Category: Cochrane

(COCHRANE, ON) – Two Cochrane residents are facing multiple drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

On Tuesday November 25, 2025, the North East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) conducted a drug trafficking investigation, with officers from the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 655, at the intersection of Highway 11 at approximately 2:00 p.m.

The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested. During the search, officers seized approximately 20 grams of suspected fentanyl, and a small quantity of cocaine for a total approximate street value of $5,000. Also seized were two cell phones, and approximately $2,000 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Joanne GRAVEL, 50, and Bernard HUNTER, 38, both of Cochrane, have been charged with:

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·        Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on January 6, 2026.

(COCHRANE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a driver with multiple offences after a traffic stop in Cochrane.

On Wednesday November 19, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m., members of the James Bay (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 West after an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert indicated the registered owner was a suspended driver.

Police confirmed the driver to be the registered owner and confirmed they had multiple driving suspensions including a Criminal Code prohibition was found to be suspended for multiple reasons, including Criminal Code prohibition.

During a search incident to arrest, officers located a quantity of suspected fentanyl on the individual. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately $2,500 in Canadian Currency, an imitation handgun and additional drugs suspected to be crack cocaine, cocaine and fentanyl.

As a result of the investigation, Melissa BOUCHARD, 40 years-of-age of Cochrane, was charged with the following offences:

• Operation while prohibited
• Fail to comply with probation order
• Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose
• Carrying concealed weapon
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – crack cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
• Drive while under suspension – two counts

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane. The vehicle was impounded for 45 days as a result of the criminal driving suspension.

(COCHRANE, ON) – A traffic complaint of a commercial motor vehicle tailgating and cutting off a vehicle in Cochrane resulted in an impaired driving arrest.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at approximately 7:10 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of aggressive driving on Highway 11 South in Cochrane.

Police located a vehicle matching the description traveling southbound on Highway 11. Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that alcohol had been consumed. While effecting the arrest, the driver resisted police, resulting in a window being broken to gain entry. Open alcohol containers and cannabis products were located in the vehicle during a subsequent search.

As a result of the investigation, Kirk WILLIAMS, 59 years-of-age of Quebec City, QC has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·        Resist Peace Officer

·        Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis in open original packaging

·        Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

·        Driver fail to surrender licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on January 20, 2026. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the tractor portion of the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The James Bay OPP wants to thank the community for their continued support in reporting suspected impaired drivers. If you suspect impaired driving, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your call could save a life.

(COCHRANE, ON) – An officer observed a vehicle that had collided into the ditch on Highway 11 West in Cochrane, leading to an impaired driving arrest.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, at approximately 1:50 a.m., the James Bay OPP observed a vehicle that had collided into the westbound ditch on Highway 11 while on patrol. An automated collision notification was called in moments later. Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that alcohol had been consumed. The individual was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Munjal PARMAR, 27 years-of-age of Cochrane, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·        Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on December 9, 2025. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The James Bay OPP continues to prioritize road safety through enforcement and community awareness, reminding all drivers that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving.

(COCHRANE, ON) – A month-long investigation into a series of break-ins and thefts targeting local businesses and private properties in Cochrane has culminated in the arrest of a 32-year-old individual and the recovery of stolen items.

During the investigation, two search warrants were executed resulting in the recovery of numerous stolen items. The warrants were executed on October 16 and October 23, 2025, at separate residences in Cochrane, one on Star Street and the other on James Bay Road, by members of the James Bay Criminal Investigation Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Emergency Response Team (ERT).

The arrest follows a series of property crimes reported over the past several months, including multiple break and enters at industrial sites, commercial storage lots, and residential properties. Victims reported the theft of tools, wiring, electronics, and other valuable items, along with significant property damage in some cases. Several incidents involved forced entry into trailers and work vehicles, while others occurred during nighttime hours.

As a result of the investigation, Ryan BRUNETTE, 32 years-of-age from Cochrane, was charged with:

·        Mischief – interfere with any person in the lawful use or enjoyment of property – over $5000

·        Theft under $5000 (two counts)

·        Break, enter place – commit indictable offence (two counts)

·        Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (seven counts)

·        Trespassing at night

·        Fail to comply with release order (three counts)

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on October 24, 2025.