Category: OPP

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Blind River MISSISSAUGA FIRST NATION OPP Police Press Releases

Andrew JACQUES – Drunk Driving

(MISSISSAUGA FIRST NATION, ON) – The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one person with impaired driving.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) initiative at the intersection of Village Road and Park Road. During the initiative, officers observed a vehicle that appeared to be deliberately avoiding the R.I.D.E. checkpoint and turning southbound onto Village Road.

Police subsequently located the unoccupied vehicle on Red Pine Road. The driver was found nearby, positioned behind a garbage bin. While speaking with the driver, officers determined that alcohol had been consumed.

Further investigation revealed that the driver was operating the vehicle while under suspension.

Police searched the vehicle and located an open bottle of liquor, a fanny pack with over 40 grams of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine with an approximate street value of   $3500 and drug paraphernalia.

The driver was arrested and transported to Blind River for further testing and refused to provide a breath sample.

Andrew JACQUES, 38 years old from Blind River was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 5, 2026. Additionally, the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Impaired driving remains one of the most significant threats to road safety in Ontario. The OPP encourages everyone to help keep roadways safe, if you see a driver, you believe is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9‑1‑1 immediately.

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OPP Pembroke Police Press Releases

James Austin TURCOTTE Was Arrested

(PEMBROKE, ON) – A Pembroke man is in custody and facing several serious charges after a recent incident in Pembroke.

On Thursday February 12, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call regarding an unwanted person refusing to leave a business in Pembroke’s east end. 

During the interaction with the individual, an officer was assaulted, threats were made toward police, and there was an unsuccessful attempt to disarm an officer. Police also seized two knives.  No one was injured during this incident.

As a result of this incident 59-year-old James Austin TURCOTTE is charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Assault a peace officer

·        Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm – two counts

·        Disarming a police officer

The accused was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on February 13, 2026. 

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Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

Russell MCTEAR Was Arrested

(HALDIMAND COUNTY) – A driver is facing several charges following a collision in Haldimand County.

On February 12, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., members of the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a single vehicle collision on 3rd Line, near Hagersville.

The investigation determined that the vehicle left the roadway, no injuries were reported.

Russell MCTEAR, 30-years-old from Caledonia has been charged with the following offences:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
  • Careless Driving
  • Drive Motor Vehicle, no Currently Validated Permit

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on March 24, 2026.

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Caledonia Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

Surya ANNE – Drunk Driving

(HALDIMAND COUNTY) – A driver has been charged for an alcohol related offence in Haldimand County.

On February 12, 2026, at approximately 1:25 p.m., members of the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Basswood Crescent, Caledonia.

The investigation determined that a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) struck an unoccupied parked SUV.

Surya ANNE, 45-years-old of Caledonia has been charged with the following:

  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on March 24, 2026.

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OPP Police Press Releases SOUTH FRONTENAC

Steven MCDONALD Was Arrested

(SOUTH FRONTENAC, ON) – One person has been charged with multiple firearms-related offences following a weapons call in Sydenham.

On Friday, December 26, 2025, at approximately 2:40 a.m., officers from the Frontenac Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a residence on Sydenham Mill Street after a homeowner reported that projectiles had entered the home. No injuries were reported.

The investigation determined the projectiles were consistent with those discharged from a shotgun. A search warrant was executed at a nearby property, and one individual was arrested. Firearms were seized as a result.

Steven MCDONALD, 45 years old, of Sydenham has been charged with the following offences:

  • Careless use of a firearm
  • Discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner
  • Breach of firearms regulations – store firearm – four counts
  • Mischief

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Frontenac OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online.

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases Simcoe

Edward WILLS – Assault With Weapon, Etc.

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – An individual is facing multiple weapons-related charges following an investigation into a disturbance in Simcoe.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 8:01 a.m., members of the Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting that an individual armed with an edged weapon was causing a disturbance at an address on Colborne Street North in Simcoe.

Officers located the individual in the area and took them into custody without incident. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of two prohibited weapons.

As a result, 39-year-old Edward WILLS of Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Assault with a weapon,
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose,
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition – two counts.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

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OPP Police Press Releases Tecumseh

Domenic LOMBARDI – Drunk Driving

(TECUMSEH, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic stop in Tecumseh.

On February 13, 2026, at approximately 1:43 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a vehicle stop on Bedell Street in the Town of Tecumseh.

Domenic LOMBARDI, 20-years-old of Tecumseh was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

 A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 26, 2026, to answer to the charges.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 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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Gravenhurst OPP Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Benjamin Jon Murdoch SCHEETZ – Child Exploitation

(GRAVENHURST, ON) – A local resident is facing child pornography charges following an investigation by the Muskoka Crime Unit.

In November 2025, the Muskoka Crime Unit began a child pornography investigation and on Friday, December 19, 2025, executed a search warrant at a residence located on McEachern Lane in the Town of Gravenhurst. During the search, officers, with the support of the OPP Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) and the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), seized several electronic devices for examination.

As a result, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, police arrested and charged 43-year-old Benjamin Jon Murdoch SCHEETZ, of Gravenhurst with the following:

  • Imports, distributes, sells or possesses for the purpose of distribution or sale of child sexual abuse and exploitation material – two counts
  • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
  • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material – two counts

The accused was released at a bail hearing and is now scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

This investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The OPP is committed to identify and holding accountable those who exploit children through the possession, distribution, or creation of child sexual abuse material.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn more about online safety and how to protect children through resources provided by the Canadian Centre of Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca.

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Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

Matthew PATERSON Was Arrested

(HALDIMAND COUNTY) – An individual is facing charges following the execution of two search warrants in Haldimand County.

On February 12, 2026, members from the Haldimand/Norfolk Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), along with other CSCU’s, West Region OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), West Region OPP Canine Unit, and Six Nations Police, executed two search warrants at two John Street residences in Hagersville.

The search warrants were obtained as part of an ongoing drug investigation that began in January 2026.

As a result of the search, police seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl, Canadian currency, and other offence-related items.

Matthew PATERSON, 56-years-old of Hagersville has been charged with the following offences:

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

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on April 28, 2026.

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OPP Police Press Releases

LAHEY – Assault With Weapon, Etc.

(BURFORD, ON) – One person is in custody following a firearms incident in Burford.

On February 12, 2026, at approximately 3:47 a.m., members of the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a person who had been struck by a vehicle. The complainant reported the driver of the vehicle brandished a firearm. The weapon was not discharged. There were no injuries.

The suspect was located at approximately 7:30 am, at an address on Huron Street in Woodstock.

Members of the Woodstock Police Service responded and took the suspect into custody without incident.

Following the arrest, a 33-years-old male, Mr. Garrett Joseph LAHEY was transferred into Brant County OPP custody and subsequently charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Assault with a Weapon

·        Pointing a Firearm

·        Possession of Weapons for a Dangerous Purpose

·        Careless Use of a Firearm

·        Dangerous Operation

·        Driving While Prohibited

The OPP wishes to thank Woodstock Police Service for their assistance with this investigation.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Justin SCHELL Was Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a local person with impaired driving overnight.

On Thursday February 12, 2026 at 3:30 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge when a vehicle caught their attention committing several highway traffic act infractions in the area of Monck Road to Taylor Road. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Taylor Road and subsequently arrested and charged 33-year-old Justin SCHELL of Gravenhurst, ON with the following:

·      Operation while Impaired CC 320.14(1)(a)

·      Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine CDSA 4(1)

·      Fail to Stop for Police HTA 216(1)

·      Stunt Driving HTA (172(1)

·      Drive Motor Vehicle – No licence HTA 32(1)

·      Drive without proper rear light HTA 62(1)

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 24, 2026 to answer to his charges.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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Huntsville OPP Police Press Releases

Robert Merkel Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

HUNTSVILLE, ON –  Officers from the Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to report of a male repeatedly shoplifting from a business on Main St in Huntsville.

Police investigated two incidents on February 5, 2026 and February 9, 2026. Using video surveillance and witness statements, police uncovered the identity of the suspect. There is no dollar value of the losses to the business at this time.

As a result of the investigation, Robert Merkel, 37 years old of Huntsville Ontario has been charged with;

·      Theft Under $5,000 × 2

·      Fail to Comply with Probation Order × 2

The accused was released with an upcoming court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge Ontario.

If you have any information, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

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OPP Pembroke Police Press Releases

Dine & Dash Results In Arrest Of Jessica TALBOT

(PEMBROKE, ON) – Members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged Pembroke resident with Criminal Code (CC) offences after a recent incident in Pembroke.         

On February 6, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers began investigating after a report of a possible impaired driver who left a Pembroke restaurant without paying their tab. A short time later police located the vehicle on Boundary Road in the City of Pembroke. Police began an impaired driving investigation, and the driver was taken into custody.     

As a result of this incident 32-year-old Jessica TALBOT was charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) offences:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Food and lodging fraud
  • Fail to surrender insurance card

The accused was released to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on March 9, 2026.  

The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle towed and impounded for seven days.

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Gravenhurst OPP Police Press Releases

Amee PAULETTE Was Arrested Again 3Strikes

(GRAVENHURST, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged a local woman with respect to multiple thefts in the town of Gravenhurst.

Bracebridge OPP has been investigating multiple incidents of thefts from 6 separate retail locations in the town of Gravenhurst that took place between December 22, 2025 and February 10, 2026. Local retailers estimate that they have lost thousands of dollars in product during that time.

On February 11, 2026, police arrested and charged 41-year-old Amee PAULETTE of Gravenhurst with the following:

  • Robbery
  • Theft Under $5000 X 8
  • Fail to Comply with Probation X 10
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Resist Peace Officer

She was held for a bail hearing and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on February 12, 2026 to answer to her charges.

This accused does operate with a partner, who remains outstanding, anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Bracebridge OPP investigates each and every shoplifting and theft report, this criminal activity has a significant impact on local businesses, and negatively affects community safety.

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OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Steven SHEPHERD

(MACHIN, ON) – One individual has been arrested and charged following a drug trafficking investigation in the area.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, just after 1:00 p.m. CST, members of the Dryden OPP detachment conducted a traffic stop on Highway 105 in the Municipality of Machin as part of an ongoing drug investigation led by the Dryden OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU). One individual was arrested and charged with multiple offences.

The search and arrest resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, and further evidence of drug trafficking.

As a result, Steven SHEPHERD, 54 years old from Lethbridge, AB has been arrested and charged with the following offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – oxycodone

The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Dryden on February 11, 2026.