(NORTH HURON, ON) – On December 15, 2025, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a matter involving intimate partners in the Township of North Huron.
As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had allegedly committed criminal acts against their partner.
A 40-year-old individual from North Huron has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:
– Assault – spousal – (two counts).
The accused was processed and released from custody with a later court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.
Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Huron at www.victimserviceshuronperth.ca or by calling toll free at #1-866-863-4108, or #1-519-600-4108.
The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122, or 911 in an emergency.
(HUNTSVILLE, ON) – Officers of the Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) are always looking for criminal driving behaviour.
On December 24, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. Huntsville O.P.P. officers were conducting a Festive R.I.D.E (reduce impaired driving everywhere) checkpoint when a vehicle approached. The lone occupant, a male identified as being from Huntsville, gave officers cause to believe him to be impaired by alcohol. The male was arrested for his impairment.
As a result of the investigation, Johnathan HOWARTH, 31 years old of Huntsville Ontario, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Operation while impaired – alcohol / drugs
The accused was released and is to appear in January 2026 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge.
The accused was also issued a 90 Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.
(NORTH BAY, ON) – The North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver with impaired driving after responding to a collision in North Bay.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers attended a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 11/17 and Algonquin Avenue. The caller reported that one of the vehicles failed to remain at the scene. A witness provided police with the licence plate of the vehicle that left, and officers later located the vehicle and driver. Police determined the driver had consumed alcohol, and they were arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Khrystle RYAN, 58 years of age, of North Bay, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concertation (80 plus)
· Fail to remain
· Fail to report accident
· Operate motor vehicle without insurance
· Red light – fail to stop
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 3, 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
(NORTH HURON, ON) – On December 14, 2025, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a matter involving intimate partners in the Township of North Huron.
As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had allegedly committed criminal acts against their partner.
A 26-year-old individual from North Huron has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:
– Assault – spousal,
– Forcible Confinement.
The accused was processed and released from custody with a later court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.
Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Huron at www.victimserviceshuronperth.ca or by calling toll free at #1-866-863-4108, or #1-519-600-4108.
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.
(NORTH BAY, ON) – The North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged one driver with impaired driving following a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program in North Bay.
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers conducted a RIDE program on Highway 63 at Peninsula Road. Within five minutes of initiating the program, officers stopped a sport utility vehicle and determined the driver had consumed alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Jeremy ST ONGE, 46 years of age, of Phelps Township, has been charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concertation (80 plus).
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 20, 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
(NORTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a London, Ontario resident with criminal offences following an incident in the Township of North Huron on November 13, 2025.
Just before 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Huron County OPP officers attempted to stop a vehicle near the Village of Belgrave in North Huron. The vehicle driver failed to stop and fled from police. Officers were able to locate the vehicle abandoned near a residence on Currie Line. Police located two individuals walking in the area. The driver admitted to failing to stop for police and was subsequently arrested. A quantity of suspected cocaine was hidden near the abandoned vehicle and seized by police.
Kyle WILSON, 30 years-of-age from London has been charged with:
– Flight from Peace Officer,
– Possession of Schedule I Substance – Cocaine.
The involved vehicle was towed from the scene.
The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 09, 2026.
(HURON EAST, ON) – On December 13, 2025, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a matter involving intimate partners in the Municipality of Huron East.
As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had allegedly committed criminal acts against their partner.
A 30-year-old individual from Huron East has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:
– Criminal Harassment,
– Breach of Recognizance.
The accused was processed, held for bail, and later released from custody with a later court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.
Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Huron at www.victimserviceshuronperth.ca or by calling toll free at #1-866-863-4108, or #1-519-600-4108.
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.
(GODERICH, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual following an incident that took place in the Town of Goderich on December 12, 2025.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, police were contacted to investigate an arson caught on video surveillance in the early morning hours outside a business on Bayfield Road in Goderich. The video showed one individual lighting a cardboard box on fire while another individual exits the box, narrowly escaping injury.
Police attended the scene and arrested the person responsible nearby, and they were charged as follows:
Edward LABRECHE, 29 years-of-age of no fixed address has been charged with:
– Arson – Disregard for Human Life,
– Mischief Endangering Life,
– Assault with a Weapon,
– Fail to Comply with Probation.
The accused was processed and held for a bail hearing where they were remanded into custody with a later court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.
If you witness a crime or have information that can assist police, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or leave a secure web tip at P3tips.com.
(WEST NIPISSING, ON) – Police arrested and charged the driver of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) with impaired driving.
On Monday December 23, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), conducted a traffic stop with an ATV, which had no rear lights activated, on Larocque Street, West Nipissing.
The driver was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to an OPP detachment for further testing.
Further investigation found the driver to be a prohibited driver and a search of the ATV located open liquor.
As a result, Marc-Denis ST. MARTIN, 53 years-of-age, from Field, was charged with:
Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
Drive motor vehicle – no licence
Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
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 45-days.
(NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid additional criminal charges as part of an ongoing investigation that began following a firearm‑related incident on November 11, 2025.
Grey Bruce OPP were initially called just before midnight regarding reports of gunshots and a suspicious vehicle in the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and recovered a firearm.
Giles AKIWENZIE, 59‑years‑old, of Neyaashiinigmiing, was arrested and charged with several firearm‑related and liquor‑related offences. The accused was later released from custody with a scheduled court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.
The investigation has remained active. Further information was later provided to police indicating that several cows in the area had been found with injuries believed to be consistent with gunfire.
Police attended the scene and continued the investigation.
As a result of this new evidence, AKIWENZIE now faces the following additional Criminal Code offences:
Killing or Injuring Animals
Transport a Firearm in a Careless Manner
Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact the Grey Bruce OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 (TIPS) or online at www.cstip.ca, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Wingham has faced its share of storms, but this one isn’t made of smoke and flame. It’s a slow-burning crisis of selective enforcement, broken trust, and pedestrian safety that has smoldered for nearly twenty years. Today, that fire finally met its match.
Quietly at first. Then clearly. And now decisively.
Those who know Chad know this already: he’s an excellent human being. A servant-leader. A man who believes public safety means all the public, not just the convenient parts. Over the past weeks, Chad has drawn a firm line—standing up to Public Works, standing up for pedestrians, and standing with the people of Wingham.
“This isn’t about power,” Chad told the Free Press. “It’s about people. Everyone in our community should be treated equally.”
That sentence alone marks a turning point.
For years, residents have raised alarms about sidewalks treated as snow dumps, about safety infrastructure ignored, about rules enforced on citizens but not on the municipality itself. That long battle has exhausted people. It has injured people. It has divided people.
And now—finally—someone in authority has chosen to end it.
“We’re Canadians,” Chad said. “We hold doors open for strangers. We look out for each other. We don’t dump snow on our sidewalks and call it normal.”
With that, Chad made his choice: people over power.
A Community Reconnected
Under Chad’s direction, pedestrian safety infrastructure will be maintained—consistently and without exceptions. Sidewalks are being recognized for what they are: safety infrastructure, not storage space. Children, seniors, workers, and visitors all deserve the same protection.
This decision doesn’t just clear paths; it clears the air.
The nearly 20-year standoff between the Free Press and North Huron/Wingham Town Hall ends here—not with shouting, but with leadership. Not with force, but with fairness. Wingham can finally move forward, connected and protected, as a community should be.
Call to Action: Volunteers Needed
But even heroes need help.
To make this work immediately, volunteers are urgently needed to assist with operating trackless sidewalk machines and supporting safe pedestrian access.
When: On or before January 12 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Wingham — ahead of the next council meeting
This is also the moment when the public will peacefully re-assert democracy—showing up, asking questions, and standing firm despite past intimidation. Cameras up. Voices calm. Resolve unshaken.
Chad’s message to the community is simple and powerful: “You matter. Your life has value. Your safety is worth the effort.”
A Gentle Reminder From Your Fire Chief
While you’re stepping up for your neighbors, take a moment to protect your home:
Make sure smoke detectors are working
Ensure smoke and CO₂ detectors are installed on every floor
Check batteries regularly—especially in winter
Public safety doesn’t end at the sidewalk. It starts at your front door.
The Fire We’re Putting Out
This is the biggest fire Wingham has faced—not because of its size, but because of its impact on trust and safety. And for the first time in a long time, there is real hope.
Chad Kregar didn’t defect from his duty. He fulfilled it.
History remembers moments like this—not for who held power, but for who chose people.
Wingham, this is your moment. Step forward. You’re worth it.
(NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On December 23, 2025, at approximately 10:03 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) at Highway 6 and Bruce Road 9 in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
A vehicle entered the checkpoint where police then spoke with the driver. The investigating officer detected signs of impairment. The driver was arrested for impaired operations and transported to local detachment for further testing.
William MERVYN, 61-year-old of Northern Bruce Peninsula, was charged with the following Highway Traffic Act, and Criminal Code offences:
· Operation while impaired
· Operation while impaired- B.A.C. 80 plus
· Drive while suspended (HTA)
A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 15, 2026.
The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.
(SCHREIBER, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from members of the Nipigon and Schreiber OPP Detachments, has charged one individual following an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, officers from the CSCU, executed a search warrant at a residence in Schreiber. The search resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, Canadian currency, and various drug-related paraphernalia.
As a result of the investigation, Justin REINHARDT, 42, of Schreiber, has been charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
Possession of property obtained by crime – under $5,000
The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Schreiber on February 12, 2026.
If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact Schreiber OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit crimestoppers.ca.
(MATTAWA, ON) – Four individuals are facing numerous charges after a traffic stop on Highway 17 in Mattawa led to the seizure of suspected cocaine and cash..
On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 11:15 p.m., North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) infraction on Highway 17. During the stop, the driver provided a false name to officers. Police determined the driver’s licence was suspended under the Criminal Code.
The driver was arrested for obstructing a peace officer. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 57 grams of suspected cocaine, a digital scale, four cell phones, and approximately $4,600 in Canadian currency.
As a result, Matthew SINOBERT, 43, of Sudbury, was charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
Obstruct a peace officer
Operation while prohibited under the criminal code – two counts
Driving while under suspension (HTA) – three counts
Operate unsafe vehicle
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 23, 2025.
Additionally, passengers Shy-Eagle ASSINEWAI, 26, of Sudbury; Naomi COOPER, 31, of Wikwemikong First Nation; and Ashley SHAWAYAHAMISH, 36, of Sudbury, were each charged with:
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
All accused individuals were held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 23, 2025.
(NORTH BAY, ON) – A North Bay resident has been charged with impaired driving following a rear-end collision on Highway 11 in North Bay.
On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire services, responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 11.
Police determined that the driver of the rear vehicle had consumed alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to the North Bay Police Service detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Dawson SZANTI, 26 years of age, of North Bay, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concertation (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 20, 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
