Category: OPP

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Brady SMITH – Drunk Driving

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired operation.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, just before 8:00 p.m., Bancroft OPP officers were conducting traffic patrol in the municipality of Hastings Highlands. Officers conducted a traffic stop, and an approved screening device was used. As a result, the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.

Brady SMITH, a 43-year-old resident of Manvers Township, has been charged with the following:

–      Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

The accused’s licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on March 3, 2026.

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Bancroft Hastings OPP Police Press Releases

John STURGES – Assault

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following a complaint of assault.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, a member of the public attended the Bancroft OPP Detachment to report that an assault had occurred the previous day. After further investigation, one person was arrested.

As a result, John STURGES, 68, from Hastings Highlands has been charged with the following:

–      Assault

–      Mischief under $5,000 – two counts

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on March 3, 2026.

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Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Bradley Dean COBB Was Arrested Again

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – On February 1, 2026, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person during a traffic stop on Hillside Drive North.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. while on general patrol, police stopped a grey pickup truck after recognizing the driver and passenger. The passenger had a previous release condition to not be with the driver and he was subsequently arrested.

Bradley Dean COBB, 43-years-old, of Elliot Lake, was charged with:

  • Fail to comply with Probation Order

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on February 2, 2026.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Jatinder SANDHU, Tejvinder Singh & Anahat VIRK Were Arrested

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three individuals with operation while impaired offences within five hours.

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Caledon OPP officers responded to a call for service involving a possibly impaired driver. Shortly after, officers located the vehicle on Mayfield Road, near Hurontario Street, in the Town of Caledon. Investigating officers conducted a traffic stop upon the vehicle and formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol.

Following the investigation, Jatinder SANDHU, 53, of Caledon, was charged with:

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

The following day, on January 29, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., while on general patrol, Caledon OPP officers observed a vehicle displaying poor driving behaviour on Mayfield Road, near Airport Road, in the Town of Caledon. Officers conducted a traffic stop upon the vehicle and formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, Tejvinder Singh, 25, of Tottenham, was charged with:

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

Just minutes later, at approximately 1:20 a.m., while on general patrol, Caledon OPP officers observed a vehicle stopped on the roadway in the area of Innis Lake Road and Castlederg Sideroad, in the Town of Caledon. Investigating officers conducted a traffic stop upon the vehicle and formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol.

As a result, Anahat VIRK, 24, of Caledon, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

All accused parties are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville in March 2026 to answer to their charges. The involved vehicles were also impounded for a period of seven days, and their driver’s licences were suspended for a period of 90 days.

Drivers continue to take chances. It’s simply not worth the risk. Motorists are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

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Clarence-Rockland OPP Police Press Releases Russell

Joseph Godin, Peter Soja & Jean-Paul Gaudreau Were Arrested

(CLARENCE-ROCKLAND, RUSSELL TWP & THE NATION, ON) – Members of the Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested three people for impaired driving charges.

On Friday, January 23, at approximately 5:20 p.m., officers received a call for a collision in the parking lot of a local business. Upon arrival on scene officers observed that a pick-up truck had collided with numerous vehicles in the lot. During the investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation and brought back to detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, 74-year-old, Joseph Godin, of Clarence-Rockland, Ontario, was charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

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

The motorist received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

On Saturday, January 24, at 10:10 p.m., officers on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. During the investigation, an Approved Screening Device (ASD). The driver failed the test and was brought back to detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old, Peter Soja, of Russell Twp, Ontario was charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

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

The motorist received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Lastly, on Sunday, February 1, at approximately 03:15 a.m., officers responded to a report of a collision involving a snowmobile on an OFSC trail in The Nation Twp.

Officers attended the scene and during the investigation the driver was arrested for Impaired operation back to detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, 46-year-old, Jean-Paul Gaudreau, of Clarence-Rockland, Ontario was charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with:

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

They received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension, and the snowmobile was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

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Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases Wellington North

Rebecca BALM Arrested Following Incident In Mount Forest

(WELLINGTON NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – An individual has been charged following an incident in Mount Forest.

On January 31, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an altercation at an address in Mount Forest.

As a result of the investigation, Rebecca BALM, a 34-year-old from Mount Forest, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
  • Failure to comply with Undertaking

While in police custody, the accused acquired further Criminal Code charges:

  • Attempt obstruct justice
  • Mischief – destroys or damages property

The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing and later released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on a later date.

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Oakville OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

Anthony STEFAN – Drunk Driving

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) – An Oakville driver has been charged following a collision.

On January 30, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 6 and Wellington Road 22, outside of Fergus.

As a result of the investigation, Anthony STEFAN, a 37-year-old from Oakville, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

No injuries were sustained as a result of this collision.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day vehicle impoundment were initiated as per statute.

The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing and has since been remanded to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on a future date.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. 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 911 immediately.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Police Cruiser Struck – 18 Year Old Facing Impaired Charge

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid impaired driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa after his vehicle struck the back of an OPP cruiser.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, OPP were attending to a collision on Highway 417 westbound near Metcalfe Street. The officer observed a vehicle travelling towards the collision area at a high rate of speed. Both the officer and the individual from the collision jumped into the cruiser for safety before being struck by the other vehicle. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. Police suspected the driver of the vehicle that struck the police cruiser to be under the influence of alcohol. 

As a result, Tyler Wilson, 18 years of age from Ottawa faces the following charges:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Young person – B.A.C above Zero
  • Fail to move over for emergency vehicle or tow truck – if safe to do
  • Having care or control of a motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor

The accused had their licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for 14 days. The accused is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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Hearst OPP Police Press Releases

3 Dead Following Collision

(MCCOIG TOWNSHIP, ON) – Three people have been pronounced deceased following a collision between a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and a passenger vehicle on Highway 11 west of Hearst.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 6.00 p.m., officers from James Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified of a collision on Highway 11 near Highway 631, west of Hearst.

A 36-year-old male from Kenora, a 36-year-old female from Greenstone, and a 57-year-old male from Constance Lake were pronounced deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Highway 11 is currently closed in both directions between Highway 631 west of Hearst and Highway 625 near Longlac is closed for investigation, with assistance from OPP Technical Collision Investigators and a Reconstructionist.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Dogs Left In Car Results In Repeat Offender Facing Animal Cruelty Charges

(NIPIGON, ON) – On January 31, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information that an individual may be breaching court‑ordered release conditions.

During the investigation, officers located two short‑haired boxer‑breed dogs inside an unheated vehicle. At the time, the outside temperature was approximately -18°C, police determined the dogs had been left in the vehicle for more than two hours.

The suspect was later located at a residence they had been ordered by the court not to attend.

As a result, Mackenzie Loyst, 25 years of age, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Cruelty to Animals – Causing Unnecessary Pain, Suffering or Injury, contrary to section 445.1(1)(a)
  • Two counts of Failure to Comply with a Release Order (two counts), contrary to section 145(5)(a)

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The dogs are being cared for by a local resident. Both dogs appeared un harmed.

If you have any information that can assist with the investigation, the OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you have any information regarding animal neglect or abuse you can also call the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre (OAPCC) at 1-833-9-ANIMAL , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

2 Dead Following Collision

(MCNAB/BRAESIDE, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a two-vehicle collision that resulted in two fatalities on Highway 17.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, shortly after 1:00 p.m. officers responded to reports of a head-on collision involving a pickup truck and another passenger vehicle on Highway 17 between Anderson Road and McCallum Drive, in the Township of McNab/Braeside.

Both the drivers, a 55-year-old male from Renfrew and a 71-year-old male from Ottawa were pronounced deceased.

Highway 17 will remain closed between Anderson Road and Goshen Road for several hours for the ongoing investigation.

 Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Area OPP OPP Perth East Police Press Releases Sauble Beach

83 Year Old Deceased Following Collision

(PERTH EAST, ON) – One person is deceased and four others were injured following a collision involving two motor vehicles in the Municipality of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

On January 31, 2026, shortly after 1:00 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with South Bruce Fire Department, Grey County EMS and Bruce County EMS responded to a two-vehicle collision on Sauble Falls Parkway near Sixth Street North in the community of Sauble Beach.

An 83-year-old male was pronounced deceased in hospital following transport, while another passenger sustained life-threatening injuries and has been airlifted by ORNGE Air Ambulance to a local trauma centre. Three other passengers are being treated at local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

Sauble Falls Parkway between Sixth Street North and Sauble Falls Road remains closed as members OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) assist the Grey Bruce County OPP with investigating the collision.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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OPP Police Press Releases Zorra

14 Year Old Deceased Following Collision

(ZORRA, ON) – The Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a two-vehicle collision which resulted in a fatality on Road 92 in Zorra Township. 

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, shortly after 10:30 a.m., OPP officers and emergency services responded to the reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a snowmobile and a pickup truck on Road 92 and 23rd Line in Zorra Township, Oxford County. 

The snowmobile operator, a 14-year-old was transported to hospital and later pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported as a result of the collision. 

Road 92 will remain closed between 19th line and 23rd line for several hours for the ongoing investigation. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Central Elgin OPP Police Press Releases

Oleksandr STEPANENKO – Drunk Driving

(CENTRAL ELGIN, ON) – One person is charged with impaired driving following a single vehicle collision in the Municipality of Central Elgin.

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 10:25 p.m., police responded to a collision on Fruitridge Line in Central Elgin.

Oleksandr STEPANENKO, a 41 -year-old from Vaughan was charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused was released on an Undertaking and scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The OPP remind drivers and members of the public to report impaired drivers and dangerous driving behaviours. Your call could save a life, please dial 9-1-1 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Dryden OPP Police Press Releases

William AUDETTE Was Arrested

(KENORA, ON) – An individual from Kenora was charged with careless driving and fail to remain after a motor vehicle collision involving two commercial motor vehicles (CMV).

On Friday January 30, 2026, just after 1:00 a.m., members of the Kenora Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment responded to the report of a motor vehicle collision involving two CMVs on Highway 17 near Hawk Lake. There were no serious injuries reported. One motorist failed to remain on the scene and departed East towards Dryden.

Members of the Dryden OPP Detachment located the CMV matching the description involved. Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver failed to remain on scene after a motor vehicle collision and did not possess a valid driver’s licence.

As a result, William AUDETTE, 41-years-old, of Dryden, has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

·      Driving while suspended 53(1)

·      Careless driving 130(1)

·      Fail to remain 200(1)(a)

AUDETTE was held for bail court due to the recent amount of driving while suspended charges.