Category: Espanola

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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.

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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.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

4 Arrested On Hwy 17

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Police have seized suspected drugs and arrested four people at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and officers detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the four occupants being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $11,700, an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $3,700, and an amount of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $15.

As a result, the driver, Cody SHAWBONQUIT, 33-years-old from Atikameksheng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Driving while under suspension

The passenger, Summer BENNETT-PELTIER, 28-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Permit unlicenced person to drive motor vehicle

The second passenger, Clement SINOBERT, 39-years-old from Elliot Lake was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

The third passenger, Mercedes TOULOSE, 31-years-old from Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

The driver appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on March 18, 2025 and was remanded into custody. The three passengers are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

21 Year Old Snowmobiler Facing Drunk Driving Charge

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired related charges after a snowmobile collision on Killarney Bay in Killarney.

On March 14, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a single vehicle collision involving a snowmobile on Killarney Bay. Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services transported the driver to the nearest hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As a result of further investigation, with assistance from the Sudbury OPP, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, the driver, Brady BEJCZAK, 21-years-old from Sudbury, 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 May 5, 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

Cocaine Bust – WHITE

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired and drug related charges following reports of a motor vehicle collision (MVC) in Espanola.

On March 11, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting an MVC involving two vehicle. One pf the drivers was reported to be potentially impaired. Police received a second call reporting that the driver had fled the collision scene. Police attended the collision scene and confirmed that there were no injuries. Shortly after, police located the vehicle on Highway 6 in Whitefish River First Nation. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, 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 $16,300.

The driver, Raven WHITE, 43-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Dangerous operation
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Fail to remain – three counts
  • Drive without proper headlight – two counts
  • Drive with improper headlights

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 15, 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

$30,000 Fentanyl Bust

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people have been arrested and are facing charges after a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 10, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 near Foucault Drive in Espanola. A vehicle came through the RIDE check, and officers detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $30,000, and approximately $2,500 in Canadian Currency.

As a result, the driver, Johvonne STERLING, 30-years-old from Etobicoke, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The passenger, Mark TUCKER, 22-years-old from Etobicoke, was charged with:

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

Both accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury today, March 11, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Steven VAREY – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired related charges after police received a call about a person on a snowmobile.

On March 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call reporting that a person on a snowmobile arrived at a medical facility in Espanola and was potentially intoxicated. Police arrived on scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Steven VAREY, 35-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

$60,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Four people are facing charges as a result of an extensive investigation into drugs and weapons offences in Espanola.

The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information regarding possible drugs and weapons offences occurring at an address in Espanola. The OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) launched an investigation with assistance from the East Algoma CSCU, Nipissing West CSCU, North Bay CSCU, West Parry Sound CSCU.

On March 5, 2025, Manitoulin OPP officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle involved in the investigation. As a result, the four occupants of the vehicle were arrested. Police then attended an address in Espanola to execute a search warrant.

As a result, police seized amounts of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $45,000, amounts of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $16,000, amounts of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $600, a prohibited handgun with an extended magazine, and a tactical vest with a handgun holster.

As a result, four people are facing charges:

Adam WHITE, 40-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Operation while impaired

Rosalind BOB, 34-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

Cameron CARDWELL, 40-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – three counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

Damon LANTEIGNE, 35-years-old from Sables-Spanish Rivers Township, was charged with:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The four accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on March 6, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Hit & Run – Joseph BEST Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing charges after a single vehicle collision.

On February 28, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an unwanted person at a residence in Espanola, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. When police arrived on scene, they observed a vehicle leave the address at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then failed to stop for police. Shortly after, police came across a single vehicle collision on Highway 6. The same vehicle was in the ditch, and the driver had fled from the vehicle on foot.

With assistance from the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine Unit, and the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the driver was located and arrested. The driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result, Joseph BEST, 38-years-old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Flight from peace officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Fail to remain
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Driver fail to properly wear seatbelt

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on February 28, 2025, and was remanded into custody.