Category: Hearst

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

22 Year Old Speeder Arrested – Meth A Factor

(HEARST, ON) – A driver stopped for speeding on Highway 11 west of Hearst is facing multiple charges, including impaired operation and drug possession, following an investigation by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On Friday, July 4, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the James Bay OPP stopped a vehicle travelling at 128 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone. Upon speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment and placed the individual under arrest. The driver was transported to the Hearst OPP detachment for further testing.

During a search incident to arrest, officers seized a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine, and an open container of alcohol.

As a result, Joshua D’ASTOUS, 22 years-of-age from Sainte Therese, QC, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine

·        Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

·        Speeding 38 km/h over the posted limit

·        Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 11, 2025, in Kapuskasing. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP remains committed to road safety and encourages the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Dominic ALARY Facing Numerous Charges

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop south of Hearst resulted in an impaired driving arrest, and several charges.

On Tuesday April 8, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting patrol south of the Town of Hearst, when the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system flagged a vehicle with an unregistered licence plate.

The vehicle then drove onto a Motorized Snow Vehicle (MSV) trail – OFSC L167, adjacent to Dillon Road, and police initiated a traffic stop.

Officers spoke with the driver and determined they had been consuming an intoxicating substance. The individual was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result, Dominic ALARY 43 years-of-age from Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drug

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Operation while prohibited

·        Operate motor vehicle without insurance

·        Use plate not authorized for vehicle

·        Fail to obey lane sign

·        No licence – drive on a public trail

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 30, 2025, in Hearst. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Jonah MARTIN – Drunk Driving

(HEARST, ON) – A gas station employee’s 911 call led to an impaired driving arrest in Hearst.

On March 29, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call from an employee of a gas station on Highway 11 in Hearst. The employee refused to sell alcohol to a customer due to suspected impairment and immediately reported their concerns to police.

Officers arrived and located the driver asleep behind the wheel of a parked vehicle in the gas station lot. Upon investigation, police determined the driver had been consuming alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result, Jonah MARTIN, 43 years of age of Constance Lake, was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Novice driver – BAC above zero

·        Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by a qualified driver

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 11, 2025 in Hearst. The driver received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

The James Bay OPP commends the gas station employee for making the call. The OPP encourages members of the public to call 911 if they suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Assault Victim Rescued From Roof

(HEARST, ON) – A routine foot patrol in downtown Hearst turned into an unexpected rescue mission when officers were flagged down about a cat stranded on a rooftop, under attack from ravens.

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting foot patrol in the downtown core when a concerned resident alerted them to a distressed cat on a high roof on Edward Street. A crowd quickly gathered as the cat, audibly in distress, attempted to avoid swooping ravens.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the OPP coordinated with the Town of Hearst, whose municipal workers responded swiftly with a bucket truck. They raised the bucket to the peak of the roof, where the frightened cat wasted no time jumping to safety.

A new recruit OPP officer started her first shift in Hearst today, an unforgettable way to begin her career, seeing firsthand the strong partnership between police and the community. The James Bay OPP would like to thank the Town of Hearst staff and residents for their quick action and support.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Clifford SHINK Was Arrested – Meth A Factor

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop in Hearst led to the arrest of a driver for impaired operation and drug trafficking charges.

On February 8, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Jolin Street. During the interaction, officers determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. The individual was arrested and transported to the Hearst OPP detachment for further testing. A search of the vehicle incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine tablets.

As a result of the investigation, Clifford SHINK, 45 years of age of Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·        Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000

The accused was held for a bail hearing on February 9, 2025, before the Ontario Court of Justice, in Hearst. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Donald CAMPEAU – Was Arrested

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop in Hearst led to an impaired driving arrest and a seizure of methamphetamine tablets.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Fontaine Drive after observing a vehicle with an obstructed licence plate.

During the interaction, officers determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. The individual was placed under arrest and transported to the Hearst OPP detachment for further testing. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately 45 methamphetamine tablets.

As a result of the investigation, Donald CAMPEAU, 48 years of age of Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 5, 2025, in Hearst. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

7 Year Old Dead – 2 Facing Manslaughter Charges

(HEARST, ON) – The James Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two individuals in connection with the death of a seven-year-old child in Hearst more than two years ago.

On July 1, 2022, the James Bay OPP was called to assist Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services at an incident on Charbonneau Place in the Town of Hearst. A seven-year-old had suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where they died as a result of their injuries on July 16, 2022.

As a result of the investigation, on December 16, 2024, Rebecca HEBERT, 25 years of age, and Jordan TAYLOR, 32 years of age, both of Hearst, were arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Manslaughter, section 236(b)
  • Fail to provide necessaries of life, section 215(2)(a)(ii)

Both accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on December 17, 2024.

Members of the James Bay OPP and the James Bay OPP Crime Unit conducted the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the North East Regional Support Team and OPP Forensic Identification Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with any information in relation to the investigation is asked to contact the James Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

David DIAW – Drunk Driving

(HEARST, ON) – A single-vehicle collision with a light pole resulted in an impaired driving arrest in Hearst.

On November 30, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call of a collision on Highway 11 near Quirion Street in the Town of Hearst.

Officers located the vehicle, which was facing south in the eastbound lane. A light pole had been struck and was laying across the eastbound lane. While speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of alcohol consumption. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old David DIAW of Hearst has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Careless driving

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on January 8, 2025. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) was issued, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP reminds drivers that impaired driving risks lives and remains one of the leading causes of collisions on Ontario roads. Plan ahead, and always arrange for a safe ride home.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Megan ATKINSON – Drunk Driving

(HEARST, ON) – A call from the public in Hearst led to an impaired driving arrest.

On November 20, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call of a possible impaired driver in Hearst.

The subject vehicle and driver were located, and officers determined that the driver had been consuming an alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Megan ATKINSON, 31 years of age of Mattice, was charged with the following:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Driving while under suspension – two counts

 The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 8, 2025, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Lee BLOOM Was Arrested Again

(HEARST, ON) – One person found in possession of stolen property arrested and charged with nine criminal offences.

On October 16, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to report of a theft from a motel room on Front Street in Hearst. As officers were on scene investigating, they located one person in possession of an item taken from the motel room. The person was arrested, and during a search incident to arrest, police located methamphetamine and a switch blade – which is a prohibited weapon.

As a result of the investigation, Lee BLOOM, 47 years of age of Hearst, was charged with:

·        Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence

·        Theft under $5000

·        Unauthorized possession of a weapon

·        Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine

·        Failure to comply with release order – four counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to next appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on November 6, 2024.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Wendy DINDIA – Impaired Driving

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop for no licence plate led to an impaired driving arrest on Highway 11.

On October 21, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 west of Hearst.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that the driver had been consuming an intoxicated substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Wendy DINDIA, 65 years of age of Whitehorse, YT, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 18, 2024, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Jersey JOHNSON – Drunk Driving

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop led to an impaired driving arrest in Hearst.

On October 10, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop George Street in Hearst, for a highway traffic act infraction.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that the driver had been consuming an alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jersey JOHNSON, 20 years of age of Greenstone, was charged with the following:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

·        Fail to yield to traffic

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 18, 2024, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Gaetan DORVAL Was Arrested

(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop in Hearst led to a criminal charge for refusing a demand for a sobriety test.

On October 1, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 583 South in Hearst. Officers determined the driver had been consuming an intoxicating substance, and the driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing.

The driver refused testing at detachment, and as a result of the investigation, Gaetan DORVAL, 51 years-of-age from Hearst, was charged with:

·        Failure to comply with demand

·        Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 6, 2024, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

A refusal charge carries with it the same penalties as impaired driving, which if convicted, may include fines, imprisonment, and a further licence suspension of at least one year.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Cynthia MATTINAS Facing Numerous Charges

(HEARST, ON) – A report of a vehicle in the ditch of Highway 11 led to an impaired arrest.

On August 30, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call of a near collision, where the subject vehicle had a close call, crossed the centre line, ending up in the westbound ditch on Highway 11, west of Hearst. The vehicle was then reported to be stuck in the ditch, actively trying to drive out.

Police located the vehicle and the driver, who was licenced as a G1 driver, with a condition to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device. The vehicle did not have such a device, and there was no qualified accompanying driver in the vehicle. Officers determined that the driver had been consuming an intoxicating substance, and the driver was arrested and transported to the Kapuskasing detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Cynthia MATTINAS, 54 years of age of Constance Lake, was charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Operation while prohibited – legal restriction

·        Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine

·        Careless driving

·        Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver

·        Novice driver – presence of drug

·        Operate unsafe vehicle

·        Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·        Drive motor vehicle – not equipped with ignition interlock device

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 9, 2024, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(HEARST, ON) – Oxycodone and approximately $200,000 in cash was seized during the execution of two search warrants at two residences in Hearst.

On August 6, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with the assistance of the North East Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed two search warrants at two residences in Hearst, on West Street and Edward Street.

During the investigation, three people were arrested, and police seized 212 tablets of suspected oxycodone, packaging, a cell phone, a 2020 Ford F150 (as offence related property), and approximately $200,000 in Canadian currency. 

As a result of this investigation, Michel HOFF 69 years-of-age of Hearst was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
  • Fail to Comply with release order

 The above accused person remains in custody and will next appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on August 14, 2024.

Further, Bryan LEBLANC 70 years-of-age of Hearst, and Claude MORISSETTE 57 years-of-age of Hearst were arrested and charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

The above two accused persons were released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on September 18, 2024.