Category: Blind River

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Wray CHAMBERLAIN – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) lays 19th impaired charge in 2025.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the OPP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pick-up truck that collided with another vehicle while travelling eastbound on Causley Street in the Town of Blind River.

The pickup truck driver attempted to evade the complainant and police by parking the vehicle behind a Woodward Avenue apartment building on Provencher Lane. Police eventually located the person that was operating the vehicle. While speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed and they also detected an odour of cannabis coming off the driver. A subsequent arrest was made, and the driver was transported to Blind River detachment. 

Wray CHAMBERLAIN, 30 years-of-age from Blind River was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – both alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Failure to stop after accident

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 3, 2025.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 and don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL”.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Joshua BROWN Was Arrested Again

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On May 25, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person on Causley Street during a traffic stop.

Police received information that a person was breaching prior release conditions stemming from prior charges before the court. After reviewing the digital evidence, police determined there was a breach pertaining to a communication order.    

Joshua BROWN, 43-years-old, of Blind River, was arrested and charged with – Failure to comply with Release Order.

The accused was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sault Ste. Marie on May 26, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Larissa Kim Reneigh KOKE Arrested For Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Suspended driver charged after impaired related traffic complaint.

On May 6, 2025, at approximately 12:15 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a complaint regarding a possible impaired driver on West Street in Blind River. Police located and stopped the brown pickup truck and spoke to the driver. They were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

Larissa Kim Reneigh KOKE, 49-years-old, from Blind River was charged with:

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

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

Yaroslav VERBITSKI Facing Numerous Charges #RepeatOffender

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Prohibited driver stopped for speeding through Blind River charged with multiple offences.

On April 21, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general patrol duties on Causley Street (Highway 17) in Blind River. A westbound grey car was stopped for speeding and the driver was spoken to. Police also learned the driver had a warrant out for his arrest, was a prohibited driver, had numerous license suspensions, and cannabis readily available. They were subsequently arrested, and the vehicle was towed and impounded.    

Yaroslav VERBITSKI, 36-years-old, of Mississauga was charged with:

  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – two counts
  • Driving while under suspension (two counts)
  • Driving under licence of other jurisdiction while suspended in Ontario
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Operate unsafe vehicle
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available – two counts

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Victoria MILLER – Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – A person was charged after police received a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver on Highway 17.

On April 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complainant from the Espanola area. This was regarding a westbound small white car all over the road and operating with no lights on. The vehicle was stopped in Blind River a short time later and the driver was spoken to. Police detected the odour of alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath. It was also learned that the driver was prohibited from driving. They were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded.  

Victoria MILLER, 28-years-old, from Chelmsford was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Drive while Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

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

Drug Bust – Names Released

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On April 16, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Dugs and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant at a residence on Youngfox Road in Blind River.

As a result of the warrant being executed, over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, digital scales, cash, packaging materials, debt lists, machetes, and numerous cell phones were seized. 

The OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit, and uniform members were involved with the investigation.         

Samantha PELLERIN, 30-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Echo PELLERIN, 41-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Robert VINCENT, 36-years-old, of Blind River was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Jameel Winston BAPTISTE, 38-years-old, of Niagara Falls 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

All accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Wray CHAMBERLAIN Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attend an apartment to issue a warning, and the tenant provided a false name in an attempt to conceal their identity.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, East Algoma OPP received a request to assist another OPP detachment in issuing a warning to an individual from Blind River in connection with a threat’s complaint. The individual had allegedly made threatening remarks toward two people from the City of Kawartha Lakes.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., officers attended an apartment complex on Woodward Avenue to locate and speak with the individual. While in the hallway, a tenant opened their apartment door, and officers recognized them from a photo as the person intended to be warned. During the interaction, the tenant provided a false name in an apparent attempt to conceal their identity, which resulted in their subsequent arrest.

Wray CHAMBERLAIN, 30 years-of-age from Blind River was charged with: Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud).

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Davide DUNCAN Facing Numerous Firearms Charges

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) locate a loaded 9mm handgun and cash at a traffic stop.

On April 1, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the OPP were on patrol traveling eastbound on Highway 17 near Algoma Mills. A vehicle approached the police cruiser from behind with its high beams on and subsequently overtook the officer in the passing lane.

The officer initiated a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Birchwood Circle in the Town of Blind River. While speaking with the driver, the officer detected a strong odor of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and police seized a loaded 9mm pistol, ten 9mm rounds, and a ten-round 9mm magazine from the glove compartment. Additionally, officers discovered four bundles of Canadian currency, a Ziploc bag of coins, a wallet with cash (totalling over $20,000), a marijuana grinder, and two cell phones. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to Blind River detachment for processing.

Davide DUNCAN, 22 years-of-age from Scarborough was charged with:

  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
  • Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of weapon
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
  • Possession property obtained by crime over $5000

The accused remains in custody.

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Area OPP Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Tenant Arrested After Damaging Apartment – Nicholas SACHRO Blacklisted For Life #UnitedLandlords

(BLIND RIVER, ON)- The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), responded to a report of a tenant that smashed three windows in their apartment unit on West Street in the Town of Blind River.

On March 21, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the superintendent of the apartment complex reported an incident that occurred the evening prior, around 9:30 p.m. A tenant walking their dog at the rear of the complex heard a second-floor window break. The superintendent further reported that two additional windows in the same apartment were shattered, along with multiple holes in the walls and a damaged door.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., police observed the tenant walking on Causley Street and made a subsequent arrest.

Nicholas SACHRO, 18 years-of-age from Blind River was charged with: Mischief over $5000.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on May 1, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Colin LIDDIARD – Impaired Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– Traffic complaint led to an impaired charge.

On February 28, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., members from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint regarding a white pickup truck driving erratically westbound on Highway 17. The vehicle was reported to have crossed into oncoming traffic before pulling into a local gas station at the east end of Causley Street in the Town of Blind River.

Officers arrived at the location and observed the vehicle with the driver seated in the driver’s seat. Next to the driver, on the passenger seat, was a container containing suspected cannabis. Believing the driver to be impaired by drugs, police arrested the individual. The driver was then transported to the Blind River detachment for further testing.

Colin LIDDIARD, 52 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with: Operation while impaired – drugs

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Aprill 10, 2025.

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

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, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Snowmobilers Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– Two snowmobile drivers charged with impaired.

On February 23, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a possible impaired snowmobile operator on John Street in the Town of Spanish.

Officers observed the suspect snowmobile traveling westbound on Front Street (also known as Highway 17) and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Hamilton Street and Front Street. Upon speaking with the driver, police determined that alcohol had been consumed, and a subsequent arrest was made. 

While investigating this incident, another snowmobile approached and stopped directly across the highway from the officers’ location. Upon speaking with the second driver, officers determined that this individual had also consumed alcohol, leading to another arrest.

Derek VAN VLIET, 39 years-of-age from Toronto was charged with:

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

Thomas YOUNG, 39 years-of-age from Innisfil was charged with:

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

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 3, 2025.

Both snowmachines were towed and impounded for seven days with both drivers being issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.

If you suspect and impaired driver don’t hesitate “MAKE THE CALL” call 911.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Donna SMITH Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– Roommate steals light bar of pickup truck.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a theft incident on West Street in the Town of Blind River. The owner of a pickup truck witnessed their roommate removing the light bar from the vehicle.

Donna SMITH, 60 years old from Blind River was charged with Theft under $5000.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 13, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Taiven CADA Arrested After Rampage

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– OPP makes two arrests.

On February 17, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a threat’s complaint on Hudson Street in the Town of Blind River. 

The investigation revealed that the complainant was walking eastbound on Hudson Street when they were chased by a blue pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck exited the vehicle, and a confrontation ensued, during which the complainant was sprayed with bear mace.

Approximately two to three weeks earlier, the complainant reported being pushed down by the driver of the same blue pickup truck while walking eastbound on Causley Street. The complainant was then assaulted with a bong and a can, sustaining injuries to the head and nose.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on February 17, 2025, Taiven CADA, 18 years old from Blind River was arrested charged with:

  • Uttering threats-cause death or bodily harm – two counts
  • Assault
  • Assault with a weapon-two counts
  • Dangerous operation
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm – two counts
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm – two counts
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
  • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device – two counts
  • Driving while under suspension – two counts

Before the pickup truck was towed police located and seized an air gun and a bolt action rifle.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 3, 2025.

While investigating the above incident, police determined that the complainant was also wanted for a break and enter that occurred in early February 2025.

On February 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a storage building on Lachore Street in Blind River was broken into. The suspect damaged the window of the front door and stole items, including a sweater and shoes. The stolen items were later posted on social media.

On February 17, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Nicolas SACHRO, 18 years old from Blind River was arrested and charged with:

  • Theft under $5000
  • Break, enter a place-with intent to commit an indictable offence
  • Possession property obtained by crime

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 3, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Reneigh KOKE: Drunk Driving

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– The East Algoma OPP lays 4th impaired charge in 2025.

On February 15, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle that was stuck in a snowbank on Mountain Glen Road in the Town of Blind River. 

Police arrived on scene a short time later and located the car stuck in a snowbank with the driver at the wheel. While speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed and a subsequent arrest was made. The driver was then transported to Blind River detachment for further testing.

Reneigh KOKE, 49 years old from Blind River 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 April 3, 2025.

The car was towed and impounded for seven days with the driver being issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.

If you suspect and impaired driver don’t hesitate “MAKE THE CALL” call 911.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

20 Year Old Urinates On Floor After Arrest

(BLIND RIVER, ON)– Officers locate individual falling in the snow.

On February 5, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report regarding a suspicious individual, possibly intoxicated, who was observed standing in a driveway in the 100 block of Causley Street, in the Town of Blind River.

Upon arrival, police located the person walking on the Causley Street sidewalk without shoes and exhibiting clear signs of intoxication. The individual was arrested and transported to the Blind River detachment, where they were lodged until sober.

While in custody, the accused became increasingly agitated and verbally abusive towards officers. The situation escalated when the individual began splashing toilet water in the cell area and at one point, the accused urinated through the bars of the cell onto the floor.

Gerry DICKINSON, 20 years old from Blind River was charged with:

  • Mischief under $5000
  • Being intoxicated in a public place

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