Category: Essex

(ESSEX, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic stop in Essex.

On February 25, 2026, at approximately 1:28 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on County Road 11 in the McGregor area of the Town of Essex.

Sara BRAY, 46-years-old of Lakeshore was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 14, 2026, to answer to the charge.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(ESSEX, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in Essex.

On February 21, 2026, at approximately 1:12 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Tracey Crescent in the Town of Essex.

Birk CASSELS, 19-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 7, 2026, to answer to the charges.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(KINGSVILLE, ON) – A driver has been charged following a collision in Kingsville.

At approximately 9:10 p.m. on February 21, 2026, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on County Road 34 in the Town of Kingsville.

Frank WESTROP, 19-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 10, 2026, to answer to the charges.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated for both drivers as per statute.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

 (ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – Numerous drivers were arrested for impaired related offences in Essex County over the long weekend.

On Friday February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:31 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted traffic stop in relation to a shoplift occurrence on Erie Street South in the Municipality of Leamington. 

As a result of the investigation, two persons were charged.

Cassandra PALMER, 35-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Liquor Licence Act and Cannabis Control Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Theft Under $5000-Shoplifting
• Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place
• Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
• Drive motor vehicle – no licence

Also, Margaretha JANZEN, 38-years-old of Leamington, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

• Theft Under $5000-Shoplifting

Both accused are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 25, 2026, to answer to the charge.

At approximately 9:57 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on Arthur Avenue in the Town of Essex.

Daniel GRATTON, 41-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 25, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:42 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Amy Croft Drive in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

Michael SARGENT, 41-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.

At approximately 7:13 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a vehicle in a ditch on St. Clair Road in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

David BEACH, 59-years-old of Belle River was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

 The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 24, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on County Road 23 near South Malden Road in the Town of Kingsville.

William STEWART, 55-years-old of Kingsville was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Cannabis Control Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.

At approximately 2:52 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 in the Town of Tecumseh.

Minh TRAN, 32-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Controlled Drug and Safety Act, and Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000- in Canada
• Traffick in Schedule 1 substance-Cocaine
• Fail to remain
• Drive motor vehicle-no licence

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on May 4, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On February 16, at approximately 2:07 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Mersea Road 19 in the Municipality of Leamington while investigating an intimate partner violence complaint.

A 30-year-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on February 16, 2026, to answer to the charges.

At approximately 10:18 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on County Road 42 near Manning Road in the Town of Tecumseh.

Jeffery LACHANCE, 53-years-old of Maidstone was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 26, 2026, to answer to the charges.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute for all charged drivers.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

 (ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – Fourteen drivers were arrested for impaired related offences in Essex County from December 23, 2005 to January 4, 2026.

On December 23, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint to examine the sobriety of drivers on Main Street in Comber in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Terry CHURCH, 60-years-old of Wheatley, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 6, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 24, 2025, at approximately 8:12 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single vehicle collision on Gore Road in Harrow of the Town of Essex.

Heather-Marie KEOGH, 42-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 7, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Queen Street in the Municipality of Leamington.

Renee POTVIN, 45-years-old of Leamington was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 8, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 27, 2025, at approximately 4:05 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint around Lesperance Road and McNorton Street in the Town of Tecumseh.

Robert HAYES, 55-years-old of Tecumseh was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 7, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 27, 2025, at approximately 6:53 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a two-vehicle collision on Rourke Line Road in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

Craig TOWE, 42-years-old of Belle River was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
• Dangerous Operation

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 9, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 27, 2025, at approximately 8:49 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Erie Street South in the Municipality of Leamington.

Isak NEUFELD, 40-years-old of Leamington was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Liquor Licence Control Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
• Mischief – Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property – under $5000 (two counts)
• Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 15, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On December 28, 2025, at approximately 5:19 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on County Road 34 in the Ruthven area of the Town of Kingsville.

Christopher WATSON, 53-years-old of Pelee Island was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Canadian Cannabis Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
• Drive without proper rear light – motor vehicle

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 30, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 1, 2026, at approximately 9:54 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Lesperance Road in the Town of Tecumseh.

Stepan POHAIDAK, 51-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 15, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 1, 2026, at approximately 4:09 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Marlborough Street East in the Town of Leamington.

Victoria HATHAWAY, 51-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (Two counts)
• Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available
• Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 14, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 2, 2026, at approximately 6:31 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Manning Road in the Town of Tecumseh.

Melki FLORES MARTINEZ, 42-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 11, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 2, 2026, at approximately 7:43 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on County Road 22 near I.C. Roy Drive in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Todd LARAMIE, 64-years-old of Windsor, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, and Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Fail to have insurance card
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 15, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 3, 2026, at approximately 3:43 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 near the Manning Road exit in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Iva BIELSKYTE, 19-years-old of Brantford, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Liquor Licence Control Act, and Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available
• Young driver – B.A.C. above zero
• Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 13, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 3, 2026, at approximately 7:46 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Talbot Street North in the Town of Essex.

Joseph ALBANO, 51-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 20, 2026, to answer to the charges.

On January 4, 2026, at approximately 3:26 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Tecumseh Road in the Town of Tecumseh.

Jasmin KAHRIMAN, 37-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Failure or refusal to comply with demand

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on January 14, 2026, to answer to the charges.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute for all charged drivers.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs of alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) -Police have arrested and charged a Kingsville resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.

On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU) executed a search warrant at a residence in Kingsville, with assistance from assistance from the OPP Essex County Detachment, members of the OPP Digital Forensics Unit and OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit. Several electronic devices were seized.

As a result of the investigation, David Frank SANTOS, 57 years old of Kingsville, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Making Available Child Pornography, section 163.1(3)

·      Possession of Child Pornography, section 163.1(4)

·      Accessing Child Pornography, section 163.1(4.1)

The accused remains in custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

(ESSEX COUNTY, ON)- On November 17, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., a member of the Lakeshore Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment was on patrol and observed a vehicle driving erratically on County Road 22 at Wallace Line Road in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and upon speaking to the driver, determined that they had previously consumed alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to a local detachment for further testing.

As a result, Robert BENOIT, a 52-year-old of Lakeshore, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·        Operation while Impaired – Alcohol

·        Operation while Impaired – Blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·        Dangerous Operation

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor to speak to the charges on December 2, 2025.

Essex County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.

(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – An Essex man has been charged as a result of several fraud investigations on Pelee Island.

It was reported by two victims to the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) that between April 4, 2025, and August 11, 2025, the victims were defrauded after hiring a local plumber to complete work.

As a result of the investigation, Heath ROWLEY, 29 years-of-age from Essex, has been arrested and charged with:

• Fraud Over $5000
• Fraud Under $5000

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at later dates.

The Essex County OPP encourages the public to stay alert and educated to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud.

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The Essex County OPP believe there may be more victims, if you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Windsor-Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477 or online at www.catchcrooks.com.