Category: Espanola

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Another Fatal Motorcycle Collision #LookBothWays

(ESPANOLA, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has reopened Highway 6 between Fox Lake Road and Lang Lake Road near Espanola, following a fatal collision that occurred earlier today.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP and Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services responded to a three-vehicle collision involving two passenger vehicles and a motorcycle. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist was transported to hospital by Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services where they were pronounced deceased.

The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the OPP North East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME), Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) and Reconstructionist.

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario – Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCCO-OFPS) is assisting, and a post-mortem examination with take place at a later date.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage relating to this collision is asked to contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Dong HUANG Was Arrested Again

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested after a single vehicle collision led to a stolen vehicle.

On Friday, June 20, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. The complainant reported that they came across a single vehicle rollover collision on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. When the passerby stopped to offer their help, their vehicle was stolen by the driver involved in the collision. As a result of the investigation, police located the stolen vehicle at a parking lot in McKerrow, and the driver was arrested. There were no injuries as a result of the collision.

Dong HUANG, 23-years-old from Scarborough, was charged with:

·      Theft of motor vehicle

·      Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

·      Use of Credit Card

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

·      Fail to comply with probation order – two counts

·      Fail to report accident

·      Fail to remain

The accused was held before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court on June 20, 2025, and remains in custody.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Carl NANIBUSH – Impaired Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing impaired-related charges.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check at the intersection of Highway 6 and Old Webbwood Road, in the Town of Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and upon interacting with the driver, police observed signs that the driver may be under the influence of an intoxicating substance. As a result of further investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Carl NANIBUSH, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on July 7, 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

Stolen ATV Recovered – 2 Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Police have arrested and charged two people after police located a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a break and enter where an ATV had been stolen from a residence in Espanola. Later that day, the ATV was located at a different address in Espanola, and returned to the owner. Two people were arrested as a result.

Tyler GAUDREAU, 42-years-old from Espanola, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Additionally, Cecile TROTTIER, 32-years-old from Espanola, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Both accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court on May 8, 2025. 

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

$98,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

Copy of Break and Enter - 1

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Three people have been arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 6 in Espanola.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a driver not wearing their seatbelt, and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the three occupants of the vehicle being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $51,500, an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $46,100, an amount of suspect hydromorphone with an estimated street value of $400, an amount of suspected dilaudid with an estimated street value of $300, a small amount of suspected oxycodone, approximately $4,200 in Canadian currency, and a knife.

As a result, the driver, Megan CORBIERE, 40-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Failure to comply with release order
  • Operation while impaired
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance (opioid) – five counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid)
  • Driver fail to properly wear seat belt
  • Possess more than one licence
  • Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The passenger, Carter BEBONANG, 26-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance (opioid) – five counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid)

The second passenger, Kristan PANAMICK, 34-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance (opioid) – five counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid)
  • Passenger fail to properly wear seatbelt

The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court today, May 7, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(ESPANOLA, ON) – The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have executed a search warrant in Espanola, leading to the arrest of two individuals as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

On May 6, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from Manitoulin OPP members, executed a search warrant on a residence in Espanola. During the search, police seized a quantity of suspected drugs and arrested two people.

The suspected drugs seized included an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $3,500, an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $21,800, an amount of suspected oxycodone pills with an estimated street value of $150, and $2,550 in Canadian currency.

Shawn BOWLES, 49-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) – two counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Matthew EVBUOMWAN, 19-years-old from Ajax, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) – two counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Fail to comply with sentence

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court today, May 7, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Ralph BELANGER – Impaired Operation

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after police received a report of a suspicious vehicle.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a suspicious vehicle near Albert Street in Espanola. Shortly after, police located the vehicle at a parking lot on Centre Street in Espanola, and conducted a traffic stop. Police noticed an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, and further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Ralph BELANGER, 61-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Drugs
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, July 7, 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

Karen WILCOX Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – A driver is facing charges after a traffic stop on Highway 17.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, and further investigation resulted in the drive being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Karen WILCOX, 61-years-old from Massey, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Improper number plate light

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, June 2, 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

Deborah BENOIT Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a call reporting a possible impaired driver.

On Sunday, May 5, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting a driver passed out at the wheel at an address on First Street in Webbwood. Police arrived on scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested.

As a result, Deborah BENOIT, 69-years-old from Webbwood, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, June 2, 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

89 in a 60 Results In Drug Bust

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people have been arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 17.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was travelling 89 km/hr in a 60 km/hr zone on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. Upon interacting with the driver, police observed open alcohol inside the vehicle. Further investigation on scene resulted in police locating suspected drugs, and the driver and passenger were arrested.

Police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $1,000, an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $850, and an amount of suspected crack cocaine with an estimate street value of $1,200.

The driver, Ricky GADABUSHIE, 43-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs

The passenger, Angele CAYER, 42-years-old from Azilda, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, June 2, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Harold SOUTHWIND Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – A driver has been arrested and is facing charges after a traffic stop.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrols on Barber Street in the Town of Espanola, and were alerted to a suspended driver by the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. A traffic stop was conducted, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, the driver, Harold SOUTHWIND, 48-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, June 2, 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

Lance SOLOMON Facing Numerous Charges

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

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a single motor vehicle collision on Third Street in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot prior to police arrival, but were located by police shortly after. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,300, and an amount of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $200.

As a result, the driver, Lance SOLOMON, 39-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous operation
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution, or obstruct justice
  • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Fail to report accident
  • Fail to remain
  • Driving while under suspension – two counts

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court on April 25, 2025, and remains in custody.

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

Peter DESJARDINS – Impaired Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after a two-vehicle collision.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a driver who had collided into a parked vehicle on Barber Street in Espanola. Police arrived on scene and observed signs that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Peter DESJARDINS, 54-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Dangerous operation

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 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

Maxwell WABEGIJIK Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested for impaired operation in Espanola.

On April 15, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol in the Town of Espanola, when they received an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert for a possible suspended driver on a passing vehicle. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Centre Street in Espanola. Police observed signs that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Additionally, police seized a small amount of suspected cocaine.

As a result, the driver, Maxwell WABEGIJIK, 42-years-old from Sheshegwaning First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Driving while under suspension

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 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

2 More Impaired Drivers – PANGOWISH & RECOLLET

(ESPANOLA, ON) – On Friday, April 18, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP were conducting a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check on Centre Street in Espanola, and made two impaired arrests.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., a vehicle came through the RIDE check. Police initiated an investigation, and the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Hillary PANGOWISH, 31-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

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

The Manitoulin OPP continued the RIDE check, and at approximately 2:00 a.m., a vehicle came through the check and an odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Dante RECOLLET, 22-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

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.