Category: Espanola

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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.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Tristan SAGO Facing Numerous Charges

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

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a suspicious person at a residence on Lee Valley Road in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police arrived on scene and observed a motorized snow vehicle (MSV) leaving the residence. When police attempted to stop the MSV, it fled at a high rate of speed. The MSV was later found in a ditch, and the driver, who fled on foot, was safely arrested. There were no injuries reported.

Additionally, police located an amount of suspected Fentanyl with an estimated street value of $650.

As a result, the driver, Tristan SAGO, 41-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Obstruct peace officer – two counts
  • Failure to comply with undertaking – three counts
  • Dangerous operation
  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Flight from peace officer
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Fail to stop for police officer
  • Drive motorized snow vehicle while licence suspended

The accused remains in custody.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Rosemary BENNETT – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after a traffic stop for speeding in the Baldwin Township.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was travelling 101 km/hr in a posted 70 km/hr zone on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. As a result of further investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

Rosemary BENNETT, 33-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero
  • Speeding 1-49 km/h over posted limit

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 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

Trevor BAILEY-SLEZSAK Was Arrested

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

On April 5, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting a possible impaired driver. Shortly after, police located the vehicle and requested a breath sample from the driver using an Approved Screening Device (ASD). The driver refused to comply and as a result was placed under arrest.

The driver, Trevor BAILEY-SLEZSAK, 25-years-old from Espanola, was charged with failure to comply with demand.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 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

Russell SOUTHWIND Facing Numerous Charges

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested after police responded to an alarm call.

On March 26, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received an alarm call at a local postal facility in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police arrived on scene and observed signs that the facility had been broken into. One person was located inside the facility, and they were safely arrested by police.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and dried cannabis with an estimated street value of $18,000. Also seized were several throwing knives, two large hunting knives and approximately $1,300 in Canadian Currency.

As a result, Russell SOUTHWIND, 42-years-old from Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Break and enter a place to commit indictable offence
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Mischief under $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • 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 – opioid
  • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Fail to comply with probation order – three counts
  • Possession of over 30g of dried cannabis in a public place
  • Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling

The accused remains in custody.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Injured Bobcat Rescued

(ESPANOLA, ON) – An injured bobcat is now in the care of a wildlife rehabilitation centre after police received a call.

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call from a member of the public stating that there was a bobcat in their garage, and they needed help removing it. Police attended the residence, and once the bobcat was removed from the garage, officers noticed that it was injured. The Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre was contacted, and the bobcat was transferred into their care.

The Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre provides rehabilitation to injured, ill and orphaned wildlife in Northern Ontario. We want to thank the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre for their quick response and willingness to assist with this injured bobcat.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Robert WEAVER Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested for impaired operation at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 30, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check at the intersection of Lee Valley Road and Barber Street in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and an investigation was initiated. As a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Robert WEAVER, 30-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 May 5, 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

Dante RECOLLET – Drunk Driving

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

On March 28, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting a single vehicle collision on Highway 6 in Espanola. Police arrived on scene, and as a result of further investigation the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The driver was transported to a local hospital by Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services with non-life-threatening injuries.

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

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 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

Rebecca FINCH Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check in Espanola.

On March 25, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE, police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

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

As a result, the driver, Rebecca FINCH, 36-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected 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

Darryl MCDONALD Facing Numerous Charges

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police stopped a stolen motor vehicle on Highway 17.

On March 21, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a stolen vehicle by the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Police safely brought the vehicle to a stop on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested.

As a result, Darryl MCDONALD, 35-years-old from Chilliwack, British Columbia, was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Fail to surrender insurance card

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on April 9, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Jacob FLOREAN Was Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested for impaired operation at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 20, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Panache Lake Road in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and police conducted Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) on the driver. As a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Jacob FLOREAN, 38-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that 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

$370 Fentanyl Bust

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

On March 20, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting that a vehicle on Highway 17 was unable to maintain their lane while driving. Police located the vehicle on Highway 17 in the Nairn-Hyman Township and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $370.

The driver, Meggan MCINTYRE, 40-years-old from Lively, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Driving while under suspension

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected 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.

Categories
Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust – MARTIN

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after they were arrested for impaired operation at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Burns Crossover Road in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE, police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $400.

The driver, Derek MARTIN, 49-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Draw trailer, no identification number
  • Improper means of attachment

The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 5, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected 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.