Category: Fort Frances

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Hailey Debungie Was Arrested Again

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On September 17th, 2024, at approximately 10:35 p.m. members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Williams Avenue in the Town of Fort Frances.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol.

As a result, Hailey Debungie, 23-years-old, of Fort Frances, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

· Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drug

. Operation While Impaired – over 80

· Driving while Prohibited

. Fail to Comply with Probation Order (x2)

. Fail to Comply with Release Order

The accused was also issued several Provincial Offence Notices. The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on September 19th, 2024.

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

Jeffrey Mostow – Impaired Driving

(Fort Frances, ON) – Investigation of a collision leads to impaired charges.

On September 18th, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m. members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were advised of a motor vehicle collision on Kings Highway 600 in Lake Of The Woods Township.

Police learned that a single motor vehicle had entered a ditch.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol.

As a result, Jeffrey Mostow, 35-years-old, of Kenora, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

·        Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on October 21, 2024.

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

Emmery McGINNIS – Drunk Driving

(Fort Frances, ON) – A Fort Frances OPP officer investigating a traffic complaint gets into a foot pursuit with the impaired driver.   

On September 15, 2024, at approximately 7:00 pm, the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint about a possible impaired driver. An officer located the subject vehicle stopped on Highway 11 in Watten Township near George Armstrong Drive.

As the officer approached, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer engaged in a foot pursuit and the driver was promptly taken into custody. Investigation revealed the driver was obviously impaired and criminally prohibited from driving.

Emmery McGINNIS, 41-years-old from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation (Red Gut) is charged criminally with impaired operation alcohol and drugs, impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs and over, and operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code.

The accused was additionally charged by way of offence notices with open liquor and cannabis offences. The accused’s vehicle was impounded for seven days, and an additional administrative suspension was issued.  The accused was released by police and is scheduled to have first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on November 4, 2024.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(Fort Frances, ON) – The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) in Fort Frances concluded an investigation with the arrest of two individuals and seizure of drugs, money and a vehicle.

In the summer of 2024, the Rainy River District Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) CSCU began a drug trafficking investigation in the Rainy River District. 

On September 6, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, CSCU assisted by the Treaty Three Police Service and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau conducted a related traffic stop on Mill Road in the Town of Fort Frances. Two individuals were arrested and search warrants were executed on the vehicle and a hotel room which resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of suspected cocaine, $680 in Canadian currency, as well as drug trafficking related equipment and a vehicle involved in the offence.

Lisa COUCH, 35-years-old from Fort Frances ON and Tyler McMAHON, 44-years-old from Atikokan ON, are jointly charged with possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

Both accused were held for a bail hearing and have since been released from custody with a next appearance date scheduled for November 4, 2024, in Fort Frances. 

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug & Weapons Bust – Names Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A traffic stop on a known suspended driver resulted in the arrest of two people and seizure of a quantity of drugs, weapons and money.

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 4:30 pm an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the 800 block of King’s Highway after he recognized the suspended driver.  

The driver was arrested on scene for the offence and a vehicle search was conducted incident to the arrest. The search uncovered a quantity of illegal substances which resulted in an additional arrest for the driver as well as the arrest of the passenger.

As part of the investigation police seized approximately $2100 in combined Canadian and American currency, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, and Percocet tablets, approximately 400 unmarked cigarettes, open liquor, scale, and two collapsible batons similar to the kind carried by police.  

Erik Scott LAPISH, 52-years-old, from Fort Frances is charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (two counts) – Criminal Code
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – Criminal Code
  • Drive while under suspension – Highway Traffic Act
  • Operate unsafe vehicle – Highway Traffic Act
  • Possess unmarked cigarettes for sale – Tobacco Tax Act
  • Sell unmarked cigarettes – no wholesaler permit – Tobacco Tax Act

LAPISH is also charged with several documentation offences under the Highway Traffic Act. The accused was remanded to custody on the Criminal Code and CDSA charges. He is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on September 3, 2024, for a bail hearing. The remaining charges are scheduled to be spoken to on November 8, 2024, in Provincial Offences Court in Fort Frances. 

Carrie Lynn KELLAR, 43-years-old, of Fort Frances is charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – Criminal Code 
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – Criminal Code

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on November 4, 2024, to speak to the charges.

If you have information about this crime or any other related crime you can contact the Rainy River District OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous you can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipshelp.com.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Scott KALAUZ – Drunk Driving

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A single vehicle collision on Highway 11 that sent two people to hospital resulted in several charges for the alcohol impaired driver.

On August 30, 2024, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Fort Frances responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 11 approximately 40 km east of Fort Frances. The involved vehicle left the highway and collided with a rock cut. Both driver and passenger of the vehicle were transported by ambulance to the hospital in Fort Frances for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation into the collision determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol and breath testing was completed by demand at the hospital.

Scott KALAUZ, 33-years-old from Winnipeg MB was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

–      Impaired operation alcohol and drug

–      Impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

–      Dangerous operation

–      Utter threats death or bodily harm

The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on October 7, 2024, to speak to the charges.  

Fact about impaired driving, breath testing equipment is portable. A Qualified Technician can conduct a breath test anywhere there is a power supply available. If you can’t provide a breath sample due to injury, police can make a blood sample demand that a medical practitioner can complete. If you plan to drink, do not plan to drive.    

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drunk Driver Arrested After Running Stop Sign

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Failing to stop at a stop sign resulted in impaired driving charges for a Rainy River resident.

On August 25, 2024, at approximately 4:00 am an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the 400 block of Armit Avenue after it failed to stop at a stop sign.  

The officer determined that the driver had been drinking and conducted a roadside screening device test. The driver failed the test and was arrested at the scene. The driver was transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath alcohol testing was completed by demand.

Brayden HOLMES, 21-years-old of Rainy River Ontario is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol and drug, and one count of impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. The accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days. The accused also received an offence notice for disobeying a stop sign.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on October 7, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

Fact about impaired driving, studies show that impairment becomes significant at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 50 mg / 100 mL and increases from then onward. Criminal impaired driving charges can be laid if any degree of impairment (drug or alcohol) is observed. If you plan to drink, do not plan to drive.  

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Alain TANGUAY – Impaired Operation

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An erratic driver was charged with impaired offences after refusing to provide breath samples.

On August 25, 2024, at approximately 8:30 pm, an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the 700 block of Scott Street when it was observed to be swerving. The vehicle was also observed to have recent collision damage.

Investigation determined that the driver was distracted by a handheld communication device and that alcohol was a factor in their driving behaviour.

The driver was arrested at the scene after they failed an approved screening device test. The driver was transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath testing demands were refused.

Alain TANGUAY, 46-years-old of Thunder Bay, ON is charged criminally with one count each of impaired operation alcohol and drug, and failure or refusal to comply with a demand. The accused was also charged with provincial offences related to distracted driving, documentation, and failing to report a collision.

The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on October 21, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

Impaired driving is a serious public safety threat. If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.   

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Dennis EWALD – Impaired Driving

(Fort Frances, ON) – A routine traffic stop resulted in impaired driving charges for a Fort Frances resident.

On August 13, 2024, at approximately 12:30 am, an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Fort Frances Detachment conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of King’s Highway. The officer determined that the driver had been drinking and administered a roadside screening test. The driver failed the test which resulted in their arrest and subsequent transport to the Fort Frances Detachment where additional breath alcohol testing was conducted by a Qualified Technician.

Dennis EWALD, 66-years-old of Fort Frances ON, is charged with one count of operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and one count of operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. The accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Court of Justice on September 23, 2024. 

Impaired driving is a public safety emergency. If you suspect someone is driving impaired by alcohol or drugs call 911. If you plan on drinking, do it responsibly and do not plan on driving. Make your arrangements to get home safely before you go out. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.  

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Rainy River District Detachment (Fort Frances) were on general patrol in the Town of Fort Frances when an ALPR hit was activated on a vehicle. Upon speaking to the driver, an open can of liquor was observed in plain view and as a result Police conducted a search of the vehicle under the Liquor License Control Act (LLCA).

On July 24th, 2024, at approximately 5:50 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop and as a result of the investigation

39-year-old Michelle Linklater was charged with:

  • Possession of proceeds under $5,000.00
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine and Fentanyl
  • Having liquor in an open container in unauthorized place

36-year-old Travis Myslicki was charged with:

  • Possession of proceeds under $5,000.00,
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine and Fentanyl
  • Fail to comply x3
  • Having liquor in an open container in unauthorized place

Both accused’s have been held for bail and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on July 26th, 2024, in the Town of Fort Frances to speak to the charges.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Some proactive traffic enforcement paid off for the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) when two impaired drivers were located on back-to-back night shifts.   

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 1:30 am, an OPP officer in Fort Frances stopped a vehicle for a red-light violation on Second Street East. The officer determined that the driver was obviously impaired and took him into custody.

On July 21, 2024, at approximately 1:20 am, the same officer in Fort Frances stopped a vehicle after it was observed to be swerving within the lane in the Fernette Avenue area. The officer determined the driver had been drinking and administered a roadside test. The driver registered a fail and was secured in custody.

Both subjects underwent breath alcohol testing at the Fort Frances Detachment before being released by police. Both drivers had their licences suspended for 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days.

William Flemming SMITH 26-years-old from Thunder Bay was charged criminally with impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. Offence notices were also issued for the red-light violation and an open liquor violation. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on August 19, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

Richard LAMONT 20-years-old from Thunder Bay was charged criminally with impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. An offence notice was also issued for the novice driver alcohol violation. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on September 16, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

The OPP is committed to improving road safety through proactive enforcement, public awareness, and high-quality traffic incident investigations. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 911.  

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Chad Parkinson – Break & Enter

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A weekend break and enter to the McIrvine Road laundromat was easily solved thanks to some well-placed security cameras. 

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Fort Frances Detachment was called to a break and enter at the laundromat on McIrvine Road in Fort Frances.

Investigation determined that the thief gained access to a secure area of the business and made off with a quantity of property and cash. The suspect was quickly identified and arrested by officers a short time later.

Chad Parkinson, 38-years-old of Fort Frances is charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Break and enter with intent to commit indictable offence
  • Break, enter, and commit indictable offence
  • Mischief under $5000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on September 16, 2024, to answer to the charges.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Mangal SINGH Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – One individual has been arrested and charged with impaired in the Town of Fort Frances.  

On June 15, 2024, just before midnight, members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of an impaired driver leaving a business on Kings Highway.  

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Rainy River District OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result, Mangal SINGH, 25-years-old, of Fort Frances, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code 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 in Fort Frances on July 15, 2024.

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 under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Crystal FOWLER Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A traffic complaint has led to one individual being arrested and charged with impaired operation.

On June 15, 2024, just before 7:00 p.m., members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of a suspected impaired driver on Kings Highway in the Town of Fort Frances. Officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.  

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Rainy River District OPP Detachment for further testing.  

As a result, Crystal FOWLER, 42-years-old, of Emo Township, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code 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 in Fort Frances on July 29, 2024.

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 under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Kaleb BRUYERE Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – An alert motorist and a police officer at the right place at the right time came together to stop an impaired driver on Highway 11, just east of Fort Frances.

On June 8, 2024, at approximately 9:00 am, an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Northwest Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) Team was flagged down by a motorist who reported a possible impaired driver.

The suspect vehicle was located and stopped shortly after the report. The T.I.M.E. Team member, who possessed advanced training in impaired driving investigations, detected evidence of alcohol consumption and demanded a standardized field sobriety test. The driver performed poorly on the test and was arrested for impaired driving. The driver was then transported to the Fort Frances Detachment where breath testing was completed.

Kaleb BRUYERE, 21-years-old from Fort Frances has been charged criminally with one count of impaired operation alcohol / drug, and one count impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. A 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment were also issued.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on July 8, 2024, to answer to the charges.

Road safety is the shared responsibility of all road users. Impaired driving is a public safety emergency. If you see an impaired driver or have concerns about a vehicle driving in a dangerous manner, call 911.