Category: Cochrane

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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.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Ronald SUTHERLAND Facing Numerous Charges

(COCHRANE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the public’s assistance have identified and arrested one person in a debit card fraud investigation in Cochrane.

On November 3, 2024, the James Bay OPP responded to a report of a stolen debit card, that was subsequently used to make $1000 worth of purchases at eight different businesses in the Town of Cochrane. The 19 transactions took place on November 1 and 2, 2024.

On December 13, 2024, the James Bay OPP responded to a call for service on Highway 11 West in Cochrane. Police located one person in relation to the call, who initially provided a false name to police.

As a result of the investigation, 43-year-old Ronald SUTHERLAND was arrested and charged with:

·        Obstruct peace officer

·        Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Use of credit card obtained by the commission of an offence – 19 counts

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on January 28, 2025.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Alain THERRIAULT Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – A routine traffic stop by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) resulted in impaired driving and weapons-related charges early Sunday morning.

On December 8, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on Ninth Avenue in Cochrane. During the interaction, officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol. The driver was arrested, and a search incident to arrest revealed a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) and a small quantity of oxycodone.  

During the investigation, the driver refused to provide a breath sample as required by law at detachment. As a result, Alain THERRIAULT, 34 years of age, of Cochrane, has been charged with:

·        Failure or refusal to comply with demand

·        Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose

·        Unauthorized possession of a weapon

·        Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited weapon

·        Possession of a schedule I substance – oxycodone

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 28, 2025, in Cochrane.

In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP remains committed to keeping Ontario’s roads safe. If you suspect impaired driving, call 9-1-1.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Steven BOUCHARD – Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – The execution of a search warrant in Cochrane has resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of stolen property and a firearm.

On November 13, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with the assistance of James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the James Bay Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on Concession Road 8&9 in Cochrane.

During the investigation, two individuals were arrested, and police seized stolen property and a firearm.

As a result of this investigation, Steven BOUCHARD, 24 years-of-age of Cochrane was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Mischief – renders property useless

Further, a 14-year-old person from Cochrane was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Mischief – renders property useless
  • Fail to comply with sentence

Both accused individuals were released from a bail hearing and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane in December. The name of the youth cannot be released under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Nathon HOOKIMAWILLELLENE Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – A traffic stop for stunt driving led to an impaired driving arrest.

On November 1, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting traffic patrol in the town of Cochrane, when an officer observed a vehicle travelling at 105 km/hr in a posted 60 km/hr zone on Concession Road 2&3.

The vehicle was stopped in a commercial parking lot on Western Avenue. It was determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and the officer then made a breath demand into an Approved Screening Device (ASD) of which the driver failed to comply.

As a result of the investigation, Nathon HOOKIMAWILLELLENE, 39 years of age of Cochrane, was charged with:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 10, 2024, in Cochrane. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days. A refusal charge carries with it the same penalties as impaired driving, which if convicted, may include fines, imprisonment, and a further licence suspension of at least one year.

The OPP would like to remind the public that if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please “Make the Call,” and dial 9-1-1.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Another Drug Bust

(COCHRANE, ON) – Two drug related search warrants were executed in Cochrane, leading to the arrest of three people, and large drug seizure.

On September 24, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed search warrants at two residences in Cochrane, one on Thirteenth Avenue and one on Huron Road. 

During the investigation, three people were arrested, and police seized drugs suspected to be fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine tablets, lorazepam, and oxycodone with a total estimated street value of $25,000. Police also seized two firearms, cell phones, scales, packaging, and approximately $3,500 in Canadian currency. 

As a result of this investigation, Luc PRONOVOST, 38 years-of-age of Cochrane was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – crystal methamphetamine
  • 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 a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone
  • Possession of a schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking – lorazepam
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Possess unmarked cigarettes

The above accused person remains in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on September 25, 2024.

Further, Philip ARCHIBALD 48 years-of-age of Cochrane, and Pearl WHISKEYCHAN 50 years-of-age of Cochrane, were arrested and charged with the following:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm

The two above accused persons were released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 22, 2024, in Cochrane. 

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(COCHRANE / TIMMINS, ON) – Four impaired driving arrests were made during a five-day highway safety enforcement initiative in the Cochrane and Timmins area.

From September 9 to September 13, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Northeast Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) unit partnered with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) along with area detachment members to execute the initiative.

On September 10, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the OPP TIME unit conducted a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) test on a driver at the MTO weigh scales on Highway 11 in Cochrane. The driver of the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a tanker trailer transporting dangerous goods was determined to have been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jacobus VANZEYL, 67 years of age of Courtice, was 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 October 22, 2024, in Cochrane.

On September 11, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the OPP TIME unit conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck towing a two-axle utility trailer on Highway 101 West in Timmins. The driver was given an MAS test was determined to have been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Timmins Police detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Marcel ST JEAN, 55 years of age of Sudbury, was charged with:

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

·        Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·        Improper means of attachment

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 10, 2024, in Timmins.

On September 11, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the OPP TIME unit conducted a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) test on a driver at the MTO weigh scales on Highway 11 in Cochrane. The driver of the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) was determined to have been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Donald DANIEL, 68 years of age of Regina, SK, was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Driving a motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 22, 2024, in Cochrane.

On September 13, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the OPP TIME unit conducted a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) test on a driver at the MTO weigh scales on Highway 11 in Cochrane. The driver of the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) was determined to have been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jagdeepsingh MAAN, 40 years of age of Airdrie, AB, was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Driving a motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 22, 2024, in Cochrane.

All four accused persons were also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and their vehicles (tractor units only) were impounded for 7 days.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Pascal LESSARD Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – A traffic complaint in Cochrane led to a criminal charge for refusing a breath demand.

On September 8, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call of a suspected impaired driver. Officers were able to located the subject driver on Victoria Avenue in the town of Cochrane. Officer determined the driver had been consuming an alcoholic beverage, and the driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane detachment for further testing. The driver refused testing at detachment, and as a result of the investigation, Pascal LESSARD, 36 years-of-age from Cochrane, was charged with failure to comply with demand.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 8, 2024, in Cochrane. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

A refusal charge carries with it the same penalties as impaired driving, which if convicted, may include fines, imprisonment, and a further licence suspension of at least one year.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Joleen WESLEY – Drunk Driving

(COCHRANE, ON) – A RIDE program yielded a charge for impaired driving in Cochrane.

On August 18, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle on Highway 579 in Cochrane as part of a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Program.

During the interaction, police determined that the driver had been consuming an alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Kapuskasing detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Joleen WESLEY, 32 years of age of Cochrane, was 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 October 8, 2024, in Cochrane. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Cochrane OPP Police Press Releases

Savannah SPENCER Was Arrested

(COCHRANE, ON) – A Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program in Cochrane led to a criminal charge for refusing a breath demand.

On August 12, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) while conducted a RIDE program, and stopped a vehicle on Eighth Street in Cochrane. Officers were conducting mandatory alcohol screening and issued a breath demand to the driver. The driver refused, and as a result of the investigation, Savannah SPENCER, 28 years-of-age from Cochrane, was arrested and charged with failure to comply with demand.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on September 17, 2024, in Cochrane. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

Drivers are reminded that the Mandatory Alcohol Screening law allows police with an approved alcohol screening device to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver without having reasonable suspicion that a driver is alcohol impaired.

A refusal charge carries with it the same penalties as impaired driving, which if convicted, may include fines, imprisonment, and a further licence suspension of at least one year.