Category: Cochrane

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Joseph CORMIER Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – A timely response to a traffic complaint by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) led to an impaired driving arrest.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle swerving and striking traffic cones on Third Avenue in Cochrane. The suspect vehicle was located shortly afterward in the drive-thru of a restaurant on Highway 11 West. The vehicle was stopped near by, and officers requested a breath sample using an Approved Screening Device (ASD). The driver refused to comply and was placed under arrest.

As a result, Joseph CORMIER, 37 years-of-age from Timmins, has been charged with failure or refusal to comply with demand.

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

The OPP continues to encourage the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1. Every call makes a difference in keeping our roads safe.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Arrested For Drunk Driving

(COCHRANE, ON) – A Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program in Cochrane resulted in an impaired driving arrest.

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 2:45 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle at a RIDE program on Fifth Street in Cochrane.

Officers determined the driver had been consuming an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a small quantity of cannabis within the vehicle.

As a result, Ciara CHEENA, 19 years-of-age from Cochrane, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operate motor vehicle without insurance

·        Driver motor vehicle with cannabis readily available

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 5, 2025, in Cochrane. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP continues to conduct RIDE programs throughout the region and reminds drivers that impaired driving is a serious offence with serious consequences. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Joey LACROIX – Impaired Operation

(COCHRANE, ON) – A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver was arrested for impaired operation after officers observed signs of drug impairment during a routine inspection at the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) scales in Cochrane.

On Friday, July 11, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., members of the Cochrane Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with an MTO enforcement officer, were conducting commercial vehicle inspections at the Cochrane scales.

During the inspection of one CMV, officers detected an unsealed bag of cannabis and determined that the driver had been consuming an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Joey LACROIX, 35 years-of-age from Moonbeam, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

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

The OPP and MTO continue to work together to ensure the safety of Ontario’s roadways through proactive commercial vehicle enforcement and impaired driving investigations.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Satnam SINGH Was Arrested Again #RepeatOffender

(COCHRANE, ON) – A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver has been charged after police discovered the individual was prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code during a traffic stop south of Cochrane.

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 for a speeding violation. During the investigation, officers determined the driver was subject to three active criminal driving prohibitions. Officers also identified minor mechanical defects with the vehicle.

As a result, Satnam SINGH, 25 years-of-age from Edmonton, AB, was charged with:

·        Operation while prohibited under the criminal code – three counts

·        Speeding – 108 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone

·        Improperly drive commercial motor vehicle with a minor defect in it – two counts

·        Fail to enter defect in daily inspection report – two counts

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 17, 2025, in Cochrane. The tractor portion of the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

$200,000 Drug Bust – Felix OBENG-DONKOR

(COCHRANE, ON) – A North York resident is facing multiple charges after police seized a loaded firearm and a significant quantity of drugs following an arrest in Cochrane.

On Sunday April 27, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call of suspected drug trafficking.

Officers located the subject at a commercial property on Railway Street in Cochrane and placed the individual under investigative detention. A loaded 10mm handgun was found in the individual’s possession, and the person was placed under arrest. A subsequent search incident to arrest led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, with an estimated combined street value of approximately $200,000. Police also seized a cellphone and approximately $6,000 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Felix OBENG-DONKOR, 29 years-of-age of North York, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – heroin
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
  • Fail to comply with release order – three counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on April 28, 2025.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Noah VAILLANCOURT Arrested For Child Pornography

(COCHRANE, ON) – A local resident is facing child pornography charges following an investigation by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the James Bay OPP Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Shelby Avenue in Cochrane. During the search, officers seized three electronic devices for examination. The investigation was supported by members of the OPP’s Digital Forensics Unit and the Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.

As a result, on Thursday April 10, 2025, Noah VAILLANCOURT, 25 years-of-age of Cochrane, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

The accused was released from a bail hearing and is scheduled to next appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on May 29, 2025.

The OPP is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who exploit children through the possession, distribution, or creation of child sexual abuse material.

If you have information about suspected child exploitation, or if you are concerned about a child’s online interactions, please report it at www.cybertip.ca – Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn more about online safety and how to protect children through resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Jessyka VEILLEUX Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – One individual is facing multiple charges following the execution of a search warrant that led to the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and other evidence consistent with drug trafficking.

On Thursday April 17, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from frontline officers of the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant at a residence on Gold Street in Cochrane.

During the search, officers seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $10,000. Police also recovered a digital scale, packaging materials, a cellphone, and approximately $360 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, Jessyka VEILLEUX, 35 years-of-age of Cochrane, was arrested charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on April 22, 2025.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

April WYNNE Was Arrested Again

(COCHRANE, ON) – A routine patrol by James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Cochrane resulted in an impaired driving charge after officers stopped a vehicle linked to an unlicensed driver.

On March 29, 2025 at approximately 1:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general patrol on Sixth Street, when the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system flagged a vehicle registered to an unlicensed driver. Police conducted a traffic stop on First Avenue and determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to the Timmins Police Service detachment for further testing.

As a result, April WYNNE 37 years-of-age from Cochrane, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration

·        Failure to comply with release order

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 15, 2025, in Cochrane. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Stuck Snowplow Results In Impaired Charge

(COCHRANE, ON) – A report of a snowplow stuck in a ditch east of Cochrane led to the arrest of a driver for impaired operation.

On March 11, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a snowplow stuck in the westbound ditch, facing eastbound on Highway 652 in Kennedy Township, approximately 10 km east of Cochrane.

Officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol. The individual was arrested and taken to the Timmins Police Service for further testing.

As a result, Bradley MINOGUE, 50-years-of-age from Cochrane has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 15, 2025, in Cochrane. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Pierre ROBIN Was Arrested Again

(COCHRANE, ON) – A Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint in Cochrane resulted in the arrest of a snowmobiler and multiple charges.

On March 1, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a RIDE check on Glackmeyer Concession 6 & 7 at the intersection of Genier Road. A motorized snow vehicle (MSV) entered the checkpoint, and officers requested a breath sample using an Approved Screening Device (ASD). The driver refused to comply and was placed under arrest.

During a search incident to arrest, officers located two sealed cans of beer in the driver’s possession. Further investigation revealed the driver was criminally prohibited from operating a motor vehicle and was bound by a recognizance to keep the peace.

As a result, Pierre ROBIN, 47 years of age of Cochrane, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Failure or refusal to comply with demand

·        Operation while prohibited under the criminal code

·        Breach of recognizance

·        Driving while under suspension (HTA)

·        Drive – no insurance

·        Fail to securely fasten helmet chin strap

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 15, 2025, in Cochrane. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The OPP remains committed to removing impaired drivers from our roads and trails. If you suspect impaired driving, call 9-1-1.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Melissa BOUCHARD

(COCHRANE, ON) – A drug-related search warrant executed in Cochrane has resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of approximately $5,000 worth of drugs, and approximately $570 in cash.

On February 20, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the Northeast Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant at a residence on Seventh Avenue South.

During the investigation, officers arrested one individual and seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $5,000. Police also seized a digital scale, and approximately $570 in Canadian currency. 

Melissa BOUCHARD, 40 years-of-age of Cochrane, was charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine – two counts
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking -methamphetamine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Fail to comply with release order – two counts

The accused remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on March 4, 2025.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Michael GALLAGHER-ROBIN Was Arrested Again

(COCHRANE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one person following a break and enter in Cochrane.

On February 1, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers observed an individual loitering on commercial parking lot on Third Avenue, moving between trailers and storage containers. Upon approaching the individual, police discovered they had two sleighs loaded with various items, which they claimed to have found.

Further investigation determined that a cargo trailer on the property had been broken into and items had been removed.

As a result, Michael GALLAGHER-ROBIN, 33 years of age of Cochrane, has been charged with:

  • Break and enter a place – commit indictable offence
  • Theft under $5000
  • Breach of recognizance
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Possession of break in instruments

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on February 25, 2025.

Some of the recovered items have already been claimed by their owners. If you believe you are missing items such as sleighs, tools, or outdoor clothing, please contact the OPP in Cochrane at 1-888-310-1122 to identify and claim them.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

David GORMAN – Extortion

(COCHRANE, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual with extortion following an investigation into a 2019 incident involving financial coercion.

On July 17, 2024, the James Bay OPP received a report from a complainant in the Cochrane detachment area alleging that they had been coerced into co-signing a $45,000 loan under threat of employment consequences.

The investigation revealed that on July 31, 2019, the accused, who was in a position of authority over the complainant, demanded they co-sign the loan, implying that their job was at risk if they did not comply.

The accused made payments on the loan until the spring of 2024, at which time the complainant noticed a decline in their credit score due to non-payment.

As a result of the investigation, David GORMAN, 46 years old of Fredericton, NB, was charged with extortion.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on February 20, 2025.

Extortion is a serious criminal offense that exploits fear and power imbalances. The OPP encourages anyone who believes they are being coerced into financial or personal decisions under threat, to report it to the police. No one should feel forced into actions against their will.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Meth Bust – Luc PRONOVOST Arrested Again!

(COCHRANE, ON) – The execution of a drug-related search warrant in Cochrane has led to the arrest of one individual and the seizure of approximately $65,000 worth of drugs.

On January 16, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the North Bay CSCU, and the James Bay OPP executed a search warrant at a residence on Thirteenth Avenue in Cochrane.

During the investigation, one individual was arrested, and police seized drugs suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, with a total estimated street value of $65,000. Police also seized a cell phone, a digital scale, and a small amount of Canadian currency. 

As a result of this investigation, Luc PRONOVOST, 38 years-of-age of Cochrane, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – crystal methamphetamine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Failure to comply with a release order – three counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on January 17, 2025.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(COCHRANE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pickup truck and a train on Lillabelle Lake Road in Cochrane.

On January 7, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the James Bay OPP, the Cochrane Fire Department, and Timmins Ambulance (EMS) responded to the collision at the rail crossing on Lillabelle Lake Road.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 75-year-old Cochrane resident, was transported to local hospital by ambulance, and later pronounced deceased.

The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Lillabelle Lake Road is currently closed at the rail crossing between McWhirter Road and Concession 6&7. The closure is expected to remain in effect for an extended period as investigators process the scene.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.