Category: Georgian Bay

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Jan HOGENKAMP Facing Numerous Charges

(GEORGIAN BAY TWP, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a driver with criminal offenses after a traffic stop on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township.

On January 14, 2026, at 11:00 p.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting proactive patrols on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township and stopped a vehicle traveling south. The officer entered into a highway traffic act investigation and subsequently arrested and charged 78-year-old Jan HOGENKAMP of Mississauga, ON, with Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, Possession of Schedule I Substance (Opioid) and Driving While Under Suspension (Highway Traffic Act) X 2.

The accused was held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on January 15, 2026 to answer to his charges.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases Tay

OPP Seize $35K in Drugs, Guns, Cash in Tay Township–Midland Raids

(Tay Township, Midland, ON) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Southern Georgian Bay Detachment successfully executed two search warrants, leading to the seizure of drugs, firearms, and proceeds of crime in Tay Township and Midland.

On January 9, 2026, members of the Southern Georgian Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) carried out coordinated searches at a residence on Maskinonge Road in Tay Township and an apartment on King Street in Midland.

During the searches, officers located and seized: (see photo)

  • A significant quantity of Fentanyl, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Crystal Methamphetamine, and Morphine, with an estimated street value of $35,000.
  • Four long guns, including two prohibited firearms, along with ammunition and a bulletproof vest.
  • Nearly $8,000 in cash, a stolen 2017 GMC Yukon, and fraudulent licence plates as part of proceeds of crime.

The investigation was conducted by Southern Georgian Bay CSCU with assistance from Huronia West CSCU and local detachment members.

As a result, Luke MATUSCHEWSKI, 44 years old, of Tay Township, faces 21 charges including offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:

  • Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Morphine for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000 and Under $5,000
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Readily Available Ammunition
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon or Prohibited Device
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Contravention of Firearms Storage Regulations
  • Use Forged Document (Fraudulent Plates)

The accused remains in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice to answer to these charges.

Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are dedicated to keeping our communities safe through proactive and innovative policing. Working together with residents is key to building safer neighborhoods. If you have information about suspected criminal activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). 

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Georgian Bay Midland OPP Police Press Releases Tiny

3 More Impaired Drivers: MACPHAIL, RAND & POWLESS

(TINY TOWNSHIP, GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP, MIDLAND, ON) – Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were kept busy last Saturday with impaired driving investigations, which led to three drivers facing several charges.

On December 6, 2025, at about 6:00 a.m., officers along with the Tiny Township Fire Department responded to a crash alert from a cellular phone on Rue Lafontaine East in Tiny Township. A vehicle was located in the ditch with the airbags deployed, and officers located a person in the back seat of the car. The individual told officers that another person was driving the car when it left the roadway; however, officers determined that the person in the back seat was the one who had been driving at the time of the collision. Officers had grounds to believe the driver had been drinking alcohol and administered a roadside screening test. The driver was arrested based on the results; however, they refused to provide further samples.

As a result of this investigation, Derek MACPHAIL, 22 years of Tiny Township, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Breath Demand

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Later that morning, at about 9:30 a.m., several citizens called police to report a red pickup truck being driven in an erratic manner, travelling northbound on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township. Witnesses observed the truck cross into the southbound lanes and get stuck on the shoulder. The driver freed the truck and, at one point, was travelling northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway. Officers were unable to find the truck at the time of the call; however, it was located at about 11:30 a.m. on South Bay Rd., near Highway 400, with someone sleeping in the back seat. Officers attended with paramedics to speak with the individual, who was displaying signs of alcohol impairment. They were arrested but refused to provide a breath sample.

As a result of this investigation, Riley RAND, 26 years of Parry Sound, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Breath Demand

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On December 6, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., officers were stopped at the side of the road, preparing to commence a RIDE spot check on Harbourview Drive in the Town of Midland. A vehicle pulled over, and the driver rolled down the window to ask for directions. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer had concerns that they were under the influence of alcohol. A roadside test was administered, and a “Fail” was registered. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment to provide further breath samples.

As a result of this investigation, Edward POWLESS, 47 years of McDougall, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Operation While Over 80 Milligrams

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The accused parties from the above occurrences were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland at a later date. Upon being charged with impaired driving, the accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to make sound decisions. To report suspected impaired drivers, call 911 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Lisa PETTIGREW Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP,ON) Stolen Vehicle Investigation On December 1, 2025, just after noon, a member of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was patrolling northbound on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township. The officer was alerted by the Automatic Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) to a licence plate attached to a vehicle reported stolen in the Toronto area.

The officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver. In addition to being in possession of a stolen vehicle, it was discovered that the driver was prohibited from driving and was bound by a probation order. The vehicle was towed to be returned to its owner, and the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment.

As a result of this investigation, Lisa PETTIGREW, 28 years of Newmarket, faces charges under the Highway Traffic Act as well as the following Criminal Code charges:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  • Operation While Prohibited × 2
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order × 3

The accused was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 2, 2025.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Christopher POLCZ – Drunk Driving

(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP, ON)- An officer conducting speed enforcement on Highway 400 entered into an impaired driving investigation early this morning after stopping a vehicle for a speeding offence on Highway 400.

At approximately 7:34 a.m. July 10, 2025, an officer of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped the south bound Highway 400 vehicle in Georgian Bay Township and upon speaking with the driver and quickly entered into a driving investigation which was continued at the Detachment.

Upon completion of the investigation, 36 year old Barrie resident Christopher POLCZ has been charged with the following criminal driving offences of –

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

And further with the following Provincial Offence

  • Speeding 1 – 49 Km/h over posted limit

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on July 24, 2025, and was also served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved vehicle was towed and subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life.  The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust – Jessica BEASLEY

(GEORGIAN BAY TWP, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one driver after responding to a traffic complaint in Georgian Bay Township.

On May 7, 2025 at 11:35 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a traffic complaint made by a member of the public in Mactier. Officers located the vehicle on Elizabeth Street, conducted a traffic stop and determined that the driver had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction. During the course of their investigation, officers located a suspected controlled substance and subsequently charged 33-year-old Jessica BEASLEY of Georgian Bay Twp, ON with Possession of Schedule I Substance- Cocaine. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 24, 2025 to answer to her charge.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

FERGUSON – Drunk Driving

(GEORGIAN BAY TWP, ON) – Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a driver after receiving a traffic complaint on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Twp.

On December 16, 2024 at 3:45 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a possibly impaired driver on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Twp. The complainant was able to update officers on the vehicles location and a traffic stop was conducted a short time later. As a result of their investigation, police have charged 59-year-old Joanne FERGUSON of Seguin, ON with Impaired Operation CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on January 21, 2025 to answer to her charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of everyone travelling on Muskoka roads and trails. If you suspect that someone is driving while under the influence of any substance, please call 9-1-1 from your hands free device if it is safe to do so.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Stolen Property Recovered

(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP,ON) – An observation of suspicious persons and vehicles in Georgian Bay Township by community members has resulted after investigation has resulted in the recovery of stolen property and charges for three involved individuals.

A call reporting suspicious persons within the grounds of Six Mile Provincial Park to the OPP Communications Centre at approximately 8:04 p.m. September 29, 2024 resulted in officers from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment 

being dispatched. the officers located within the park, three persons along with a white Ford van with an attached U-Haul trailer of interest and entered into an investigation as to their business in the park after it had been cleared of campers.

This investigation lead to the recovery of a stolen van, trailer, numerous Ontario vehicle licence plates along with break and enter tools.

Charged in relation to this investigation are the following persons.

Michael MCCORMICK 42 years of Burlington

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada (six counts)
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Possession Break In Instruments

Contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

Jessica RESENDES MILLER 30 years of Oakville

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada (six counts)
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Possession Break In Instruments

Contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

Larry Allen PAYNE 33 years of Ancaster

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada (six counts)
  • Possession Break In Instruments

Contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused persons were released from custody and will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice  at a future date.

Anyone having knowledge of drug or property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, [email protected] or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Joshua HANNON Restrained By Public Until Police Arrive

(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP, ON)  A group of concerned citizens detained an impaired driver, who failed to stop after several collisions, on Highway 400 on Friday evening.

On July 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. the Provincial Communication Centre of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began receiving calls reporting that a small brown SUV was driving in a dangerous fashion and had caused several collisions with other vehicles while travelling northbound on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township.

The suspect eventually pulled the heavily damaged vehicle to the side of the highway near the off-ramp of White’s Falls Road and the driver, who appeared intoxicated,  exited the vehicle and was stopping traffic.  Concerned citizens, who had stopped their vehicles, exited and physically detained the suspect to prevent him from harming himself or others.  Police arrived on scene to find a group of people holding the driver to the ground.  During the incident, an assisting motorist was assaulted by the suspect using a tire wrench.

Police arrested the driver and transported to detachment, however the accused refused to provide a breath sample. During the investigation, the accused also assaulted and threatened a police officer. 

Further investigation revealed that the accused did not have consent to be operating the motor vehicle being driven.  In addition, the accused was bound by a probation order at the time of the incident.

As a result of this investigation,  Joshua HANNON, 29 years of Tay Township, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Refuse to Comply with Breath Demand
  • Take Motor Vehicle without Consent
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Utter Threat to Cause Death x 2
  • Assault Peace Officer
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 29, 2024.  When charged with impaired driving, the driver’s licence of the accused is suspended for 90 days and the vehicle they were operating is impounded for 7 days.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Donald WILSON Was Arrested

(GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP,ON) – Numerous calls at approximately 4:22 p.m. June 22, 2024 to the OPP Communication Centre reporting a south bound highway 400 vehicle had gone off the roadway into the ditch resulted in a member of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment being dispatched to the Port Severn area to locate the occupants of the vehicle.

The officer was able to locate the three occupants including a child, who were not injured but the identified driver became the subject of an impaired driving investigation.

As a result of this investigation Orillia resident Donald WILSON 42 years of age has been charged criminally with the following offences.

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

And Further with the following Provincial Offences

  • Driving while under suspension
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 4, 2024, was served a 90 day driver’s licence suspension and the involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

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Georgian Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Identity of Found Remains Confirmed To Be Missing Person

(GEORGIAN BAY, ON) – The Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has received confirmation that human remains found in Georgian Bay Township belong to a missing person from 2018, Eric SPENCER.

On October 17, 2018, the 60-year-old missing person of Thornbury was reported last seen in the area of South Bay Road and Honey Harbour Road.

On April 21, 2024, human remains were discovered in a wooded area near the intersection of South Bay Road and Honey Harbour Road by a volunteer search organization, Please Bring Me Home.

The investigation was conducted by the OPP Southern Georgian Bay Detachment Crime Unit and the Office of the Chief Coroner, with the assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Unit and the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.

No foul play is suspected in this investigation.

The OPP wishes to thank the community members who assisted in this investigation.