Category: OPP

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Essa OPP Police Press Releases

COOK Frankie – Impaired Driving

(ESSA, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver involved in a single vehicle collision with impaired operation in Essa Township.

On April 20, 2025, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Nottawasaga OPP responded to a single motor vehicle collision at 132 Auburn Street, in Essa. A resident near by contacted police to report that a vehicle had just drove through a residential property fence and the driver appeared to be asleep at the wheel.

At 5:22 p.m., officers arrived at the collision at which time the officerS spoke with the lone male driver. Officers assisted the driver out of the motor vehicle and was observed to be unsteady on his feet and unable to maintain a conversation or answer the officers questions. The male was assessed and cleared by paramedics, and based on the numerous observed signs of intoxication and impairment, The driver was arrested and charged with operation while impaired.

At 5:37 p.m., COOK Frankie, a 28-years-old male of Essa was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. 

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on May 8 2025, to answer to the charges.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

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

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OPP Police Press Releases West Elgin

Jennifer Witmer – Drunk Driving

(WEST ELGIN, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On April 20, 2025, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the Elgin OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a passenger vehicle on Kerr Road and Queens Line, in the Municipality of West Elgin.

No injuries were reported.

As a result of the investigation, Jennifer Witmer, a 30-year-old from Rodney was charged with:

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

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on June 3, 2025.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Hit & Run – Treshaun SULLIVAN

(BRANT, ON) – On April 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a fail to remain collision on Highway 403 westbound near Sunnyridge Road. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke with the two parties involved, ensuring their safety and securing the area. No injuries were reported as a result of the collisions.

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the suspect vehicle had a residence in Brantford. As a result, Treshaun SULLIVAN, 23, of Brantford, has been charged with the following:

  • Failure to Stop After Incident
  • Dangerous Operation

SULLIVAN is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on May 30, 2025, to speak to the charges.

The OPP reminds all motorists of the importance of staying at the scene following a collision to ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with the law.

For more information, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Kingston OPP Police Press Releases

Freddy Shorts – Drunk Driving

 (Kingston, ON) – An officer from Frontenac OPP was patrolling for speed enforcement and holiday / long weekend traffic initiatives when a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed was stopped. After the vehicle stopped it was determined that the driver was impaired.

On April 18, 2025, just after 11:30 pm an officer observed a vehicle traveling north on highway 15 at an excessive speed of 157 kms/h in a posted 80 kms/h zone. Once the vehicle was stopped, the use of an alcohol screening device (ASD) showed that the driver was impaired.

The driver was arrested and taken to detachment for further breath testing.

Freddy Shorts, a 47-year-old from South Frontenac Township was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed (HTA)

The driver was released from custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston, on May 13, 2025. They also had their drivers license suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

 As a result of the stunt drive for excessive speed, the drivers license was suspended for 30 days and the vehicle additionally impounded for 14 days.

The OPP would like to remind people that Impaired Driving is a serious threat to public safety. Highway safety is a team sport, do your part and plan a safe ride home.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sharbot Lake

Amanda Whalen Was Arrested

(Sharbot Lake, ON) – An officer from the Frontenac OPP was conducting speed limit enforcement patrols and located a vehicle driver speeding along the highway. After the vehicle was stopped, it was determined that the driver was impaired.

An officer was patrolling the area of Highway 7 in Sharbot Lake on April 18, 2025. Just after 9:30 pm a vehicle was located traveling at a high rate of speed near Zealand Road. When the driver was stopped, standardized field sobriety testing was used, and determined that there was alcohol and drug use that caused an impairment. A search of the vehicle, after the arrest, located a quantity of cannabis.

The driver was arrested and taken to the Lanark OPP detachment for further testing with a drug recognition expert.

Amanda Whalen, 35 years old from Perth was charged with:

  • operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.
  • operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
  • have care or control of a motor vehicle with cannabis readily available (CCA).
  • speeding 1 – 49 kms over the posted speed limit (HTA).

The driver was released from custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston, on May 27, 2025. They also had their drivers license suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

The OPP would like to remind people that Impaired Driving is a serious threat to public safety. Highway safety is a team sport, do your part and plan a safe ride home.

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Kirkland Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Melissa TURCOTT Was Arrested Again – Arson

(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – An arson investigation leads to charges against one individual.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Kirkland Lake Fire Department responded to a fire on Government Road East and to a second fire on McKelvie Avenue in the Town of Kirkland Lake. The Kirkland Lake Crime Unit was engaged and conducted an investigation, resulting in charges being laid on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Melissa TURCOTT, 37 years-old, of Kirkland Lake was charged with the following:

  • Arson – Disregard for Human life – two counts
  • Arson – Damage to Property – two counts
  • Fail to Comply with Probation – four counts

The accused remains in custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kirkland Lake on Thursday May 15, 2025.

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North Perth OPP Police Press Releases

Listowel Break & Enters – Do You Recognize These Suspects

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking assistance with identifying two persons of interest in relation to a break and enter in the Municipality of North Perth.

In early hours of April 20th 2025, the OPP were called to a break and enter at a local business in the Town of Listowel.

The persons of interest are described as:

Person of Interest #1

Caucasian, dark hooded sweater (small white logo on left chest), light-coloured undershirt, dark pants, dark shoes, red bandana over mouth, and holding a yellow drill.

Person of Interest #2

Large build, dark hooded sweater, carrying black bag, red and black

plaid pants, tan boots.

This investigation remains ongoing. The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone with information related to this investigation or video footage of persons of interest to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Yaroslav VERBITSKI Facing Numerous Charges #RepeatOffender

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Prohibited driver stopped for speeding through Blind River charged with multiple offences.

On April 21, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general patrol duties on Causley Street (Highway 17) in Blind River. A westbound grey car was stopped for speeding and the driver was spoken to. Police also learned the driver had a warrant out for his arrest, was a prohibited driver, had numerous license suspensions, and cannabis readily available. They were subsequently arrested, and the vehicle was towed and impounded.    

Yaroslav VERBITSKI, 36-years-old, of Mississauga was charged with:

  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – two counts
  • Driving while under suspension (two counts)
  • Driving under licence of other jurisdiction while suspended in Ontario
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Operate unsafe vehicle
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available – two counts

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

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Kingston OPP Police Press Releases

Sarah Ann Rolfe Was Arrested – Details Released

(Kingston, ON) – A RIDE check (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) was conducted at the on-ramp for Montreal Street and the 401 highway in Kingston, which resulted in the arrest of an impaired driver.

 On April 19, 2025, around 8:15 pm Frontenac OPP had a vehicle stopped at the RIDE check point and detected alcohol coming from the driver. An alcohol screening device (ASD) was used at the roadside, which resulted in a ” FAIL “. The driver was arrested and taken to detachment for further breath testing.

Sarah Ann Rolfe, a 29-year-old, from South Frontenac Township has been charged with:

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

The driver was released from custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston on May 27, 2025. They also had their drivers license suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

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Armour OPP Police Press Releases

Hwy 11 Drug Bust

(ARMOUR TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two people with multiple drug related offences after a traffic stop.

On Thursday April 17, 2025, approximately 8:40 p.m., the Almaguin Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a suspended driver hit by the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Police conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 in the Township of Armour, further to the investigation, resulted in both the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police seized amounts of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, Oxycodone pills, digital scale, baggies, debt list, and cell phones were seized. The estimated street value for the drugs seized was approximately $20,000.00. 

As a result, Andre LAVIGNE, 37-years-old of West Nipissing was charged with the following:

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

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin)

·      Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

·      Driving while under suspension

In addition, Onofrio DI PISA, 56-year-old of West Nipissing has also 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 – Opioid (other than heroin)

·      Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

Both accused persons were held for a bail hearing.

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Oneida Nation of the Thames Frist Nation OPP Police Press Releases

4 Sent To Hospital After Workplace Incident

(ONEIDA NATION OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION, ON) – Workplace incident leads to Ministry of Labour investigation.

On April 21, 2025, at approximately 10:43 a.m. members of the Oneida Police Service, Oneida Fire Department, Oneida Nation of the Thames Paramedic Service, Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, and Chippewas of the Thames Police Service attended a business on Elm Ave on Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation for a workplace accident.

As a result of the incident, one individual was taken by ambulance to the hospital with serious injuries and three individuals were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has been contacted and will be taking over the investigation. Follow up media inquiries are to be forwarded to the MOL.

Oneida Police Service will be assisting the MOL if required.

The OPP can be reached anytime, 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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Essa OPP Police Press Releases

Deceased Found In Fire

(ESSA, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a residential fire in the Township of Essa, which resulted in the death of one individual.

On April 15, 2025, shortly after 3:00 p.m., the Nottawasaga OPP responded to a residential fire on 9th Line. Essa Fire Department attended the scene, and sadly, one individual was located deceased.

At this time, the fire has been deemed non-suspicious, and no foul play is suspected in the death of the individual.

The Ontario Fire Marshal will continue to investigate with assistance from the Nottawasaga OPP Crime and the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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EAST ZORRA - TAVISTOCK OPP Police Press Releases

Cyclist Suffers Life Threatening Injuries In Hit & Run – Michael Book Arrested

(EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK, ON) – Police are seeking the publics assistance with an ongoing fail to remain collision involving a cyclist and a motor vehicle.

On April 17, 2025, at 11:00 p.m., members of the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment, Oxford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and East Zorra-Tavistock Fire Department responded to a report of a fail to remain collision on Blandford Street, in the Town of Innerkip.

A vehicle struck a cyclist and fled the scene prior to police arrival.

The cyclist suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was transported to local hospital.

On April 19, 2025, Michael Book, 60-years-old, of Woodstock, has been arrested and charged with: Fail to stop at accident resulting in bodily harm.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident, who may have observed this collision, or who may have dashcam footage and/or video surveillance footage between the times of 10:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m., in the area of Blandford Street, can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision on a highway or roadway in Ontario, it is your responsibility as the driver of the vehicle to remain at or immediately return to the scene of the collision, render assistance and exchange information in relation to the driver’s identity, vehicle and insurance information.

Police must be notified of collision if the combined damage to all vehicles exceeds $5,000 or there are injuries or there is damage to property.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three drivers with impaired driving halfway through the Easter traffic safety campaign.

On April 19, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. members of the Central Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team and Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Maple Street in Port Carling in Muskoka Lakes Township. A vehicle entered the RIDE program and officers soon commenced an impaired driving investigation. Police arrested and charged 63-year-old Karen SCHUH of Port Carling, ON with Impaired Operation CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 6, 2025 to answer to her charges.

On April 19, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers along with members of the T.I.M.E. team were conducting a RIDE program on Ecclestone Drive in the town of Bracebridge when officers stopped a nearby vehicle that appeared to be avoiding the RIDE checkpoint. Police arrested and charged 24-year-old Jonah KILLINS-BEASLEY of Muskoka Lakes Township with Impaired Operation – Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 20, 2025 to answer to his charge.

On April 19, 2025 at 11:20 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers along with members of the T.I.M.E. team were conducting a RIDE program on Muskoka Road South in the town of Gravenhurst. While investigating the conduct of a driver, officers became concerned about the driving behaviour of another vehicle travelling on Bethune Drive. A traffic stop was conducted and police subsequently arrested and charged 61-year-old Robert HAMANN of Barrie, ON with Impaired Operation CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 20, 2025 to answer to his charges.

If you suspect that someone is operating a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1 from your hands free device.

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OPP Plumber Additional Police Press Releases

Alan MILLER – Drunk Driving

(PLUMBER ADDITIONAL TOWNSHIP, ON) – A person was charged after police conducted a Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) check on Highway 638 in Plumber Additional Township.

On April 18, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a white Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and spoke to the driver. An odour of alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath and they displayed signs of alcohol impairment. They were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

Alan MILLER, 61-years-old, from Bruce Mines was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 5, 2025.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.