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French River OPP Police Press Releases

2 Charged With Fraud

(FRENCH RIVER, ON) – Police charged two people in relation to a fraud investigation.

On March 14, 2025, the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began a fraud investigation where a victim lost approximately $6,000, in relation to what is known as the “Emergency/Grandparents Scam”, in the French River area.

With the assistance of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, officers were able to identify and charged the involved individuals.

As a result of the investigation, Benjamin ALEXANDER, 42 years-of-age and Sagar SHARMA, both from Sudbury, were charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Laundering proceeds of crime

Both accused were held for Bail Court, then released and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on April 16, 2025, in Sudbury.

How the schemes work:

In the typical emergency/grandparent scam, the victim will receive a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one. The caller will explain that they are involved in some sort of mishap like a car accident, in police custody, or are having trouble returning from a foreign country and need money right away. The scammer will often insist that the victim does not tell anyone. The call could also involve someone claiming to be a law enforcement official, lawyer, or bailiff. 

Be careful what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites. They can search your online accounts to find real names, real interests, real phone numbers and when you are going to be home or away. 

Be aware of some warning signs:

  • Urgency: The scammer always makes the request sound very urgent, which may cause the victim to not verify the story.
  • Fear: The scammer plays on the victim’s emotions by generating a sense of fear. For instance, they may say, “I am scared, and I need help from you.”
  • Secrecy: The scammer pleads with the victim not to tell anyone about the situation, such as, “Please don’t tell Dad, he would be so mad.” 
  • Request for Money: Money can be requested by money transfer or in some cases the scammer sends someone to your home to pick up the payment.

To avoid becoming a victim, check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information before sending money or providing credit card information by phone or email.

Important reminders from the OPP

  • The OPP’s non-emergency number is for incoming calls only.
  • The OPP will never contact the public to demand cryptocurrency or funds in connection with money laundering or major criminal investigations.
  • The toll-free OPP number 1-888-310-1122 is available 24/7 for non-emergency calls in Ontario.
  • This number also serves as a TTY (teletypewriter) service for the hearing impaired and is accessible 24/7 for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Anthony ROBINSON Was Arrested

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – A collision on Highway 17 east of the city has resulted in multiple charges for one individual. On March 18, 2025, at approximately 7:09 a.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police were notified of a single vehicle collision on Highway 17B in Garden River First Nation. Officers attended the scene and located a heavily damaged pickup truck, partially in the snowbank.      

As a result of the investigation, vehicle driver Anthony ROBINSON, 36 years-of-age, of Batchewana First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Careless driving
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 5, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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DAWN-EUPHEMIA OPP Police Press Releases

Kenneth CAWLEY Was Arrested

(DAWN-EUPHEMIA, ON) – A Point Edward resident is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop.

On March 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team while conducting traffic enforcement, observed a motor vehicle travelling at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.

A traffic stop was initiated on Bentpath Line, east of Oil Heritage Road, after travelling in excess of 160 km/h in an 90km/h zone.

As a result of the investigation, Kenneth CAWLEY, 25-year-old of Point Edward was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with the following offences:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Drive motor vehicle – Perform stunt – Excessive speed

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in the City of Sarnia on April 21, 2025.

If you see a driver who you suspect may be impaired by alcohol or drugs, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *OPP (677) on your mobile phone. Your call could make our roads safer for all.

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Collingwood OPP Police Press Releases

Ryan GRIFFIN Was Arrested

(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – Members of the Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a driver with Impaired Operation (Over 80) after a traffic investigation early Saturday morning.

Just after 2:00am March 22, 2025 an officer with the Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP observed a white sedan driving eastbound on Mountain Road in the Town of Collingwood. The vehicle was stopped on Tenth Line near Mountain Road and the officer conducted a roadside impaired driving investigation. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the Collingwood OPP Detachment for breathalyzer tests to be obtained.

Ryan GRIFFIN, 24 years of age, of Collingwood was released on an undertaking, charged with Impaired Operation (80 Plus). He was served with a 90 day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood at a future date.   

Police remind the public that impaired drivers put our community at risk and our officers continue to actively look for drivers who drive while impaired, including conducting RIDE spot checks all year round. Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP conducted an additional 6 RIDE spot checks over this past weekend. If you plan on consuming drugs or alcohol, plan to have a designated driver, call a friend, a taxi or rideshare to arrange transportation to get you home safely. If you suspect someone of driving while impaired, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or dial 911 to report it.

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Chippewas Of The Thames First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Tyson STURGEON – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION, ON) – Disturbance at a residence leads to impaired charge.  

On March 16, 2025, at 8:57 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to an address on Lower Chippewa Road North in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, for the report of a family dispute.

Two involved individuals fled the scene in a vehicle, prior to police arrival.

Patrols were made by officers at which time the vehicle was located on Bear Creek Road.

The passenger in the vehicle fled on foot, however, was quickly arrested.

The driver was also placed under arrest.

The driver and passenger were transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment.

The driver, Tyson STURGEON, a 23-year-old of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation has been charged under the Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Novice driver fail to surrender licence
  • Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on April 10, 2025.

The passenger, a 24-year-old of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, was charged under the Liquor Licence Control Act with Being intoxicated in public place and was held until sober.

The OPP can be reached anytime, 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 Orangeville Police Press Releases

Cody CRAWFORD Was Arrested Again

(ORANGEVILLE, ON) – Officers from the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) seized a quantity of drugs, including fentanyl, arrested an individual and executed a search warrant in Orangeville.

On March 17, 2025, the Dufferin OPP began an investigation near Fead Street in Orangeville. On March 20, 2025, the Dufferin OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) arrested one male and executed a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of the following items:

Cody CRAWFORD, a 32-year-old from Orangeville has been charged with:

·      Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 7

·      Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (Fentanyl)

·      Poss of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (Fentanyl)

The following items were seized during the investigation:

  • 19.7 grams of assorted coloured fentanyl
  • A note for a courier company to deliver the drugs to a mailbox
  • Cell phone

The investigation is ongoing into the supplier. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dufferin OPP.

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to ensuring public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with the community. If you have any information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS), or visit www.crimestopperssdm.com.

Incident# E250322451

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Dryden OPP Police Press Releases

Ashton KOOSTACHIN Was Arrested Again

(DRYDEN, ON) – An arrest has been made in connection with a recent firearm investigation in the City of Dryden.

On March 21, 2025, shortly after 12:00 a.m., members of the Dryden Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Northwest Emergency Medical Services responded to a report of a firearm being discharged within a residence on Mary Avenue in the City of Dryden. An individual was located with non-life threating injuries and was transported to hospital by EMS.

As a result of the investigation, Ashton KOOSTACHIN, 26-years-old of Dryden, ON has been arrested and charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Careless use of a firearm
  • Pointing a firearm – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition
  • Fail to comply with Probation Order

The accused has been held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 24, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

The investigation is continuing by the Dryden OPP Crime Unit with assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Services, the OPP Emergency Response Team, the OPP Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Unit and the Dryden OPP Community Street Crime Unit.

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Mapleton OPP Police Press Releases

Michael MIHALYI – Drunk Driving

(MAPLETON TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charge a Brampton resident with three criminal charges stemming from a traffic complaint.

On March 21, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP were conducting proactive traffic enforcement when a traffic complaint came in, informing officers of a motor vehicle displaying signs of impaired driving. Officers attended the area, located the motor vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Wellington Road 10 within Mapleton Township.

As a result of the investigation, Michael MIHALYI, a 42-year-old of Brampton is charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

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

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 4, 2025.

The Wellington County OPP would like to thank the public for their call / assistance in keeping our streets safe.

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. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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EDWARDSBURG CARDINAL OPP Police Press Releases

Parker JONES – Drunk Driving

(EDWARDSBURGH CARDINAL, ON) – A stunt-driving stop early Sunday morning on Highway 416 led to an impaired driving arrest.

On March 23, 2025, just after 3:00 a.m., an officer with the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Highway 416, in Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township, and found a vehicle speeding at 182 km/h in the posted 110 km/h zone. The officer spoke with the driver and entered an impaired driving investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Parker JONES, 20 years of age, of Ottawa, Ontario, was charged under the Criminal Code with:

–      operation while impaired – alcohol

–      operation while impaired – blood-alcohol concentration (80 plus)

–      dangerous operation

The accused was also charged with drive motor vehicle – perform stunt, and novice driver – blood-alcohol concentration above zero, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.

The accused was later released and is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville at a later date. 

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OPP Police Press Releases West Perth

Benninger & Newman Arrested

(WEST PERTH, ON) – Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals with numerous offences following a single motor vehicle collision in the Municipality of West Perth

On March 21, 2025, shortly after 7:00 a.m., police responded a single motor vehicle rollover on Road 164 near Line 55 just outside of Monkton. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation into the collision has resulted in both occupants of the vehicle being charged.

37-year-old Michael Benninger of no fixed address has been charged with the following offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (two counts)
  • Driving while under suspension (two counts)

38-year-old Ashley Newman of no fixed address has been charged with the following offence:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (two counts)

Both accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on April 28, 2025.

The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone with information related to this investigation to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Central Huron Police Press Releases

Assault In Clinton – One Arrested

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – On March 16th, 2025, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to disturbance in the Town of Clinton, Municipality of Central Huron.

As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect youth had allegedly committed an assault on another youth.

A 17-year-old youth from Huron-Kinloss has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

–      Assault,

–      Resist Peace Officer,

–      Obstruct Peace Officer.

The youth’s identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on April 10, 2025.

The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122, or 911 in an emergency.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a secure web tip at P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Huntsville OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler McWilliams Was Arrested – Assault , Threats, Etc.

(Huntsville, ON)  – On March 17, 2025 at approximately 8:19p.m.,the Huntsville OPP responded to a disturbance on Yonge St. involving a group of males causing a disturbance and possibly forcibly confining a female.  

The investigation revealed a male had assaulted the victim and then threatened further harm if they told police what was occurring.  The accused was subsequently arrested for assault and was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

The victim did not require medical assistance as a result of the assault.

Tyler McWilliams, 25 years old of Huntsville Ontario is charged as follows;

·      Assault

·      Utter Threats to cause death/bodily harm

·      Intimidation

·      Possession of a schedule 1 substance

The accused to appear appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge Ontario on April 29, 2025.

The Huntsville OPP want to advise this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety.  

The Huntsville OPP is committed to serving our province. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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Greater Napanee OPP Police Press Releases

David CURRIE Was Arrested

(GREATER NAPANEE, ON) – Lennox and Addington County Detachment members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired driving and dangerous driving following a two vehicle collision.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, shortly before 11:00 p.m., L&A County OPP members attended the scene of a collision between a vehicle and a parked car on Beverly Street in Greater Napanee.

David CURRIE, a 51-year-old from Napanee was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drug
  • Dangerous operation

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on April 8, 2025. Their driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded.

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New Tecumseth OPP Police Press Releases

Hit & Run – Fredrick RANKIN Arrested

(NEW TECUMSETH, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver involved in a collision with impaired operation in the Town of New Tecumseth.

On March 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Nottawasaga OPP responded to a report of a passenger vehicle that had just struck a parked car in Cookstown then continued westbound on Highway 89 towards Alliston, no injuries were reported. 

Officers quickly located the vehicle, where the driver Fredrick RANKIN, 57-years-old of Keswick, displayed obvious signs of impairment and was arrested at 6:41 p.m. for the following:

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

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

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on May 1, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

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Armstrong

One Dead – Mason YOUNG Arrested

(ARMSTRONG, ON) – The Armstrong Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges following a fatal collision that occurred on August 8, 2023.

On August 8, 2023, shortly after 11:00 a.m., members of the Armstrong OPP Detachment, the North West Region T.I.M.E. Team (Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement) along with Emergency Medical Services, responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 527 in Armstrong. One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, Mason YOUNG, 26-years-old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

·      Dangerous operation causing death

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on March 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of fatal collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less.