Category: Nipigon

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Shawn JAROLI – Impaired Operation

(NIPIGON, ON) – An officer on patrol arrested a driver for impaired operation after witnessing a vehicle driving aggressively.

On July 28, 2025, at approximately 10:30 pm, an officer with the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was patrolling Highway 11&17, near the Town of Nipigon. The officer witnessed a vehicle leaving a local establishment spinning tires and accelerating heavily.

A traffic stop was initiated and the officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. A roadside test with the Approved Screening Device (ASD) was demanded, to which the driver failed. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the Nipigon Detachment for further testing.

Shawn JAROLI, 49-years-old, from Nipigon, ON has been charged under the criminal code with;

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

The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Nipigon on a future date.

Impaired driving is a serious threat to the safety of all road users. The OPP is dedicated to ensuring road safety through enforcement and public education. If you see an impaired driver, call 911 to report it. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Travis ATATISE Was Arrested

(NIPIGON, ON) – Members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation following two separate traffic complaints.

On the 21st day of May 2025, just before 6:30 p.m., members of the Nipigon OPP Detachment responded to reports of a suspected impaired driver on Highway 11&17, east bound from the Shuniah area.

Officers located the suspect vehicle near Nipigon and conducted a traffic stop. The driver provided a sample of breath into the Approved Screening Device (ASD), which registered a fail. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the detachment for further testing with a Breath Technician.

As a result, Travis ATATISE, 37-years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with;

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, Section 320.14(1)(a)
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), Section 320.14(1)(b)

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon at a future court date.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

More Drug Busts

(NIPIGON, ON) – Two search warrants were executed by the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) this week, resulting in the seizure of drugs, and arrest of three individuals.

On March 24th, 2025, members of the Nipigon, Greenstone, Thunder Bay and Marathon Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), assisted by members of the Nipigon OPP Detachment arrested an individual following the execution of a search warrant in Lake Helen First Nation, Ontario. As a result of the investigation, officers seized the following items:

·      Suspected cocaine

·      Suspected methamphetamine

·      Suspected hydromorphone

·      Canadian Currency

April FAVEL 43-years old of Nipigon, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

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

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

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on the 22nd of April, 2025.

On March 25th, 2025, members of the Nipigon, Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), assisted by members of the Nipigon OPP Detachment arrested two individuals following the execution of a search warrant in Red Rock, Ontario. As a result of the investigation, officers seized the following items:

·      Suspected cocaine

·      Suspected amphetamine

·      Suspected psilocybin

·      Canadian Currency

Stuart LESPERANCE 33-years old of Red Rock, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

  • 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 a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

The accused was held for bail and remanded to the Thunder Bay district Jail. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

Alyssa FOWLER 26-years old of Red Rock, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      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 a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking

·      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

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

Anyone with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted on-line at www.tipshelp.com.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(NIPIGON, ON) – On March 3rd, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., members of the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Fire & Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a report of a collision involving two motor vehicles along Highway 17, just east of Terrace Bay.

One individual has been pronounced deceased as a result of the collision. Two other individuals have been transported to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with serious injuries.

Highway 17 remains closed and the OPP North West Region Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team and OPP Technical Collision Re-Constructionists are assisting in the investigation.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Airplane Lands On Hwy 11

(NIPIGON, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Nipigon Detachment is investigating an airplane crash that took place this weekend.

On Friday, January 31st, 2025, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Members of the Nipigon OPP were dispatched to a report of a plane crash approximately 20 km up highway 11 from the junction of 11-17. Officers arrived and located a single small engine plane parked in the middle of the highway.

It was determined that the plane had mechanical issues during the flight, requiring it to conduct an emergency landing onto the highway. The pilot was uninjured, and there was minor damage to the plane.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) was notified of the collision. The plane was safely moved off the highway, and the highway was reopened.

Nipigon OPP asks anyone with information about this crash to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Jarrett WOJICK – Drunk Driving

(NIPIGON, ON) Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) has lead to one driver being charged for Impaired Operation.

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program which included MAS on Railway Street in the Township of Nipigon.

Jarrett WOJICK, 45-years old, from Gorham Ontario failed the roadside screening and has been charged under the Criminal Code with;

  • Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while Impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon to speak to the charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a serious public safety issue on local roads and highways. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired call 911. Road safety is the shared responsibility of all road users.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Christine WHITE Was Arrested Again

(NIPIGON, ON) – An investigation led by the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from officers of the Nipigon Detachment OPP, Northwest Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Northwest Region OPP K-9 has resulted in drug trafficking charges against one female.

On December 10, 2024, officers from the Nipigon Detachment OPP stopped a motor vehicle on Highway 11&17 in the town of Nipigon, search incident to arrest resulted in a quantity of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine being seized.

On December 11, 2024, a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was executed on the residence which resulted in an additional seizure of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.

Christine WHITE, 49, of Nipigon, Ontario, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • Failure to comply with Release Order, contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Failure to comply with Release Order, contrary to the Criminal Code

 She has been held in custody with a future court date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Giuseppe ABATECOLA – Theft

(NIPIGON, ON) – 63-year-old male has been arrested for theft and possession of stolen property from a local construction site.

On November 18, 2024, members from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of stolen equipment and tools from the Taranis Construction site located in Lyon Township. After further investigation, officers with assistance from the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a search warrant at a residence in Red Rock, ON on November 19, 2024.

As a result, Giuseppe ABATECOLA, 63-years-old of Red Rock was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with

  • Theft Over $5000.00
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000.00

He was released from custody and scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Nipigon.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

2 Arrested In Drug Bust

(NIPIGON, ON) – Two people are facing Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Firearm charges, after two search warrants were conducted in the Township of Nipigon.

On October 17 & 18, 2024, Members of the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), conducted a search warrant on a motor vehicle which led to another search warrant at a residence on Wadsworth Drive in the Town of Nipigon. Two people were arrested and charged during this search warrant. Suspected Cocaine and Fentanyl were seized along with eleven firearms, which neither party had a licence to possess.

Lynda NELSON-LYNCH, 39-years-old of Nipigon, has been 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 – Fentanyl

·     Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

Jordan PLESON, 31-years-old of Nipigon, has been 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 – Fentanyl

·      Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·      Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

They were both remanded into custody after appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice.

Any person with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust

(NIPIGON, ON) – Multiple people are facing Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking charges, after a search warrant was conducted at a residence in Nipigon, for the second time this year.

Members of the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) of the OPP, conducted an investigation into trafficking of CDSA in the Town of Nipigon.  

On October 8th, Nipigon CSCU and OCEB, conducted a search warrant in the Town of Nipigon on Harkness Street. This was the second search warrant conducted at the same address, five months previously.

Six people were arrested and charged during this search warrant. Two of the accused were found to be in breach of a Release Order and an Undertaking, for the same offence (Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking).

One of the accused was found to have a Warrant from another police service while another accused was found to have been reported missing from another police service.

Suspected Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Codiene, Methylphenidate, Crack, Speed Pills, Concerta, Trazodone, Ritalin, Suboxone, Canadian and American Currency and a homemade Sword. The total street value is estimated to be $32,500.

Agnes Hardy, 38-years-old of Nipigon, is now 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 – Methamphetamine – Two Counts

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

·      Failure to Comply with Undertaking

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

William Laird, 65-years-old of Nipigon, is now 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 – Methamphetamine – Two Counts

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

·      Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other than to Attend Court – Three Counts

Boedawn Morriseau, 35-years-old, of Nipigon, is now 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 – Methamphetamine – Two Counts

·      Possession of a Schedule III Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Danielle Wazny, 36-years-old, of Ignace, is now 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 – Methamphetamine – Two Counts

·      Possession of a Schedule III Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs

Sharon Charbonneau, 51-years-old of Gorham Township, is now 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 – Methamphetamine – Two Counts

·      Possession of a Schedule III Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs

All the above accused were remanded into custody after appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 9th, 2024.

Additionally, Jeffrey White, 44-years-old, of Nipigon, was charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on November 11, 2024.

Any person with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Dean MAYHEW – Drunk Driving

(NIPIGON, ON) – On September 28th,2024 at approximately 8:47 p.m., officers from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that had left the road and become stuck in the ditch. Investigation revealed that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, the driver was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

Dean MAYHEW, 53, of Dawson Creek, British Columbia was charged with:

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

The accused’s driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded for 7 days. The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 13th, 2024.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(NIPIGON, ON) – An investigation led by the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from the Northwest Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), has resulted in charges against two individuals.

On September 26, 2024, a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was executed at a residence on Highway 628, in the town of Red Rock, a quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine (crystal meth), hydromorphone and Canadian currency were seized. Officers also located a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle that had been reported stolen in the City of Thunder Bay in 2022.

Kevin SARRASIN, 45, of Red Rock, Ontario, was charged with:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code;
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance. – contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Crystal HARDY, 28, of Lake Helen, Ontario, was charged with:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 – in Canada, contrary to the Criminal Code;
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Both have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Nipigon, on November 12, 2024.  

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Matthew ARMSTRONG – Drunk Driving

(NIPIGON, ON) – On the 1st day of September 2024 at approximately 3:30am, officers from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 11&17, in the Township of Nipigon.

The driver lost control of the vehicle near the entrance to Best Towing and went into the ditch causing damage to hydro poles and trees before stopping. Officers took physical control of the driver who was attempting to flee the scene.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, Matthew ARMSTRONG, 19 years, of Thunder Bay was charged with:

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

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon Court.

The OPP is committed to road safety and encourage motorists to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or 911 if you suspect impaired driving. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Home Invader “Falls” Down Stairs While Being Removed By Hero Home Owners #StandYourGround

(NIPIGON, ON) – On August 24, 2024 approximately 5:08am officers from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an address on Wadsworth Drive, Nipigon for an assault.

Officers attended and spoke to an injured female who reported being assaulted. Upon further investigation it was determined that the female had entered the home while the two residents were sleeping and began assaulting them. The homeowner used reasonable force to remove the female from the residence where she fell down a set of stairs and was injured.

Tiffany WAWIA, 44 years of Lake Helen First Nation was issued a Trespass Notice by officers, as the two victims declined to press charges.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Home Invasion – 2 Arrested

(NIPIGON, ON) – Two individuals are facing a lengthy list of charges following two Break and Enters and Robbery in the Town of Nipigon.

On August 15, 2024, around 2:20am members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call in the area of Hogan Road, Nipigon Township where they located two injured males. Further investigation revealed a second residence had been broken into by the same two suspects.

Around 9:00am, members of the Nipigon OPP Detachment located the two male suspects who were arrested without incident.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher BARNES-ODAWA, 32-years-old, of Nipigon ON has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

·        Assault Causing Bodily Harm, two counts

·       Utter Threats to cause death or bodily harm

·        Break, Enter Dwelling House with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence, two counts

·        Robbery with Theft

·        Mischief Under $5,000, two counts

Rodney WAWIA, 40-years-old, of Nipigon, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

·        Assault Causing bodily harm, two counts

·        Break, Enter Dwelling House with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence, two counts

·        Robbery with Theft

·        Mischief Under $5,000, two counts

The accused are being held in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.