Category: Little Current

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Boyd SHIGWADJA – Drunk Driving

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after police received multiple traffic complaints.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple traffic complaints reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 6 near Birch Island. Police located the vehicle on Highway 6 and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Boyd SHIGWADJA, 52-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 10, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

DEER Involved In Collision Arrested

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing impaired-related charges after a two-vehicle collision in Little Current.

On Friday, April 18, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a vehicle collision where a person drove their vehicle into a parked vehicle, causing damage. Police arrived on scene and determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Stephanie DEER, 31-years-old from Sheguindah, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Careless driving
  • Novice driver – presence of drug
  • Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 10, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Collison Leads To Cocaine Bust

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Three people are facing charges after a single vehicle collision.

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a single motor vehicle collision (MVC) on Highway 6 near Whitefish River First Nation. Police attended the scene, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation. Police confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the collision.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $2,800 and a knife.

As a result, the driver, Nicole PHEASANT, 33-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The passenger, Tyler BONDY, 29-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Failure to comply with release order

The second passenger, Allison RECOLLET, 47-year-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay in May. 

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Missing Snowmobiler Found Deceased

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Police have located a person deceased after their snowmobile went into the water near White’s Point in Little Current.

The OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine Unit, OPP Aviation services, Manitoulin OPP Marine Unit, OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU), Northshore Search and Rescue, UCCM Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and Canine Unit, Wikwemikong Surveillance, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), and the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit assisted with the search for this individual.

On April 17, 2025, the 48-year-old person was recovered from the water. They were transported to hospital by Air Ornge, where they were later confirmed deceased.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Two Facing Drug Charges

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop resulted in police seizing suspected drugs.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to an unattached licence plate by the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Highway 551, and further investigation resulted in both the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized amounts of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine and hydromorphone pills with an estimated street value of $21,000.

As a result, the driver, Neil ENSE, 35-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) – two counts

The passenger, Kristan PANAMICK, 34-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid) – two counts

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 13, 2025.

All OPP patrol vehicles are equipped with ALPR technology. ALPR has proven to be an effective way to increase the efficiency of discovering and conducting investigations related to both traffic and criminal offences. It does so by detecting licence plates that are linked to occurrences such as wanted or missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen and unattached plates, suspended/prohibited drivers, vehicles associated with AMBER Alerts and other serious occurrences.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Kem DEBASSIGE Was Arrested

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing charges as a result of a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check in Little Current.

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Meredith Street East, in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and an investigation was initiated when officers observed signs that the driver may be under the influence of an intoxicating substance. A Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was completed with the driver, and as a result and arrest was made.

The driver, Kem DEBASSIGE, 54-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 6, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Regan ESQUIMAUX – Drunk Driving

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after a traffic stop in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Township.

On March 22, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Worthington Street in Little Current for a sobriety check. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Regan ESQUIMAUX, 30-years-old from Little Current, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 6, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

$50,000 Drug Bust At RIDE

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Two people are facing charges after a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check resulted in police locating suspected drugs.

On March 21, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) alongside the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine Unit, conducted a RIDE check at the Little Current Swing Bridge on Meredith Street. A vehicle came through the check, and police initiated an investigation. With assistance from UCCM Police Service Dog (PSD) Ben, and his handler, police located suspected drugs, and the driver and passenger were arrested.

As a result, police seized an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $49,000, an amount of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $650, approximately $450 in Canadian currency, and an axe.

The driver, Ashley JACKO-METANSININE, 31-years-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Failure to comply with release order – two counts
  • Operate motor vehicle without insurance
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Drive motor vehicle – not equipped with ignition interlock device

The passenger, Elizabeth SHAWANDA, 26-years-old from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – other drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice today, March 21, 2025.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

BOWERMAN Was Arrested

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person has been arrested for impaired operation as a result of a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 12, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Meredith Street in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE check, and police began an investigation. As a result, police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

The driver, Joseph BOWERMAN, 51-years-old from NEMI Township, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Fail to have insurance card

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 15, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Austin TABOBONDUNG – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing charges after The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop.

On March 2, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Manitoulin OPP observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 6 near Sunshine Alley Road in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Police conducted a traffic stop, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, the driver, Austin TABOBONDUNG, 25-years-old from Parry Sound, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Speeding 1-49 km/h over posted limited
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Brayden BULLOCK – Impaired Operation

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On February 25, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint about a pickup truck that was unable to maintain its lane. Police located the vehicle on Highway 540 in M’Chigeeng First Nation, and conducted a traffic stop. Police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

As a result, the driver, Brayden BULLOCK, 18-years-old from Grey Highlands, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Anawahs MIGWANS Facing Numerous Charges

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing charges as a result of a traffic complaint.

On February 12, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint for a possible impaired driver in the Town of Little Current. It was initially reported that the driver was passed out at the wheel. A short time later, the vehicle was seen driving down Water Street in the Town of Little Current. Police located the vehicle nearby, determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

Additionally, police seized approximately one gram of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $150, and approximately 40 suspected ecstasy pills.

As a result, the driver, Anawahs MIGWANS, 23-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Assault a Peace Officer – two counts
  • Mischief under $5,000
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Driving while under suspension

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Gore Bay on February 12, 2025, and was remanded into custody.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Lance Shawana: Cocaine

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop on Highway 6 between Little Current and Sheguindah.

On February 13, 2025, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a possible suspended driver by the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 6 in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Furth investigation resulted in the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized approximately 17 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,700.

As a result, the driver, Lance Shawana, 38-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

The passenger, Amy ASSINEWAI, 42-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

The two accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Trey BEBONING Was Arrested

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person has been arrested and charged following a traffic stop on Highway 551, M’Chigeeng First Nation.

On February 3, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle to perform a sobriety check. Through further investigation, police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. An arrest was made, and the driver was transported to the Little Current detachment for further testing.

As a result, the driver, Trey BEBONING, 27-years-old from M’Chigeeng, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Have care or control of vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on March 11, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

Categories
Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

2 Arrested At Traffic Stop

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – Two people are facing charges after a traffic stop in the Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Township.

On January 28, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified of an unattached plate on a passing vehicle by the Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR). Police initiated a traffic stop on Highway 6 in the NEMI Township, and further investigation resulted in the two occupants being arrested.

Additionally, police seized approximately 89g of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $9,000, approximately 30g of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $9,000, approximately 60g of tobacco, and Canadian currency.

As a result, the driver, Arun SINGH, 25-years-old from Sudbury, 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 – other drugs
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Drive motor vehicle, no permit
  • Drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The passenger, Tuqur JONES, 27-years-old from Oshawa, 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 – other drugs
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Consuming liquor in unauthorized place

Both accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on January 29, 2025.

All OPP patrol vehicles are equipped with ALPR technology. ALPR has proven to be an effective way to increase the efficiency of discovering and conducting investigations related to both traffic and criminal offences. It does so by detecting licence plates that are linked to occurrences such as wanted or missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen and unattached plates, suspended/prohibited drivers, vehicles associated with AMBER Alerts and other serious occurrences.