Category: Blind River

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Blind River MISSISSAUGA FIRST NATION OPP Police Press Releases

Donald Linus GIONETTE – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A driver was arrested and charged for impaired by drug.

On January 9, 2026, at approximately 12:15 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere (RIDE) on Canoe Lake Road, Mississauga First Nation. A grey pickup truck stopped and a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted. As a result the driver was arrested and vehicle was towed and impounded. 

Donald Linus GIONETTE, 72-years-old, of Mississauga First Nation was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Drugs

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 5, 2026.

The OPP would like to remind the motoring public to drive sober; this includes drug consumption as well. Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code and drivers are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.  A charge of impairment by drugs involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter and those that are illegal. 

The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Aaron Leo OWL – Ditch Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A person was charged after police were called to a vehicle in the ditch on Birch Street.

On January 4, 2026, at approximately 7:20 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended Birch Street to find a beige pickup truck in the ditch still running and the driver passed out at the wheel. Police woke him up and detected a strong odour of alcoholic beverage from his breath, along with obvious signs of impairment. He was subsequently arrested and the pickup truck was towed and impounded.  

Aaron Leo OWL, 35-years-old, from Blind River was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 5, 2026.

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.

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Blind River Garson OPP Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust: Ashley Elizabeth CARSON

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person after a traffic stop on Highway 17.

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 6:15 p.m., police received a complainant regarding an older model silver pickup truck operating erratically and failing to remain in its lane. Police stopped the pickup truck a short time afterwards and spoke to the driver. A white powder substance was visible on the center console, and the driver was subsequently arrested. Police also seized drug paraphernalia and suspected cocaine that was in her possession.  

Ashley Elizabeth CARSON, 32-years-old, of Garson was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 5, 2026.

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Blind River MISSISSAUGA FIRST NATION OPP Police Press Releases

Colt TOUSIGNANT – Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A person was charged after police stopped a vehicle north of Blind River on Highway 557.

On December 28, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a small white Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to check sobriety of the driver. After failing a roadside screening test, the driver was arrested and the SUV was consequently towed and impounded. 

Colt TOUSIGNANT, 22-years-old, from Mississauga First Nation was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 5, 2026.

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.

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Blind River Huntsville OPP Police Press Releases

Aloundeth KHAMVONG Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On December 12, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person on Hanes Avenue who was in breach of prior release conditions.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. the East Algoma Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and East Algoma Warrant Apprehension assisted Muskoka OPP CSCU with the arrest of a male who was wanted for cutting off his ankle monitor in the Bracebridge area and fleeing, thus breaching a current release order. The release order was stemming from the following November 2024 charges:

·      Possession for the purpose of trafficking

·      Possession of Schedule 1 substance – two counts

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

·      Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

·      Possession of prohibited firearm

Aloundeth KHAMVONG, 39-years-old, of Huntsville, was re-arrested and additionally charged with:

  • Failure to comply with Release Order – two counts
  • Failure to attend court
  • Mischief under $5000

The accused was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on December 13, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Steven TOMEI Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person after a traffic stop on Longview Avenue.

On December 11, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., police stopped a grey 4-door Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to check the status of a temporary plate. While speaking to the driver, open alcohol could be seen inside. After searching the vehicle, police located and seized suspected crushed up Adderall pills, crack pipe, scale, dime baggies, open alcoholic beverages, a dagger, and bear spray. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged.

Steven TOMEI, 48-years-old, of Blind River was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule III substance

·      Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

·      Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available

·      Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·      Class G1 licence holder – carry front-seat passenger

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on January 8, 2026.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Madysen HOWARTH Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On December 5, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call of a possible impaired driver in the ditch on Highway 17 near Frammpet Drive.

Police observed a badly damaged black pickup truck in the west bound ditch, facing east. Additionally, there were numerous beer cans observed on the highway and beside the truck. Algoma Paramedic Services attended to assess the driver and transport to hospital. Once at the hospital, the driver was very uncooperative with hospital staff and police. Subsequently, the driver was arrested and the pickup truck was towed and impounded.  

Madysen HOWARTH, 27-years-old, from Thunder Bay was charged with – Failure or refusal to comply with demand.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on January 8, 2026.

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.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

One Dead In Hit & Run : A-Bryan CONNELL Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On November 24, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a serious Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) on Causley Street (Highway 17) in Blind River.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a collision involving an eastbound Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and cyclist. The cyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene and the CMV operator failed to stop, continuing eastbound on Highway 17. Police located the CMV a short time later in Algoma Mills and the driver was subsequently arrested and vehicle towed.

A-Bryan CONNELL, 63-years-old, from Plummer Additional Township, was charged with:

· Fail to stop at accident resulting in death

· Dangerous operation causing death

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on November 25, 2025.

The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team and Technical Collison Investigator (TCI) attended, and the highway was closed for a considerable amount of time to ensure a proper, thorough, and safe investigation.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler BENNETT – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Prohibited driver refuses to provide breath sample.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a black pickup truck travelling on North Street in the Town of Blind River. The vehicle then turned onto Causley Street, where the driver cut off another motorist.

Police followed the pickup truck onto Lakeside Avenue, where they observed it slowly back into a driveway before the driver exited the vehicle. During the interaction, officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol and subsequently placed the individual under arrest.

The driver was transported to the Blind River detachment, where they refused to provide a breath sample.

Tyler BENNETT, 34 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on November 6, 2025.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for 7days.

The OPP is committed to keeping roads safe from impaired drivers, who continue to pose a serious risk on Ontario highways.

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Blind River MISSISSAUGA FIRST NATION OPP Police Press Releases

Lawrence PAYETTE – Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A person was charged after police conducted a Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) check on Queen Avenue.

On October 9, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed an oncoming small white car conduct a U-turn and proceed to travel away from the stop location. As a result, police conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver. An odour of alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath and they displayed signs of alcohol impairment. They were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded. 

Lawrence PAYETTE, 29-years-old, from Mississauga First Nation was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on December 4, 2025.

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.

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Blind River

Brian MARION – Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A person was charged after police were called to a vehicle in the ditch on Astles Road and Highway 557.

On September 4, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call of a blue pickup truck that crashed in the ditch.  The complainant also reported that the male driver was out of the truck and too drunk to stand. Police arrived a short afterwards and spoke to the lone driver who was stumbling and only wearing one shoe. A strong odour of alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath and displayed signs of alcohol impairment. Police also learned the person was previously prohibited from driving. He was arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

Brian MARION, 53-years-old, from Sault Ste. Marie was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 2, 2025.

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.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Keegan DAY Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has made an arrest following an early-morning call.

On August 27, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., officers responded to a residence on Jacques Street in the Town of Blind River after the homeowners reported finding an unknown individual sleeping on their couch.

Police arrived a short time later and arrested the individual, who was known to them. The person was transported to the Blind River detachment and lodged until sober.

Keegan DAY, 34 years old from Blind River was charged with: Unlawfully in dwelling house.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on November 6, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Joshua BOYER Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A driver was arrested and charged after vehicle stop on Highway 17, North Shore Township.

On August 24, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a possible impaired driver complaint. Information was that of a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) swerving between lanes and very inconsistent speeds. The black SUV was located and stopped by police. Readily accessible cannabis was located in the vehicle and approximately 20 suspected Ecstasy tablets in the driver’s possession. They were arrested and later assessed by an OPP Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) and subsequently charged.

Joshua BOYER, 38-years-old, of Mississauga First Nation was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Drugs
  • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
  • Possession of a Schedule III Substance

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 2, 2025.

The OPP would like to remind the motoring public to drive sober; this includes drug consumption as well. Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code and drivers are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.  A charge of impairment by drugs involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter and those that are illegal. 

The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Jessica-Ann BALLAN – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- On Monday, August 11, 2025, members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol on Highway 17 in the Town of Blind River.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., police observed a white pickup truck in the southbound ditch on Highway 17 near Frammpet Drive and while speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed. The driver was arrested and transported to Blind River detachment for further testing.

Jessica-Ann BALLAN, 43 years old from Iron Bridge 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 Elliot Lake on September 02, 2025. The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP continues to encourage the public to report motorists suspected of driving impaired by calling 9-1-1 or contacting the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Nahshon BALFOUR – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) lays 32nd impaired charge in 2025.

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., members from the East Algoma OPP responded to a traffic complaint of a vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 17 west of Blind River. The white car was all over the road, turning on the headlights off and on and driving into on coming traffic.

A short time later police observed the white car travelling eastbound on Causley Street in the Town of Blind River and initiated a traffic stop.  

Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that the individual was impaired by an intoxicating substance. The driver was then arrested and transported to the Blind River Detachment for further testing.

Nahshon BALFOUR, 21 years old from Brantford, was charged with:

·      Operation while impaired – drug

·      Dangerous operation

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on September 04, 2025. The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP continues to encourage the public to report motorists suspected of driving impaired by calling 9-1-1 or contacting the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.