Category: Garden River First Nation

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Bruce Mines Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Armed Home Invasion Leads to Multi-Police Operation #OPP #HomeInvasion

(BRUCE MINES, ON) – Two individuals are facing numerous charges following a home invasion in Bruce Mines.

On September 19, 2025, at approximately 8:39 a.m., the East Algoma – Thessalon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a robbery at a residence on Government Road. Investigation revealed two individuals entered the victims’ home, assaulted them and pointed firearms at them. The accused individuals fled the scene prior to police arrival. 

At approximately 9:45 a.m., the Garden River Anishinabek Police Service (APS) received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence on Syrette Lake Road in Garden River First Nation. Investigation confirmed the vehicle matched the description of the one used in the robbery in Bruce Mines. Due to the seriousness of the circumstances, Syrette Lake Road was closed for several hours to ensure public safety and allow police to effectively complete their investigation. 

With assistance from Batchewana First Nation Police, Sault Ste. Marie OPP and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Emergency Services Unit, two individuals were located inside the residence and arrested.

As a result, 39-year-old Myron JONES and 48-year-old Gregory BELLEAU, both of Garden River First Nation, were charged with:

  • Robbery with weapon
  • Commit robbery to steal a firearm
  • Break and enter a dwelling house
  • Assault – two counts
  • Pointing a firearm – two counts
  • Forcible confinement – two counts
  • Disguise with intent
  • Theft under $5000
  • Mischief under $5000
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Fail to comply with probation order

The accused individuals were held for bail hearings, and remain in custody. 

This was a multi-jurisdictional occurrence, and East Algoma OPP was also assisted by the East Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Units, Sault Ste. Marie Forensic Identification Services, North East Region Canine Unit, and OPP Emergency Response Teams from East Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie and Superior East.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Robert LESAGE – Impaired Driving

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – Despite a police warning, a driver chose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages. 

On August 4, 2025, at approximately 2:40 a.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police was conducting general patrol on Highway 17 near Belleau Lake Road. An individual who appeared highly intoxicated approached the police cruiser and requested the officer leave the area. The individual then stated they would be driving to their residence shortly. The officer warned the individual not to drive and offered them a courtesy ride home, which the individual refused. Soon after, the officer observed the individual drive out of a nearby parking lot in a side-by-side vehicle. The vehicle was stopped due to the officer’s earlier observations and grounds to believe the driver was impaired by alcohol.

As a result, Robert LESAGE, 60 years-of-age, of Garden River First Nation 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 on September 15, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Allysia SOLOMON Was Arrested

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – A suspended driver is facing criminal charges following a traffic stop east of Sault Ste. Marie.  

On June 20, 2025, at approximately 2:21 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was conducting general patrol on Highway 17 in Garden River First Nation, when they observed an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travelling at a high rate of speed. They also observed a rear passenger on the ATV who was not wearing a helmet. A traffic stop was conducted, where the driver provided a false name to the officer. Investigation revealed the driver’s true identity, and confirmed the driver had a suspended licence under the Highway Traffic Act. The driver was also on court-ordered conditions not to occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle. 

As a result, Allysia SOLOMON, 29 years-of-age, of Garden River First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest
  • Driving while under suspension – three counts
  • Fail to comply with undertaking

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 4, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie.

Additionally, the passenger of the ATV, a 32-year-old from Garden River First Nation, was charged with:

  • Passenger – no helmet
  • Permit unlicenced person to drive motor vehicle
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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Missing Person Found Deceased

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – On April 11, 2025, the Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service was notified of a missing person, who was last seen in the area of Garden River First Nation. The Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was assisting with the investigation.

On April 12, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the missing person was located deceased in Lake George, just east of Garden River First Nation.

The Sault Ste. Marie OPP is now investigating the sudden death, under the direction of the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Also assisting is the OPP’s North East Region Emergency Response Team, the Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services, the Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police Service, and Sault Ste Marie Fire Services.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Meagan JONES Was Arrested – Details Released

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – An individual is facing an impaired driving charge after a traffic stop east of the city.

On March 25, 2025 at approximately 2:21 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police was conducting general patrol on Highway 17B in Garden River First Nation, when they observed a motor vehicle without a front licence plate.

A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation determined the driver was impaired by an intoxicating substance. As a result, Meagan JONES, 38 years-of-age, of Garden River First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Drive vehicle with Cannabis readily available
  • Drive motor vehicle, fail to display two plates
  • Fail to surrender licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 28, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Anthony ROBINSON Was Arrested

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – A collision on Highway 17 east of the city has resulted in multiple charges for one individual. On March 18, 2025, at approximately 7:09 a.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police were notified of a single vehicle collision on Highway 17B in Garden River First Nation. Officers attended the scene and located a heavily damaged pickup truck, partially in the snowbank.      

As a result of the investigation, vehicle driver Anthony ROBINSON, 36 years-of-age, of Batchewana First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Careless driving
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 5, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

$16,000 Drug Bust

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- The North East Region Community Street Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with assistance from the Anishinabek Police Service, the Batchewana First Nation Police Service, the OPP’s North East Canine Unit and the Emergency Response Team and the Sault Ste Marie Police Service executed a drug warrant at a residence in the community of Garden River First Nation.

On March 12, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m., police executed a drug warrant at a residence on Megezee Street. During the search, officers seized the following suspected drugs: cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, that have an estimated street value exceeding $16,000. Additionally, a digital scale, cell phone, and packaging materials were also recovered.

Nelson SOLOMON, 31 years-of-age from Garden River First Nation was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (other than heroin)
  • Failure to comply with release order-other than to attend court

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sault Ste Marie on March 13, 2025, and was remanded into custody.

Monica MANTOVAN, 44 years-of-age from Garden River First Nation was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (other than heroin)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on March 31, 2025.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

SZABO – Impaired Driving

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – A single vehicle collision on Highway 17 east of the city has resulted in impaired driving charges for one individual. On December 13, 2024, at approximately 7:44 p.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police were conducting general patrol, when they observed a vehicle in the snowbank on Highway 17 in Garden River First Nation.      

Further investigation determined the vehicle driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Joshua SZABO, 40 years-of-age, of Echo Bay 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 on January 20, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

$30,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- OPP initiate traffic stop resulting in drug charges.

On August 5, 2024, the Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol duties on Highway 17 within the community of Garden River First Nation.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., police observed a westbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. Police pursued the vehicle as it entered Sault Ste Marie City limits travelling at more than two times the posted speed limit. A subsequent traffic stop was initiated on Trunk Road with the assistance from Batchewana First Nation Police Service and officers arrested the driver and two passengers.

The OPP’s Canine Unit assisted with the vehicle search and located over $5600 of Canadian Currency, suspected cocaine, suspected fentanyl (estimated street value of over $30,000), a machete, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, the driver Derrick DERASP, 33 years-of-age from Scarborough was charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of a weapon
  • Drive motor vehicle-perform stunt-excessive speed

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Sault Ste Marie on August 9, 2024, and was remanded into custody.

Michelle LAPOINTE, 31 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of a schedule substance-methamphetamine
  • Failure to comply with release order-other than to attend court

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on September 23, 2024.

Aumi RIVARD, 18 years of age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Obstruct peace officer

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on September 23, 2024.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Christopher COLE Was Arrested

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- Speeder fails to stop on Highway 17, leads to a driver being charged for driving while impaired by alcohol.

On July 4, 2024, members from the Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol duties on Highway 17 within the community of Garden River First Nation.  

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., police observed a westbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 17 and attempted a traffic stop. The small car ignored the emergency lights and accelerated towards the City of Sault Ste Marie.  

At the City limits was another OPP cruiser that was successful in initiating a traffic stop of the suspect car. The Batchewana First Nation Police Service attended the scene and assisted OPP with traffic control. While speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed and the driver was subsequently arrested and transported to Sault Ste Marie OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Christopher COLE, 31 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with: 

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on July 29, 2024.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Garden River First Nation OPP Police Press Releases

Meth Bust – Names Released

(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – Two individuals are facing numerous charges after failing to stop for police. On March 5, 2024, shortly before 2:00 p.m., the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Batchewana First Nation Police were notified that a vehicle had failed to stop for officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle on Sweet Grass Street in Garden River First Nation. A search of the vehicle yielded large quantities of various illicit drugs, including over 71 grams of suspected Fentanyl, over 24 grams of suspected Cocaine, over 18 grams of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine, and approximately 219 Percocet pills. Street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $17,000.00. Officers also located drug paraphernalia, over $2,000.00 in Canadian currency, and a replica firearm inside the vehicle.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Michael HOGAN-DENIS, from Sault Ste. Marie, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance Trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking – Opioid – two counts
  • Possession of Prohibited Device
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000
  • Failure to Comply with Release Order – two counts
  • Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order – three counts

The passenger of the vehicle, 25-year-old Bridgette SIMONS, from Thessalon, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for Trafficking – Opioid – two counts
  • Possession of Prohibited Device
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000

Both accused individuals were remanded into custody, pending bail hearings.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP and Batchewana First Nation Police officers were assisted by the OPP Community Street Crime and Canine Units.