Category: Bracebridge

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Gurkanwal SINGH Arrested Following Firearm Incident

(Bracebridge, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one individual in connection with firearms incidents near Bracebridge.

An investigation has been ongoing into the careless and unsafe use of firearms, as depicted in videos shared online. As a result of the investigation, Gurkanwal SINGH, 24, of Brampton was arrested on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and charged with two counts of careless use of a firearm.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025. Their firearms licence and weapons were also seized.

This investigation remains ongoing. Officers continue to actively investigate, gathering evidence and following up on leads to ensure a thorough and complete investigation.

The OPP would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information. Community cooperation is essential to advancing investigations and maintaining public safety.

The OPP takes firearms incidents very seriously. Behaviour that compromises the safety and security of our communities will not be tolerated.

We continue to urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact police. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Yash PAL Arrested After Incident At Convenience Store

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one driver after investigating a conflict at a convenience store.

On August 19, 2025, at 2:00 a.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was flagged down by an employee at a convenience store on Wellington Street and Monck Road in Bracebridge after having a conflict with a patron. Officers located the patron in his vehicle and as a result of their investigation, charged 35-year-old Yash PAL of Hamilton, ON with Operation while Impaired- Over 80 and Novice Driver-B.A.C. above zero. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 23, 2025 to answer to his charges.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

1 Wanted For Murder Found Among The Dead

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The individual wanted in connection with the ongoing death and arson investigation in Bracebridge has been confirmed deceased.

On Friday, August 1, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., members of the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of gunfire at a Beatrice Town Line Road residence in Bracebridge. Officers located a deceased male and the residence engulfed in flames. The deceased was identified as 60-year-old Paul GRAY of Bracebridge. A gunshot wound was determined to be the cause of death.

With support from specialized OPP units, a suspect search was initiated. Police issued a shelter-in-place order, which was lifted by approximately 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Following further investigation, two additional individuals were located deceased in the residence. A postmortem examination was conducted by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS). One of the individuals was confirmed as Mitchell GRAY, 29 years old of Bracebridge, who was wanted for murder. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation. The identity of the second deceased individual was confirmed as 59-year-old Anita GRAY of Bracebridge. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound.

The OPP would like to thank the public and media for their patience and cooperation throughout this investigation. We appreciate your continued interest and support as we work to provide updates accurately and responsibly.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Bracebridge OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner, the OFPS and the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is urged to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Murder – Mitchell GRAY Wanted By Police

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Two additional deceased individuals have been located inside the residence on Beatrice Town Line Road in Bracebridge as a result of the ongoing death and arson investigation. 

On Friday, August 1, 2025, shortly after 8:00 p.m., members of the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of gunfire at a residence on Beatrice Town Line Road in Bracebridge. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased male and found the residence fully engulfed in flames. With support from the OPP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and Central Region Canine Unit, a search for the suspect was initiated. A shelter-in-place order was put in place during the initial police response, which was lifted at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Mitchell GRAY, 29 years old, of Bracebridge, is wanted for murder. He is described as a white male, approximately 5’8″ tall, with light brown hair and facial hair.

Following further investigation, officers have confirmed that two additional deceased individuals were located within the residence, which was destroyed by fire. The identities cannot be confirmed until a post-mortem examination is conducted. Investigators believe there is no threat to public safety at this time.

The ongoing investigation is being led by the Bracebridge OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, and in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Shekhar PHOGAT Was Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one driver with impaired driving after a single-vehicle collision in Bracebridge.

On July 14, 2025 at 4:20 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers along with Muskoka EMS, responded to reports of a singe-vehicle collision that occurred on Carlsmount road in Bracebridge. A member of the public came upon the collision after the vehicle had left the roadway and collided with a tree, the occupants then fled the scene.

Police were able to locate the occupants and arrested and charged 40-year-old Shekhar PHOGAT of Brampton, ON with Impaired Operation and Failure/Refusal to Comply with Demand (breath). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on August 19, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Motorcycle Collision On Hwy 11

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a motorcycle collision that occurred on Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst this afternoon.

On Friday, July 11, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka EMS and Gravenhurst Fire Department responded to a collision that occurred on Highway 11 North, just north of Muskoka Road 169 in Gravenhurst involving a motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle, a 51-year-old man from Niagara-on-the-Lake, was ejected and unfortunately did not survive the collision.

Highway 11 North between Muskoka Road 169 and Pinedale Road is closed to allow the Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team to assist with the ongoing investigation. The closure is expected to be in place for several hours.

Anyone with information, such as dash camera footage, is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you wish to remain anonymous.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Violent Robbery – Douglas SWEENEY Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a serious incident that occurred in Bracebridge and one person stands charged.

On June 4, 2025 at 9:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka EMS, responded to reports of a loud disturbance at a motel on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge. Officers arrived and found that two individuals had been injured, one of whom was transported to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Officers located the suspect several streets away and arrested and charged 31-year-old Douglas SWEENEY, of Bracebridge, with the following:

  • Robbery with Violence
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Break and Enter
  • Assault X 2
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
  • Mischief

He was held in custody and will appear in to Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 9, 2025 to answer to his charges.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477. You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com, Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous, and therefore will not have to testify in court.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

1 OPP Detachment Nabs 21 Impaired Drivers In May


(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another driver with impaired driving, bringing the total of drivers charged by Bracebridge OPP to twenty-one.

On May 31, 2025, at 11:45 p.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrols proactively on Muskoka Road 118 in Muskoka Lakes Township and conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driving in a concerning manner. Police arrested and charged 29-year-old Taylor DEVITT of Gravenhurst with Operation while Impaired and Operation while Impaired – Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 8, 2025 to answer to her charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another three drivers with impaired driving. This brings the total of drivers charged to 20 for the month of May, almost double the number charged in the same time frame in 2024.

On May 30, 2025, at 9:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a call regarding a disturbance on Ann Street in Bracebridge. Officers conducted an investigation into the incident and subsequently arrested and charged 43-year-old Marcus BERGER of Bracebridge, ON with Operation while Impaired, Operation while Impaired – Over 80 and Operation while Prohibited. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 8, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On May 30, 2025, at 10:40 pm., Bracebridge OPP officers responded reports of concerning driving from a member of the public on Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst. The vehicle was located and officers conducted a traffic stop near Cedar Lane in Bracebridge. Police arrested and charged 66-year-old Barbara ROSEBRUGH of Huntsville, ON with Operation while Impaired and Operation while Impaired – Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025 to answer to her charges.

On May 31, 2025 at 12:20 a.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrols proactively on Muskoka Road 118 in Muskoka Lakes Township and conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driving in a concerning manner in Port Carling. Police arrested and charged 43-year-old Jason BOCK of Oakville with Operation while Impaired and Operation while Impaired – Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers Taken Off The Road

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two drivers with impaired driving after receiving concerns from members of the public.

On May 23, 2025, just before 3:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers received a concern from a member of the public who was driving on Highway 11 South in Bracebridge about the driving behaviour of another motorist. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and subsequently arrested and charged 34-year-old Kimberly ELLIOTT of Barrie, ON with Operation while Impaired, Operation while Impaired – Over 80 and Operation while Prohibited. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025 to answer to her charges.

On May 24, 2025, just before 7:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded reports of concerning driving from a member of the public on Highway 11 North in Bracebridge. The vehicle was located a short time later travelling south on Highway 11 South and officers conducted a traffic stop. Police arrested and charged 38-year-old Alanna ROGERS of Bracebridge, ON with Operation while Impaired, Operation while Impaired – Over 80 and Dangerous Driving. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 17, 2025 to answer to her charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three drivers during the early morning hours today with impaired driving related offences.

On May 30, 2025, at 12:30 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a single vehicle collision that occurred on Kanien’keha:ka lohatatie, formerly Muskoka Road 38, in Muskoka Lakes Township. The vehicle had partially left the roadway and became stuck in a swamp, none of the occupants sustained injuries. Officers attended and conducted an investigation into the collision and subsequently arrested and charged 37-year-old Shelby LOSHAW of Port Carling, ON with Operation while Impaired and Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025, to answer to her charges.

A short time later, at 2:45 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to complaints about a disturbance at an address near Balls Drive in Bracebridge and when they arrived, observed a vehicle leaving that caused concern. Officers conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 18-year-old Landen KEOWN of Bracebridge with Operation while Impaired, Over 80, Driving While Under Suspension and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025, to answer to his charges.

At 5:25 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a single vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 118 East in Bracebridge. A vehicle left the roadway and a passerby reported a concern over the condition of the driver. Officers attended, conducted an investigation into the collision and subsequently arrested and charged 36-year-old Lucas ROWE of Bracebridge, ON with Operation while Impaired -Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025, to answer to his charge.

In Ontario, drivers who are charged with offences relating to impaired driving have their drivers licenses immediately suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

2 Charged In Death Of Child – Names Released

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Police have arrested two individuals in relation to a child death investigation in Gravenhurst.

On Thursday, January 5, 2023, at approximately 7:45 p.m., members from the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Muskoka Emergency Services responded to a call for a child who had suffered significant injuries. The child was transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Tyler Phillip WHALE, 24 years old of Brampton, was arrested and charged with second degree murder contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code (CC).

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Justine OSBORNE, 33 years old of Gravenhurst, was arrested and charged with failing to provide necessaries of life contrary to section 215(2) of the CC.

Both accused were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Friday, May 23, 2025.

A publication ban has been issued and as a result, the OPP will not be able to release further information.

The Muskoka OPP Crime Unit is continuing this investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is also being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two more drivers during the holiday long weekend.

On May 17, 2025, just before midnight, Bracebridge OPP officers had Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst temporarily closed in order to conduct an investigation and while doing so, a vehicle attempted to travel through that section of road. Officers conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 59-year-old William ROBINSON of Don Mills, ON with the following:

  • Operation while Impaired
  • Over 80
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Drive on Closed Highway
  • Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available
  • Fail to Move into Another Lane for Emergency Vehicle

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge in June to answer to his charge.

On May 18, 2025, at 9:45 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Muskoka Road 169 in Muskoka Lakes Township. A vehicle proceeded to the RIDE program and officers began an investigation into the presence of alcohol, subsequently arrested and charged 72-year-old David HOLMES of Etobicoke, ON with Operation while Impaired- Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 17, 2025, to answer to his charge.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two drivers during the first day of the holiday long weekend.

On May 16, 2025, at 8:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers along with officers from the Central Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team were conducting a RIDE program on Kanien’keha:ka lohatatie, formerly Muskoka Road 38, near Muskoka Road 169 in Muskoka Lakes Township. A vehicle proceeded to the RIDE program and officers began an investigation into the presence of alcohol, and subsequently arrested and charged 34-year-old Michael QUESNEL of Gravenhurst with Operation while Impaired- Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 17, 2025, to answer to his charge.

On May 17, 2025, at 12:25 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of loud vehicle driving in an unsafe manner in Annie Williams Park, on Santas Village Road in Bracebridge, as well as along side streets in the same area. Officers located the vehicle nearby and subsequently arrested and charged 18-year-old Landen KEOWN of Bracebridge with Operation while Impaired, Over 80, Dangerous Operation, Mischief and Novice Driver- B.A.C. above zero. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 10, 2025, to answer to his charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

5 Impaired Drivers Arrested – Details Released

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another five drivers with impaired driving during the first two weekends in May, bringing the total number of drivers charged in May to six.

On May 2, 2025, at 8:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of a single vehicle collision on Lone Pine Drive in Bracebridge after a vehicle left the roadway and landed on its side. The driver was uninjured, and police subsequently arrested and charged 22-year-old Travis DYKE of Bracebridge with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 3, 2025, to answer to his charges.

On May 3, 2025, at 12:15 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of another single vehicle collision on Brackenrig Road in Muskoka Lakes Township after a vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. The driver was uninjured, and police subsequently arrested and charged 31-year-old Ariel HARTOG of Mactier with Impaired Operation and Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 3, 2025, to answer to her charges.

On May 10, 2025, just after 11:00 a.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting routine patrols in Georgian Bay Township and conducted a traffic stop on Highway 400 North. It was determined that there were issues with the drivers license and subsequent to an investigation, police arrested and charged 51-year-old Jason SCHELL of Mactier with the following:

  • Operation while Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
  • Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code X 5
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
  • Fail to Attend for Fingerprints

He was held in custody for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice on May 12, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Police also arrested and charged the passenger in this vehicle, 33-year-old Jessica BEASLEY of Mactier with Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Opioid and Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025 to answer to her charges.

On May 10, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of another single vehicle collision on Taylor Road near Cedar Lane in Bracebridge after a vehicle left the roadway struck a pole. The driver was uninjured, and police subsequently arrested and charged 59-year-old Kerry HASTINGS of Bracebridge with Impaired Operation, Over 80 and Operation while Prohibited. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 10, 2025, to answer to her charges.

On May 11, 2025, at 9:15 p.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrol in the town of Bracebridge and came across a vehicle that was in the ditch. The officer conducted an investigation into the circumstances and subsequently arrested and charged 40-year-old Brenna BENVEGNU of Bracebridge with Impaired Operation and Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 10, 2025, to answer to her charges.

This brings the current number of drivers charged with impaired driving related offenses in Bracebridge detachment area alone, to 42 in 2025. Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads, if you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to notify police.