Kirkland – Goderich Free Press

(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – A traffic stop leads to impaired charge in Gauthier Township.

On Tuesday May 27,2025, at approximately 12:40 a.m. the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on McPhersons Drive, in Gauthier Township. Officers observed the driver operating an ATV without a helmet. Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined the individual had consumed an alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Kirkland Lake OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Glenn HUNTER, a 58-year-old from Gauthier Township, has been charged with:

· Operation while impaired by alcohol

· Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

Drive off-road vehicle- no number plate

· Drive off-road vehicle- no insurance

· Fail to wear proper helmet

· Driving while under suspension- two counts

The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a 45-day vehicle impoundment. The accused was released from custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kirkland Lake on August 21, 2025.

Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. Whether you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired and driving under the influence of either is a criminal offence. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

John Paul BACON – Weapons

(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – One individual has been charged with weapons offences following an arrest in Kirkland Lake.

On November 21, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol on Government Road in Kirkland Lake, when an officer observed a person known to be subject to reasonable grounds for arrest related to a prior incident.

Upon being advised they were under arrest, the individual attempted to access their belt area. Officers quickly controlled the situation, and the person was arrested.

A search incident to arrest revealed the individual was concealing an imitation BB handgun and was wearing protective equipment beneath their winter jacket. Upon further investigation police located another imitation BB handgun, handcuffs and other military-style replica equipment in their backpack.

As a result of the investigation, John Paul BACON, a 40-year-old of Kirkland Lake was charged for the following:

· Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

· Carrying concealed weapon

The accused was remanded into custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kirkland Lake on December 12, 2024.