Category: Moosonee

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Gang Stabbing – One Airlifted

(MOOSONEE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a violent assault that left one person with serious injuries.

On Thursday July 10, 2025 at approximately 11:30 p.m., the James Bay OPP, and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Paramedic Service responded to a report of an assault on Bay Road in Moosonee. The victim was reportedly attacked by multiple individuals and suffered several stab wounds.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a local health clinic and later airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the James Bay OPP and the James Bay Crime Unit, with support from the OPP’s Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Clifford LAZARUS Was Arrested

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A Moosonee resident has been charged with impaired driving offences following a single-vehicle collision in Moosonee.

On Sunday May 25, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple calls for service regarding a pickup truck in the ditch on Ferguson Road, where the driver was suspected to be impaired.

Officers located the vehicle and spoke with the driver determining they had been consuming an alcoholic beverage. The individual was arrested for impaired operation and transported to the Moosonee detachment for further testing. While being escorted into the detachment, the accused assaulted a police officer.

As a result, Clifford LAZARUS, 32 years-of-age from Moosonee, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Assault a peace officer

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to next appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 8, 2025, in Moosonee. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The OPP encourages the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Police Finally Execute 85 Arrest Warrants

(MOOSONEE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have concluded a targeted enforcement initiative focused on arrest warrant execution and offender compliance across the region. The James Bay Warrant Initiative ran from April 20 to April 25, 2025 in Cochrane, Kapuskasing, and Hearst, then again from May 5 to May 10, 2025 in Moosonee and Moose Factory. The initiative resulted in the execution of 85 arrest warrants and the laying of several new charges in connection with bail violations.

Officers also conducted multiple compliance checks, reinforcing public safety efforts and ensuring adherence to court-imposed conditions.

A notable success during the initiative included the seizure of a firearm on Niskaway Road in Moose Factory on May 7, 2025. The recovery is connected to a recent firearms incident that took place in Moosonee.

As previously reported, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, the James Bay OPP responded to a 911 call regarding a firearm discharged into a residence on Bert Trapper Drive in Moosonee. That investigation led to the arrest of a 47-year-old Timmins resident, who remains in custody on 14 criminal charges.

The success of the James Bay Warrant Initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), the North Bay Offender Management and Apprehension Program (OMAP) Coordinator, and frontline officers from the North Bay and James Bay Clusters. The initiative also benefited from the valued support of our policing partners at the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) in Moose Factory and Constance Lake.

The OPP remains committed to proactive enforcement strategies, meaningful collaboration with policing partners, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all communities we serve.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Shot(s) Fired – Repeat Offender Arrested Again #3Strikes #SS&S

(MOOSONEE, ON) – One individual is in custody following a firearms incident in Moosonee that prompted a coordinated police response and the execution of a warrant in Moose Factory.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call reporting that a firearm had been discharged into a residence on Bert Trapper Drive in Moosonee.

The suspect fled the scene on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) prior to police arrival.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, police identified a residence on Niska Way Street in Moose Factory connected to the suspect. With the assistance of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), officers established containment of the residence. Members of the James Bay OPP Crime Unit, Critical Incident Command (CIC), Crisis Negotiators, Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit, and the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) were engaged to assist.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., police executed a warrant at the residence. As a result, Justin SKINNER-WITHERS, 47 years-of-age of Timmins, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

·        Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order – eight counts

·        Discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner

·        Criminal harassment – threatening conduct

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Intimidation – use or threatens use of violence

·        Mischief under $5000

·        Fail to comply with probation order

·        Firearm – use while committing an offence

·        Careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·        Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

·        Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

·        Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm

·        Possession of a loaded or restricted firearm

The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on Sunday April 13, 2025.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

15 Year Old Repeat Offender Charged With Attempt Murder #3Strikes #SS&S

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A young person has been arrested and charged in connection with an assault investigation in Moosonee.

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the James Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Paramedic Service responded to a report of an unresponsive person at a residence on Hutchison Road. An individual with serious injuries was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

As a result of the investigation, officers executed a warrant at a residence on Hutchison Road and arrested one individual.

A 15-year-old from Shelburne, Ont. has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Attempt to commit murder, section 239(1)(b)

·        Aggravated Assault, section 268

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88

·        Obstruct peace officer, section 129(a)

·        Failure to comply with release order, section 145(5)(a) – two counts

The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee.

The name of the accused is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and will not be released.

The James Bay OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Gavin KOOSTACHIN Was Arrested Again

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A traffic stop for a missing licence plate, led to several criminal and traffic charges in Moosonee.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a vehicle on Fifth Street that was missing a front licence plate. A traffic stop was conducted on the James Bay Winter Road.

During the stop, officers noted that the rear licence plate displayed on the vehicle was linked to a terminated registration. The driver initially provided police with a false name and was placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest revealed the driver’s true identification, along with additional identification documents that did not belong to them. Further investigation determined that the individual was prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code.

As a result, Gavin KOOSTACHIN 31 years-of-age from Attawapiskat, has been charged with:

·        Operation while prohibited under the criminal code

·        Personation with intent to avoid arrest

·        Possession of an identity document

·        Obstruct peace officer

·        Fail to comply with probation order

·        Operate motor vehicle without insurance

·        Use plate not authorized for vehicle

·        Driving while under suspension

·        Fail to display two plates

·        No currently validated permit

·        Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 10, 2025, in Moosonee.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

3 Arrested In Drug Bust

(MOOSONEE, ON) – Three individuals are facing multiple charges after police executed a drug-related search warrant at a Moosonee residence, seizing suspected cocaine, fentanyl, and a significant amount of cash.

On April 2, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the James Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with support from frontline officers of the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant at a home on Hutchison Road.

As a result of the investigation, officers arrested three individuals and seized suspected fentanyl and cocaine with an estimated street value of $50,000. Police also seized four digital scales, packaging materials, five cellular phones, and approximately $12,740 in Canadian currency. 

Priscilla BLUEBOY, 41 years-of-age of Moosonee, Davion ROSE, 28 years-of-age of Toronto, and James SMITH, 35 years-of-age of Listowel, were charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

The accused individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear for before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on April 4, 2025.

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Moosonee Police Press Releases

Luke MOSES Was Arrested

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A report of a pickup truck in the ditch led to the arrest of the driver for impaired operation.

On March 15, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a pickup truck stuck in the ditch on David Wynne Drive in Moosonee.

Officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol, and as a result of the investigation, Luke MOSES, 37-years-of-age from Moose Factory, was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – alcohol.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 13, 2025, in Moosonee.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

$32,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(MOOSONEE, ON) – Three individuals were arrested, and a significant quantity of suspected fentanyl was seized following an unwanted person call in Moosonee.

On Jan 28, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of three unwanted persons inside a residence on Moose Drive. Officers located and arrested three individuals inside the home for trespassing. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately 80 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $32,000, as well as approximately 130 grams of cannabis.

As a result of the investigation, Michael JOHNSON, 31 years old of Brampton, was charged with:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid – two counts

·        Obstruct a peace officer

·        Unlawfully in a dwelling house

·        Trespassing – fail to leave premises when directed

·        Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on January 31, 2025.

Additionally, Leonard KOOSTACHIN,42 years old of Moosonee has been charged with:

·        Obstruct a peace officer

·        Failure to comply with release order

·        Failure to comply with probation order

This accused person was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on March 11, 2025.

Tyler WABANO, 36 years old of Moosonee has been charged with:

·        Obstruct a peace officer

·        Trespassing – fail to leave premises when directed

This accused person was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on March 11, 2025.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Yonis AHMED Was Arrested Again

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A 27-year-old individual is facing multiple charges after the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call of reporting the individual threatening another person with a knife.

On January 26, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call of a disturbance on Hutchison Road in Moosonee.

Officers learned that the accused had allegedly threatened the victim with a knife and uttered threats. Upon being arrested, the individual refused to provide any identification. However, through the use of fingerprint identification technology, police confirmed the identity of the accused and discovered that they were bound by multiple active probation orders.

As a result, Yonis AHMED, 27 years of age, from Toronto, has been charged with:

  • Assault with a weapon
  • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Obstruct a peace officer
  • Fail to comply with a probation order – four counts

The accused remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on March 5, 2025.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Snowmobile Collision

(MOOSONEE, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is conducting an investigation into a fatal motorized snow vehicle (MSV) collision.

On January 16, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., emergency services responded to a report of a single MSV rollover on Moose River. The James Bay OPP was assisted on the scene by the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Ambulance, and Moose Factory Fire Rescue.

The driver, a 74-year-old resident of Moose Factory, suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to hospital via ambulance. Despite medical efforts, the individual succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased on January 19, 2025.

The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team is supporting the ongoing investigation.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Adrian CHAKASIM – Drunk Driving

(Moosonee, ON) – A 911 call reporting a ditched vehicle in Moosonee resulted in an impaired driving arrest by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On December 14, 2024, at approximately 12:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a possible impaired driver who had driven a vehicle out of a ditch in Moosonee.

The driver and vehicle were located shortly after, and officers determined the individual had been operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, Adrian CHAKASIM, 25 years of age of Moosonee, was arrested and charged with 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 14, 2025, in Moosonee. Additionally, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The OPP remains committed to ensuring road safety and encourages the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Samaria ETHERINGTON – Drunk Driving

(MOOSONEE, ON) – A 911 call to the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) resulted in the arrest for impaired driving.

On December 10, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver. Police located the subject vehicle and driver in a commercial parking lot on Ferguson Road in Moosonee. Upon investigation, officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol and placed them under arrest.  

As a result, Samaria ETHERINGTON, 18 years of age, of Moosonee, has been charged with:

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

·        Failure to comply with undertaking

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

·        Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

·        Young driver – B.A.C. above zero

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 14, 2025, in Moosonee.

In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The OPP reminds the public that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death on Ontario’s roads. Young drivers (under 22 years-of-age) in Ontario are subject to a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs, meaning they must maintain a blood alcohol concentration of zero while driving.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

John TOZER Was Arrested

(MOOSONEE, ON) – One person was arrested on nine criminal weapons offences after a warrant was executed in Moosonee.     

On September 9, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant on Quarry Road in Moosonee. As a result of the search, police located several firearms, various types of rifle ammunition including 292 live rounds, and ammunition reloading equipment.

As a result of the investigation, John TOZER, 49 years of age from Moosonee, was arrested and charged with:

·        Careless storage of ammunition

·        Careless storage of a firearm (four counts)

·        Unauthorized possession of a firearm (four counts)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on November 12, 2024.

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Moosonee OPP Police Press Releases

Lamar JOHNSON Was Arrested Again

(MOOSONEE, ON) – An arrest was made in Moosonee for a breach of probation after a traffic stop was conducted on a bicycle.

On June 28, 2024, the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple calls reporting a suspicious person, getting off the train approximately 20 km south of Moosonee.

On July 3, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., James Bay OPP conducted a traffic stop on two bicycle riders on Hutchison Road in Moosonee, who were observed to be without proper lights. One person failed to identify themselves and failed to stop for police.

Officers continued the investigation at a residence on Hutchison Road and located the person, who then provided police with a false name. Police arrested the individual, who was confirmed to be the same person from the suspicious person calls from June 28.

As a result of the investigation, police were able to identify the person, Lamar JOHNSON, 24 years of age of Brampton, who was charged with the following:

  • Obstruct peace officer (two counts)
  • Failure to comply with a probation order (two counts)
  • Failure to comply with a release order
  • Improper bicycle lighting
  • No horn – bicycle

Further, during the investigation one other person was located and arrested at the same residence on outstanding warrants. Wilbert Joshua JEFFRIES, 36 years of age of Moose Factory was charged with three counts of failure to comply with a release order.

Both accused persons remain in custody awaiting a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee.