway 400 Police located the vehicle on Highway 400 and conducted a traffic stop.

Robin CHATTERJEE, 47-years-old, from Vaughn was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs
  • Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver
  • Class G1 licence holder – drive on prohibited highway
  • Obstruct plate
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Driver fail to surrender licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on February 19, 2026.

The OPP remind motorists that should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.