Category: Espanola

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Espanola Lively OPP Police Press Releases

$9,000 Drug Bust – 2 Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people are facing charges after police conducted a traffic stop for a dirty licence plate.

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a motor vehicle with a licence plate obstructed by dirt swerving on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township. A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, both the driver and passenger were arrested.

Police seized amounts of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with a total estimated street value of $9,000.

The driver, Jason CARUSO, 43-years-old from Lively, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Fail to have insurance card
  • Fail to surrender licence
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Operate unsafe vehicle

The passenger, Renee DAIGLE, 40-years-old from Hanmer, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine.

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 7, 2025.

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Espanola

Ryan WALSER Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been charged with refusal after police received a traffic complaint.

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Sables Spanish Rivers Township. Police located the vehicle parked on the shoulder of Highway 17 near Massey. The driver of the vehicle failed to comply with the breath demand given by police during the investigation, and the driver was subsequently arrested.

The driver, Ryan WALSER, 39-years-old from Guelph, was charged with:

  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on October 6, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Eric LOWE Arrested Following Collision

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after police were called to a motor vehicle collision (MVC).

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 6 near Gravelle Road in the Curtin Township. Police attended the location and completed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) with the driver, and as a result the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

Eric LOWE, 46-years-old from Barrie, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on October 6, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

GREER – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. A roadside breath test was completed using an Approved Screening Device (ASD) with the driver, and as a result the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

John GREER, 61-years-old from Elliot Lake, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

70 Year Old Charged With Assault Causing Bodily Harm

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested following a call to police about an assault that took place at a campground.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting an assault at a campground in Espanola. Police attended the campground and initiated an investigation. As a result, one person was arrested for assault.

As a result, Sergey ADAMOV, 70-years-old from Calgary, Alberta was arrested for assault cause bodily harm.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on October 6, 2025.  

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

20 Year Old Facing Impaired Charge #RepeatOffender

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after a traffic stop resulted in an impaired arrest.

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop for a potential suspended driver in the Town of Webbwood. A Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was completed with the driver, and the driver was arrested for impaired operation as a result.

The driver, Dawn LANDRY-GIBSON, 20-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on October 6, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

John LAFLEUR Arrested Following Indecent Act #PervertAlert

(ESPANOLA, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual following a report of an indecent act.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Manitoulin OPP responded to a report of a person committing an indecent act at a park and beach area in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, where children and families were present. Police initiated an investigation and subsequently arrested the individual.

As a result, John LAFLEUR, 73-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with indecent act – public place.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 8, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

POLLETT & MEMNOOK – Impaired Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Officers from the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested two drivers simultaneously at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m., the Manitoulin OPP were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 near Old Webbwood Road in Espanola, when two separate vehicles came through at nearly the same time.

The first vehicle was found to contain open alcohol. Following further investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The second vehicle arrived shortly after, and a roadside breath test was administered using an Approved Screening Device (ASD). As a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The first driver, Shining Eagle MEMNOOK, 27-years-old from Massey, was charged with:

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

The second driver, Kyle POLLETT, 27-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 8, 2025.

This incident highlights the importance of RIDE checks and in promoting road safety. The fact that two drivers were arrested for impaired operation at the same RIDE check suggests that impaired driving continues to be a concern on our roads. Road safety initiatives and RIDE checks play an important role in identifying and addressing such risks before serious consequences occur. The OPP reminds the public that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

$14,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Five people are facing charges following the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the Town of Webbwood.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, members of the North East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a CDSA search warrant at a residence on First Street in the Town of Webbwood.

As a result of the search, officers seized amounts of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, with a total estimated street value of $14,000. Additionally, police seized a camping trailer, a boat and a motor, all believed to be stolen.

As a result of the investigation, Hugh FOSTER, 46-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Failure to comply with release order – two counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of weapon – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 14, 2025.

Additionally, Justin FOSTER, 42-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Failure to comply with release order
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of weapon – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 14, 2025.

Further, Deborah BENOIT, 69-years-old from Webbwood, was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – other drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

Additionally, Trevor MIDDLETON, 52-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – other drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 14, 2025.

Further, Christopher NEVILLE, 34-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order – two counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 14, 2025.

You can help support and contribute to the safety of your community. If you have knowledge of criminal activity, take action confidentially by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by submitting a secure tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Your identity will remain anonymous, and your information could play a crucial role in keeping drugs, weapons and crime out of your community. You may also be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Missing Person Found Deceased

(ESPANOLA, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has confirmed that the body recovered from the Spanish River in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township is that of a previously reported missing person from June 16, 2025.

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP responded to a report of a missing person in the Town of Webbwood and a search was initiated involving the OPP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit and Aviation.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP, and the OPP’s Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) responded to a report of a deceased person located in the Spanish River.

This thorough investigation was conducted by the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit, the OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) and the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC-OFPS), which resulted in the deceased person being identified as missing person, 50-year-old Gregory Grant.

The death has been determined to be non-suspicious and the investigation is complete.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Christopher COMMANDA – Drugs

(ESPANOLA , ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after a vehicle went into the ditch on Agnew Lake Road.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Agnew Lake Road in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police arrived on scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation. The driver was subsequently transported to Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) for further testing.

As a result, Christopher COMMANDA, 56-years-old from Garden Village First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Jeremiah ASSINEWAI Facing Numerous Charges

(ESPANOLA , ON) – A driver is facing impaired-related charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint on Highway 6 in Espanola. Police later located the vehicle driving 114 km/hr in a 60 km/hr community safety zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and upon approaching the driver, officers noticed open alcohol within the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Jeremiah ASSINEWAI, 24-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available – two counts
  • Drive motor vehicle, perform stunt, excessive speed (community safety zone) – two counts
  • Drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor – two counts

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Christopher EMMANOUIL – Assault Police

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges following a report of a suspicious individual at an industrial site.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an industrial property located off Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. The report indicated that a suspicious person was lingering near a vehicle on the property. Upon arrival, police directed the individual to leave the premises. Although they initially complied, they returned shortly after and refused to leave when instructed again. The individual was subsequently arrested.

As a result, Christopher EMMANOUIL, 47-years-old from Iroquois falls, was charged with:

  • Fail to leave premises when directed
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Assault Peace Office

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 8, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Manfred BREMER – Meth, Etc.

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired and drug-related charges after a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check at the intersection of Highway 6 and Old Webbwood Road in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and an investigation was initiated. As a result of the investigation, the driver was arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $150, and an amount of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $500.

The driver, Manfred BREMER, 58-years-old from Brantford, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

This incident marks the 96th impaired driving arrest by the Manitoulin OPP in 2025 so far. The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Marilyn RULE Was Arrested After Incident With Horse

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested following a traffic complaint involving a vehicle and a horseback rider.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers from the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a vehicle being driven dangerously around a horseback rider in the area of Sugar Lake Road in Walford. The complainant reported that the driver was also yelling and honking the horn at the horseback rider. The same driver then directed the dangerous driving behavior toward another vehicle that was attempting to assist. Police arrived shortly after and located the driver. Following an investigation, the driver was arrested.

As a result, Marilyn RULE, 59-years-old from the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with operation while impaired.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 22, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.