Category: Fort Frances

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

OPP Arrest Three After Suspected Cocaine and Proceeds Found in Vehicle

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On September 23rd, three individuals were arrested for Controlled Drugs and Substances (CDSA) and Criminal Code (CC) offences.

At approximately 1:45 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by three individuals. During the stop, one passenger was found to have provided a false identity and was subsequently arrested for obstructing police. A further investigation and search of the vehicle revealed a backpack containing a substance suspected to be cocaine, along with various drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Andrew VANHEYST, 38, of Fort Frances, was charged with

·        Adult Resist Peace Officer – Sec.129(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs – Sec.4(1) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

Adrianna COPENACE, 27, of Couchiching First Nation, was charged with

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

Elizabeth BOSHKAYKIN, 27, of Seine River First Nation, was charged with

·        Adult Obstruct Peace Officer – Sec.129(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

OPP Witholds Name of Sex Offender #3Strikes

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid additional charges in relation to a sexual assault investigation. 

The 73-year-old male from Fort Frances is now charged with six additional counts of sexual assault.

There is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, we urge you to come forward and call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Contact [email protected] for more information.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drunk & Honking At Police In School Zone Triggers Arrest – Name Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation.

On September 12th, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Fort Frances OPP were conducting school zone patrols when a motor vehicle approached from behind and honked its horn at an officer. Officers assumed that the driver of the vehicle was asking for assistance or wanted to flag down police. Officers conducted a traffic stop and approached the driver.

Through investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired. As a result, Dennis FISK, 57, of Fort Frances was arrested and charged with:

·       Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

·       Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

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

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Fort Frances

Hwy 11 Drunk Driver Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On September 7th, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 11. 

The vehicle was located, and officers performed the necessary tests. It was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired. During the investigation, one of the passengers in the vehicle became confrontational with police, cussing and swearing and obstructing officers.

 As a result of the investigation, Darrell LIND, 63, of Fort Frances was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

 The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

 Andrew ENNS, 49, of Fort Frances was charged with:

·        Obstruct Peace Officer

·        Resist Peace Officer

 The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

 The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – PARKS, BELL & Bell

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged three individuals with offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, just before 4:00 a.m., Fort Frances OPP conducted a traffic stop on Second St. East in Fort Frances, after public complaints of possible impaired driving in the area.

Through investigation, it was discovered that two of the three occupants of the vehicle had active warrants for their arrest. After a thorough search of the vehicle, officers located what appeared to be methamphetamine as well as a large quantity of what appeared to be cocaine.

As a result, Jain PARKS, 27 years old from Couchiching First Nation, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine

This accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Ryan BELL, 33 years old from Fort Frances, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine

This accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Jeremy BELL, 38 years old from Fort Frances, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine

This accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

David FREISEN Was Arrested – Details Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An officer on patrol arrested a driver for impaired operation after witnessing the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road.

On July 14, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm, an officer with the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was patrolling the Fourth Street West area of town when they witnessed a vehicle driving westbound in the eastbound lane.

A traffic stop was initiated and the officer determined that the driver had been drinking. A roadside screening test was demanded. The driver failed the roadside test, was arrested and transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.

David FREISEN, 58-years-old, from Winnipeg MB has been charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol or drug, and one count of impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 milligrams and over. The accused was also charged for having an obstructed plate and a moving violation related to an improper lane change. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on August 11, 2025, to speak to all the charges.

Impaired driving is a serious threat to the safety of all road users. The OPP is dedicated to ensuring road safety through enforcement and public education. If you see an impaired driver, call 911 to report it. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Councillor Arrested For Assault – Details Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a male from Fort Frances after police were called to a residence in the Town of Fort Frances.

On the 12th of July, 2025, just before 7:00 p.m.., members of the Rainy River District OPP Detachment were dispatched to reports of an ongoing domestic assault taking place in the Town of Fort Frances. Police responded to the address and located the subject male at the address. Upon approaching the male he produced what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it towards officers. Police de-escalated the male and he was arrested without incident and injury.

Through investigation, police learned the male had assaulted two parties within the residence.

As a result, John Councillor , 28-years-old male, of Fort Frances was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

  •  Possession of Imitation Weapon for Dangerous Purpose CC 88
  • Imitation Firearm – Use while committing offence CC 85(2)
  • Resist Peace Officer CC 129(a)
  • Assault x2 – CC 266
  • Assault Peace Officer with an imitation of a weapon CC 270.01(1)(a)
  • Fail to Comply with Release Order x 2 CC 145(5)(a)
  • Assault – Choke, Suffocate or Strangle CC 267(c) x2
  • Forcible Confinement CC 279(2)
  • Utter Threats to cause Bodily Harm – CC 264.1(1)(a) x2
  • Mischief CC 430(1)(a)

COUNCILLOR is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on the 13th of July 202 for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you prefer to remain anonymous you can provide information to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at. www.p3tips.com/273

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON)- The Rainy River District Detachment Community Street Crime Unit ( CSCU) in partnership with Dryden Detachment CSCU along with members of the Treaty Three Police Service CSCU have arrested two individuals for trafficking suspected cocaine in District of Rainy River

On the 9th of July 2025 , at approximately 6:22 p.m. police conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle along Highway 11 in the Township of Alberton just west of Fort Frances.

Upon police stopping the motor vehicle, two occupants in the motor vehicle were arrested for Possession of the Purpose of Trafficking a Schedule I Substance

Upon completion of the investigation, a 47 year old Fort Frances resident Robert GOULIQUER has been charged with the following

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of Property obtained by Crime Under $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Police have also arrested a 41 year old female from Rainy River First Nation. Tiffany BOMABY has been charged with the following

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Police were able to recover approximately 110 grams of suspected cocaine along with $1200 in Canadian Currency

Duing the investigation, police were able to recover a stolen flat screen television which had been previously been reported to police.

Both accused were held in police custody and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on the 10th of July 2025

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

MORRISON Arrested For Drunk Driving

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Fort Frances arrested and charged an impaired driver following a series of public complaints.

On May 9, 2025, at approximately 10:30 pm, the OPP in Fort Frances received a 9-1-1 call reporting an intoxicated person in the Webster Avenue North area of town. A short while later police received additional calls reporting the same subject was driving and fleeing the area.

Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was obviously impaired and was arrested at the scene. The driver was transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath testing was completed by way of demand.

Jana Raelle MORRISON, 27-years-old from Devlin ON is charged criminally with: impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs and over. The accused was also charged with having open liquor and failing to wear a seat belt. The accused’s driver license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled for first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on June 16, 2025.

The Rainy River District Detachment OPP would like to thank the public for their help in this case. If you suspect someone is driving impaired call 9-1-1. Road safety is everyone’s shared responsibility. 

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Benjamin HUMBERT Was Arrested – Details Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped an impaired driver leaving a licensed establishment.

On April 14, 2025, at approximately 12:00 am, an officer with the Fort Frances OPP witnessed a person with unsteady gait leave a licensed establishment on King’s Highway and get behind the wheel.

The officer stopped the vehicle and demanded a roadside alcohol test. The driver failed the test, was arrested, and transported to the Fort Frances OPP Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.

Benjamin HUMBERT, 28-years-old, from International Falls MN is charged criminally with one count each of impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 milligrams or over. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 12, 2025.

There is no excuse for any driver to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Even one life lost to an impaired driver will always be one too many. The OPP continues in its efforts to keep impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. We need drivers to do their part to make our roads safe.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Deidrick SMITH Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) found an impaired driver after witnessing aggressive driving behaviour.

On April 13, 2025, at approximately 12:30 am, an officer with the Fort Frances OPP observed a pick-up truck rapidly accelerating on Crowe Avenue. The vehicle was stopped, and a roadside screening test was demanded. The driver failed the test and was placed under arrest.

The driver was transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath testing was completed by way of demand.

Deidrick SMITH, 26-years-old, from Emo, ON is charged criminally with one count each of impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 milligrams or over. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. The accused also received provincial offence notices for unnecessary noise and expired validation.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 26, 2025.

Did you know that increased risk taking is one of the effects of alcohol consumption? Studies show that males in the 21 – 34 year old age group are at highest risk for fatal crashes.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

John Peter SPOON – Impaired Operation

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) stopped by the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) resulted in the arrest of an impaired driver.

On April 12, 2025, at approximately 5:00 pm, the Fort Frances OPP observed an ATV operating with two helmetless riders in the Christie Avenue North area of Town. The ATV was stopped and the officer determined that the driver was obviously impaired by alcohol. The driver was arrested at the scene. When the driver was searched incident to arrest, a large quantity of suspected Schedule I – Percocet was located.

The driver was transported to the Fort Frances Detachment for further investigation and breath testing.

John Peter SPOON, 54-years-old, from Seine River ON is charged criminally with one count each of impaired operation alcohol or drug, failure or refusal to provide a breath sample, and possession of a controlled substance (Schedule I – opioid) for the purpose of trafficking. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the ATV was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 26, 2025.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Arrested For Murder

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A missing person has been located deceased, and one person has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in Fort Frances.  

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a missing person, identified as Curtis MEDICINE, 41 years old of Rainy River First Nation. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, police located the male deceased in a residence on Fifth Street West.

A postmortem will be conducted at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) in Toronto.

As a result of the investigation, Joseph DESROSIERS, 53 years old of Fort Frances, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Second degree murder, section 235(1)

·      Indignity to dead body, section 182(b)

·      Failure to comply with release order, section 145(5)(a)

The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

There is no threat to public safety. Residents can continue to expect a police presence in the area for the investigation.

The OPP North West Region Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the OFPS. Assistance is being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone who has not yet spoken with investigators and has information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Fort Frances OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Walter MAINVILLE Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A motorist stopped for a moving violation was arrested for impaired driving.

On March 28, 2025, at approximately 9:00 pm, an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the Scott Street area of town for disobeying a stop sign. The officer detected that the driver had been drinking and demanded an approved screening device test. The driver failed the test and was arrested at the scene for further investigation.  

Walter MAINVILLE, 43-years-old from Fort Frances is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation drug and alcohol, and one count of failure or refusal to comply with a demand. The accused was also charged with provincial offences for disobeying a sign, turn not in safety and failing to notify change of address. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 5, 2025, to speak to the charges.   

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) drug trafficking investigation concluded with several arrests and the seizure of drugs, currency and offence related property.

On March 26, 2025, the Fort Frances OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) working with the OPP North West Region Intelligence Unit (NWRIU), Kenora OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Treaty Three Police, the OPP North West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) executed search warrants in Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Seven people were arrested during the warrant execution and police seized approximately 130 grams of cocaine, approximately $2000 in Canadian currency, as well as fraudulent identification, financial cards and other offence related property.

As a result of the investigation, two of the individuals were charged and held by police for a bail hearing.

Mitchell JONES-FOY, 29-years-old of Fort Frances is charged with possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, and possession of an identity document. 

David Ryan NELSON, 41-years-old of Scarborough is charged with possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, possession of a credit card, and possession of an identity document.

Both subjects have been released in bail court and are to appear next in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on April 28, 2025, to speak to the charges.