Category: Bracebridge

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Samantha TESSIER & Riley STEAD – Drunk Driving

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two more drivers with impaired driving.

On November 29, 2025, at 3:30 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge and became concerned about the condition of a driver near Taylor Road. Officers commenced an investigation and subsequently arrested and charged 32-year-old Samantha TESSIER of Chelmsford, ON with Impaired Operation – Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 16, 2025 to answer to her charges.

On November 29, 2025, at 9:45 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program on Muskoka Road 169 at Southwood Road. After entering into an impaired driving investigation, police arrested and charged 40-year-old Riley STEAD of Gravenhurst, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 30, 2025 to answer to his charges.

 If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Joshua WORSLEY & Brett PARKIN – Impaired Driving

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two drivers with impaired driving since the launch of the Festive RIDE campaign. 

On November 24, 2025, at 7:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about the condition of a driver on Highway 11 North in Bracebridge. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 30-year-old Joshua WORSLEY of Strathroy, ON with Impaired Operation, Impaired – Over 80 and Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 23, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On November 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to another concern from a member of the public about the condition of a driver on Wellington Street in Bracebridge. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 31-year-old Brett PARKIN of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 23, 2025 to answer to his charges.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Zachary PASSMORE – Drunk Driving

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another driver with impaired driving.

On November 3, 2025, at 1:45 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about the condition of a driver on Taylor Road in Bracebridge. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 36-year-old Zachary PASSMORE of Gravenhurst, ON with Impaired Operation – Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 16, 2025 to answer to his charges.

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Bracebridge Gravenhurst OPP Police Press Releases

Michael PANTE Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(GRAVENHURST, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Bracebridge man with impaired driving on Hallowe’en.

On October 31, 2025, at 7:45 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about the driving behaviour of a motorist in the area of John and Peter Streets of Gravenhurst, while many children were out trick-or-treating.  Police quickly located the vehicle on Muskoka Road South and conducted a traffic stop in a retail parking lot.

Police have charged 31-year-old Michael PANTE of Bracebridge with the following:

  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Operation While Impaired
  • Over 80
  • Stunt Driving
  • Fail to Comply with Probation
  • Novice Driver- B.A.C. above zero

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on November 18, 2025 to answer to his charges.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Jordan SMITH – Drunk Driving

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another driver with impaired driving.

On October 12, 2025, at 1:00 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about the condition of a driver on Airport Road in Gravenhurst. Officers located the vehicle and subsequently arrested and charged 38-year-old Jordan SMITH of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation, Over 80, Having Care or Control of a Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available and Having Care or Control of a Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 21, 2025 to answer to his charges.

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Bracebridge Gravenhurst OPP Police Press Releases

Two Arrested After Shoplift Call Leads to Firearm, Fraud Charges

(GRAVENHURST, ON) – The Bracebridge detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two people with several offenses after investigating a shoplift complaint in Gravenhurst.

On October 9, 2025, at 2:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a theft from a local licensed retailer located on Edward Street in Gravenhurst. Store staff were quick to gather key information, and officers located the involved vehicle at a service centre on Highway 11 North a short time later.

As a result of their investigation, police have charged 35-year-old Matthew JOHNSTON of Haliburton with:

  • Theft under $5000
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Operate motor vehicle without insurance
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor.

He was held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge for a bail hearing on October 10, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Police have also charged 37-year-old Amanda CORBY of Highland Grove, ON with:

  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Fail to comply with probation order.

She was held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge for a bail hearing on October 10, 2025 to answer to her charges.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases West Nipissing

Found Body Was Murdered According to Police – Name Released

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The victim was identified, and their death ruled a homicide after a deceased person was discovered in Torrance. 

On Monday, September 15, 2025, shortly after 12:00 p.m., officers from the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a deceased person discovered in a remote area near Hardy Lake Road. 

The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Tyler PENASSE (also known as Tyler PELLERIN-PENASSE) of West Nipissing.

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a postmortem was conducted at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) in Toronto. The death is being treated as a homicide.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the areas of Hardy Lake Road, Torrance, Bala, Wahta and Gravenhurst between Sunday, September 14, 2025, and Monday, September 15, 2025, and may have dashcam footage or other relevant information to contact police. Even footage that may appear unrelated could contain critical details that support the investigation.

The investigation is continuing by the Bracebridge OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the OFPS. Assistance is being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122, referencing occurrence E251257737. 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 Gravenhurst Muskoka Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

5 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged five drivers with impaired driving during the first half of September.

On September 5, 2025, at 11:20 p.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrol in the town of Bracebridge and became concerned about the driving behaviour of a vehicle on Manitoba Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop on Hiram Street and subsequently arrested and charged 44-year-old Seyed HASHEMI of Newmarket, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. two Bracebridge OPP officers were driving on Muskoka Road 118 in Bracebridge when the a vehicle caught their attention, driving in a concerning way. The officers conducted a traffic stop on Morrison Street and subsequently arrested and charged 50-year-old David RICHARDSON of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 30, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to reports from members of the public that a vehicle had collided with a guard rail on Golden Beach Road in Bracebridge and the occupants had left the scene on foot. Officers located the individuals and subsequently arrested and charged 26-year-old Adam LEGAULT of Muskoka Lakes Township, ON with Impaired Operation, Over 80, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Fail to Remain. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 21, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 8, 2025, at 9:50 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Bay Street in Gravenhurst and after an interaction with a vehicle, arrested and charged the driver. Police have charged 33-year-old Ryan MORROW of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation, Over 80 and Fail to Comply with Probation. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were contacted by a member of the public about their concerns about a vehicle parked near his laneway on Highway 11 South in Gravenhurst. Officers attended and located the vehicle and the driver nearby. Police arrested and charged 42-year-old Adam MANNING of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 21, 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

Deceased Person Located

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking public assistance in relation to the discovery of a deceased person in Torrance.

On Monday, September 15, 2025, shortly after 12:00 p.m., the Bracebridge OPP responded to the report of a deceased person discovered in a remote area near Hardy Lake Road. Investigators believe there is no immediate threat to the general public at this time.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the Hardy Lake Road area between Sunday, September 14, 2025, and Monday, September 15, 2025, and may have dashcam footage or other relevant information to contact police. Even footage that may appear unrelated could contain critical details that support the investigation.

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

Anyone with information is asked 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.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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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.