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Dufferin OPP Police Press Releases

Weapon & Drug Bust

(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Officers from the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seized drugs, firearms, and related items following search warrants executed at residences in Bradford and Shelburne.

In the fall of 2024, the Dufferin Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), in collaboration with the Caledon (CSCU), Nottawasaga (CSCU), Central Region K9, Dufferin OPP frontline members and South Simcoe Police Service, launched a multi-jurisdictional drug investigation. As part of the operation, search warrants were executed between February 19 and February 25, 2025, at homes in Bradford and Shelburne. Five individuals were arrested and face multiple charges. Additionally, officers seized various drug-related items, including firearms.

Sharlene BYFIELD, a 35-year-old female from Bradford, has been charged with:

  • Poss of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Stanley SILVERA, a 37-year-old male from Bradford, has been charged with:

  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Poss of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)

Justin GILCHRIST, a 38-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with:

  • Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Samantha HACKSON, a 39-year-old female from Shelburne, has been charged with:

  • Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Timothy TRANTAU, a 36-year-old male from Dysart, has been charged with:

  • Poss of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs

Items Seized:

Bradford Location:

  • Glock 36, .45 caliber, loaded with 6 rounds
  • 937 grams of Cocaine
  • 87 grams of Fentanyl (various colors)
  • 358 Percocet pills
  • 50 Clonazepam pills
  • Over $8000.00 in Canadian cash
  • 105 rounds of various ammunition
  • Drug trafficking paraphernalia

Shelburne Location:

  • Mossberg 590 Pump Action Shotgun
  • 190.6 grams of Cocaine
  • 366.4 grams of Fentanyl (various colors)
  • 17.6 grams of Methamphetamine
  • Money counter
  • Vacuum sealer
  • Drug trafficking paraphernalia

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.

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St. Clair

Steven PURNELL – Drunk Driving

(ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ON) – One individual has been charged with impaired driving following a traffic stop in St. Clair Township.

On February 26, 2025, just after 10:15 p.m., while conducting general patrol, a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initiated a traffic stop on St. Clair Parkway, south of Courtright Line, St. Clair Township.

As a result of the investigation, Steven PURNELL, 57-year-old of Sombra, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with the following offences:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop

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

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on April 2, 2025, in the City of Sarnia.

The Lambton County OPP remains committed to taking impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. If you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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CENTRAL MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(CENTRAL MANITOULIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Three people are facing charges after police located suspected crack cocaine during a traffic stop.

On February 20, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 551 in the Township of Central Manitoulin. There were three occupants in the vehicle, and police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. Further investigation resulted in the three occupants being arrested.

Additionally, police seized approximately two grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $300, and approximately $5,000 in Canadian currency.

As a result, the driver, Madison GILLINGHAM, 21-years-old from Scarborough, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Novice driver – presence of drug

The passenger, Brandon AKOURIS, 24-years-old from Toronto, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

The second passenger, Celeste MIGWANS, 45-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected 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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Chatham-Kent OPP Police Press Releases

Matthew SHOEMAKER Was Arrested

(CHATHAM-KENT, ON) – Individual facing charges after traffic complaints on Highway 401.

On February 26, 2025, at 2:21 p.m., members of the Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to the Westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent, after receiving traffic complaints of a motorcycle travelling erratically.

Officers located the motorcycle disabled on the shoulder of the highway.

Investigation revealed the motorcycle had previously been reported stolen from Stratford.

An individual was placed under arrest and transported to the Elgin OPP Detachment.

As a result, Matthew SHOEMAKER, a 21-year-old of Chatham, has been charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of an identity document
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence

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 7, 2025.

The Elgin OPP can be reached anywhere, anytime, at 1-888-310-1122.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Elgin-St. Thomas 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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CENTRAL MANITOULIN

Terri-Lynn DEBASSIGE – Impaired Driving

(CENTRAL MANITOULIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a report of a single vehicle collision.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call about a vehicle in the ditch on John Street in the Central Manitoulin Township. Police arrived on scene and confirmed that the driver was not injured. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Terri-Lynn DEBASSIGE, 46-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with Operation while impaired – alcohol.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that 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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OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

Dawyne Eric CAMERON Was Arrested Again

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges after a report of threats.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Renfrew OPP responded to reports of threats on Hall Avenue in the Town of Renfrew.

Following an investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained, and the accused was taken into custody.

65-year-old Dawyne Eric CAMERON of Renfrew has been charged with:

·      Uttering threats- cause death or bodily harm

·      Fail to comply with a probation order

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

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OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

Dwayne Eric CAMERON Was Arrested Again

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges after a report of threats.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Renfrew OPP responded to reports of threats on Hall Avenue in the Town of Renfrew.

Following an investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained, and the accused was taken into custody.

65-year-old Dwayne Eric CAMERON of Renfrew has been charged with:

·      Uttering threats- cause death or bodily harm

·      Fail to comply with a probation order

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

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Middlesex Centre OPP Police Press Releases

Jack IRWIN – Impaired Driving

(MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ON) – Driver facing charges after traffic stop at OPP Ride Program in Middlesex Centre.

On February 25, 2025, at 12:14 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were performing a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Program on Glendon Drive in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre.

A vehicle entered the RIDE Program at which time a traffic stop was initiated.

The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment.

As a result, Jack IRWIN, a 19-year-old of London has been charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

·      Operation while impaired – drugs

·      Novice driver – presence of drug

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 March 25, 2025.

The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

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 Quinte West

Nicholas JOHNSON – Hit & Run

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – A single vehicle collision in Quinte West has resulted in charges against two people.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, officers with the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a pick-up truck, rolled over in a ditch along County Road 40, north of Highway 401. The driver had fled the scene.

Officers located the accused in another vehicle but were initially provided with a false name.

Nicholas JOHNSON, age 37 of Brighton, has been charged with:

  • Obstructing a peace officer
  • Careless driving
  • Failing to remain at the scene of a collision

This accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on March 20, 2025.

Thomas Johnson, age 39 of Marmora and Lake Township, has been charged with obstructing a peace officer. This accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on March 27, 2025.

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Carling OPP Police Press Releases

Spike Belt Used To Stop Stolen Vehicle – 6 Charged

(CARLING, ON) – The West Parry Sound Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the assistance of the West Parry Sound OPP Crime Unit and the North East Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) have arrested and charged six people with various offences after locating a stolen vehicle in Carling Township.

On February 25, 2025, just after 5:00 p.m. officers received an Automatic Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) hit regarding a stolen vehicle from Hamilton. Officers deployed a Tire Deflation Device also known as a spike belt on West Carling Bay Road to bring the vehicle to a stop. All six occupants of the vehicle fled from police but were quickly arrested. Further investigation revealed a second stolen vehicle at a rented cottage in Carling Township.

Violet ATKINSON,19-years-old from Hamilton was arrested and charged with:

·      Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

·      Operation while prohibited

·      Possession of Property obtained by crime over $5000 – 2 counts

·      Fail to comply with sentence – 3 counts

·      Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

·      Fail to comply with probation order

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on April 3, 2025.

Jasiah PEDRAZA-MUNROE, 18 years-old from Hamilton was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on April 3, 2025

A 15-year-old, from Hamilton was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

A 17-year-old, from Hamilton was arrested and charged with:

  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
  • Possession of Property obtained by crime over $5000

A 17-year-old from Hamilton was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

A 17-year-old from Hamilton was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

The remaining accused were released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on April 9, 2025. The OPP will not be releasing the name of the accused under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Robert BELLEAU Was Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – On February 25, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was patrolling Trunk Road in Sault Ste. Marie, when they observed a vehicle pull out of a business in an unsafe manner, failing to yield for traffic and nearly causing a collision.   

A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. As a result, Robert BELLEAU, 61 years-of-age, of Garden River First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Fail to yield – uncontrolled intersection
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 7, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Himmat PANNU – Drunk Driving

(CALEDON, ON) – Members of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver involved in a collision with impaired operation.

On February 25, 2025, just before 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a two-vehicle collision in the intersection of Winston Churchill Boulevard and King Street, in the Town of Caledon. Minor injuries were sustained. While investigating, officers formed grounds that one of the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol, which led to an arrest.

As a result, Himmat PANNU, 21, of Brampton, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on March 13, 2025, to answer to the charge. The driver’s licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

Motorists continue to engage in unnecessary risks, compromising road safety. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you’re planning to drink or use drugs, make sure you don’t drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi, use public transportation, or find another safe way home. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, it’s important to call 9-1-1 to report it. If the situation is not urgent or currently ongoing, you can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through their website at https://peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

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Greater Napanee OPP Police Press Releases

Ashley BURTENSHAW – Drunk Driving

(GREATER NAPANEE, ON) – Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired driving following a two-vehicle collision on the 401 Highway.

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, shortly before 6:00 p.m., L&A County OPP members attended the scene of a collision at the County Road 41 eastbound off-ramp where a vehicle had struck another vehicle while exiting the highway. No injuries were reported.

Ashley BURTENSHAW, a 38-year-old from North Glengarry Township, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – over 80 mgs of alcohol

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on March 18, 2025. Their driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded.

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Alerts Weather

Weather Alerts for: Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County

5:34 AM EST Thursday 27 February 2025

Weather Advisory in effect for:

  • Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County

Winter weather travel advisory in effect.

What: Reduced visibility at times in heavy snow.

When: This morning. Additional information: Poor visibility in bands of heavy snow moving through the area may impact the morning commute, especially in urban areas.

Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 cm are expected, though some melting is likely on paved surfaces. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Assault Victim Rescued From Roof

(HEARST, ON) – A routine foot patrol in downtown Hearst turned into an unexpected rescue mission when officers were flagged down about a cat stranded on a rooftop, under attack from ravens.

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting foot patrol in the downtown core when a concerned resident alerted them to a distressed cat on a high roof on Edward Street. A crowd quickly gathered as the cat, audibly in distress, attempted to avoid swooping ravens.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the OPP coordinated with the Town of Hearst, whose municipal workers responded swiftly with a bucket truck. They raised the bucket to the peak of the roof, where the frightened cat wasted no time jumping to safety.

A new recruit OPP officer started her first shift in Hearst today, an unforgettable way to begin her career, seeing firsthand the strong partnership between police and the community. The James Bay OPP would like to thank the Town of Hearst staff and residents for their quick action and support.