Category: OPP

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Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Michael SCHELL Facing Numerous Charges

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON)- Suspended driver charged with numerous offences.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of an unlicensed driver in a grey pickup truck at a coffee shop on Highway 108 in the City of Elliot Lake.

Police later observed the same grey pickup truck parked at a residence on Central Avenue. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the grey pickup truck pulled out of the driveway with a utility trailer in tow and a traffic stop was initiated on Poplar Road.

A query revealed the driver was suspended and breaching a condition of their Undertaking. An arrest was made, and a subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating a small amount cannabis marihuana on the front seat and in the centre console.

Michael SCHELL, 38 years-of-age from Sudbury was charged with:

  • Failure to comply with Undertaking
  • Driving while under suspension – two counts
  • Driver-fail to properly wear seatbelt
  • Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
  • Improper tires-draw vehicle
  • Improper tires
  • Improper means of attachment

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 10, 2025.

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Area OPP Minto OPP Police Press Releases

Carrie Whetham Was Arrested

(TOWN OF MINTO, ON) – On March 17, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single motor vehicle into a ditch at the intersection of Creek Road at Wellington Road 2, in Clifford.

As a result of the investigation, Carrie Whetham, 62-years-old of Clifford, was charged with:

– Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to the Criminal Code

– Operation While Impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) contrary to the Criminal Code

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on March 28, 2025.

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. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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Dufferin OPP Police Press Releases

Jarrod BURKE Was Arrested


(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Hamilton resident with impaired operation related offences as the result of a traffic complaint.

On March 18, 2025, just before 4:30 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint in the area of the Townline in the Town of Orangeville. Officers arrived in the area and located the vehicle in question. After a brief conversation, the officers were quickly led to an impaired driving investigation.

Jarrod BURKE, a 28-year-old female, from Hamilton has been charged with:

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

•      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

•      Disobeying Order of Court

The accused individual is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. Their driver’s licence was suspended, and their vehicle impounded.

The Dufferin OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, rideshare, public transit or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you.

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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Area OPP North Perth OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision In North Perth

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – One person has died following a motor vehicle collision in the Municipality of North Perth.

On March 18, 2025, shortly after 8:00 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Perth County Paramedic Services, and the North Perth Fire Department, responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Perth Line 86 and Perth Road 140, in the Municipality of North Perth for a report of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) that collided with a passenger vehicle.

As a result of the collision a 35-year-old male passenger was pronounced deceased. The driver of the CMV and driver of the vehicle have non-life-threatening injuries.

Members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team are assisting Perth County OPP with the investigation.

Perth Line 86 between Perth Road 131 and Perth Road 147 and Perth Road 140 between Perth Line 84 and Perth Line 87 remains closed while officers continue to investigate. The roadway is anticipated to be closed for the next 6 hours.

The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has dashcam footage 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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Atikokan OPP Police Press Releases

Violent Home Invasion – Wayne LYYTINEN Charged

(ATIKOKAN, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Atikokan have arrested and charged one individual with numerous charges following an altercation.

On March 16th, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Atikokan OPP Detachment responded to a reported break and enter incident on Maple Crescent in Atikokan. Officers attended and spoke to several individuals. Through the investigation, it was determined that a male had broken into a residence with a weapon an altercation took place, resulting in minor injuries.

As a result of this investigation, Wayne LYYTINEN, 42-years-old of Atikokan, Ontario has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·        Uttering Threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm x2

·        Possession of imitation weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·        Pointing a Firearm x2

·        Disguise with Intent

·        Break, Enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence

·        Assault with a weapon x2

·        Assault

·        Armed Robbery

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Atikokan on the 4th of May 2025.

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Matheson OPP Police Press Releases

Mason EMANS Facing Numerous Charges

(MATHESON, ON) – A traffic complaint on Highway 101 leads to a driver being charged.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Iroquois Falls Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 101, in the Town of Matheson. 

As a result of the investigation police seized a suspected amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl with an estimated street value of $40,000. Police also seized a conductive energy weapon and over $2,000 in Canadian currency.

Mason EMANS, 24 years-old, of Holtyre was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order – two counts
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Drive motor vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Operate motor vehicle without insurance
  • Use plates not authorized for vehicle
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner

The accused remains in custody.

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North Middlesex OPP Police Press Releases

Kevin LUMLEY Was Arrested

(NORTH MIDDLESEX, ON) – In-car camera alert leads to multiple charges for driver.

On March 17, 2025, at 9:21 a.m., a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) while on general patrol on Grand Bend Line in North Middlesex, received an alert on the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system for a possible suspended driver.

A traffic stop was initiated.

As a result, Kevin LUMLEY, a 48-year-old of Sarnia, has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

·      Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code

·      Driving while under suspension (two counts)

·      Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

·      Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·      Obstruct plate

·      Colour coating obscuring interior

The accused has been released from police custody and is and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on May 14, 2025, to speak to the charges. 

The In Car Camera and ALPR have been operating in Middlesex County OPP vehicles since March 13, 2023. Middlesex OPP officers continue to see drivers operating vehicles that do not have valid, registered licence plates, are currently driving unlicenced, while under suspension or prohibited.

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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OPP Police Press Releases Prince Edward

Sharon WICKETT Was Arrested

(PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ON) – A Monday night RIDE program by members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) resulted in one driver being arrested.

Officers were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 62 at County Road 3 at 10:30 p.m. on March 17, 2025. During the RIDE, officers conducted a test on one driver with the Approved Screening Device. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Sharon WICKETT, age 72 of Prince Edward County has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • 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 in Picton on April 2, 2025. They also had their driver’s licence suspended for a period of 90 days and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life. 

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OPP Peterborough Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(PETERBOROUGH, ON) – Three individuals are facing a combined seven charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) after search warrants were executed in Peterborough, Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and Peterborough Police Service (PPS) Drug Unit began a drug trafficking investigation in the summer of 2024, which resulted in arrests in January 2025.

On March 3, 2025, officers conducted a vehicle stop and arrested an individual for drug trafficking offences. Three search warrants were also executed in Peterborough, Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie by officers from OPP OCEB, OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, Sault Ste. Marie OPP, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP Community Street Crime Unit, PPS and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS).

On March 6, 2025, SSMPS executed a search warrant in Sault Ste. Marie.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of the following items:

  •         Approximately 635 g of suspected fentanyl
  •         Approximately 60 g of suspected cocaine
  •         Approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency
  •         Four cell phones

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $133,000.

Jonathan MORNINGSTAR, age 31 of Ottawa, has been charged with the following two offences under the CC and CDSA:

  •         Possession of property obtained by crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on April 17, 2025.

Antonio WILLIAMS, age 30 of Toronto, has been charged with the following three offences under the CC and CDSA:

  •         Possession of property obtained by crime
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 31, 2025.

Kyle MCLELLAND, age 20 of Sault Ste. Marie, has been charged with the following two CDSA offences:

  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on March 31, 2025.

Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust

(OTTAWA, ON) – Ten people are facing a combined 58 charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) after a drug trafficking investigation in Ottawa and the surrounding communities.

In late 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began a drug trafficking investigation in Ottawa. Between March 3 and 5, 2025, members from the OPP-led PGNG, OPP Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team, OPP Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, Sûreté du Québec, Ottawa Police Service, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau and Canada Border Services Agency executed six search warrants on residences in Ottawa, Gatineau and Renfrew, and three vehicle search warrants.

The following items were seized:

  •         Two firearms
  •         Approximately 1.17 kg of suspected cocaine
  •         Approximately 8 g of suspected fentanyl
  •         More than 150 pregabalin tablets
  •         More than 390 alprazolam tablets
  •         More than 100 hydromorphone tablets
  •         $187,419 in Canadian currency
  •         Two vehicles as offence-related property
  •         Nine cell phones
  •         Digital scales
  •         Pepper spray
  •         Luxury watches and jewellery
  •         Two money counters
  •         Packaging material

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $113,000.

Further details relating to the accused and their respective charges can be found in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Michael RICCI – Impaired Operation

(CALEDON, ON) – Members of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver with impaired operation by drugs following a single motor vehicle collision.

On March 13, 2025, just before 3:00 p.m., officers responded to a vehicle into the ditch on Old School Road, near Winston Churchill Boulevard, in the Town of Caledon. During the interaction, the officer formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs and was subsequently arrested. 

As a result of the investigation, Michael RICCI, 42, of Brampton, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on April 7, 2025, to answer to the charges. The driver’s licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

Whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired, and impaired driving is dangerous regardless of the source of impairment. The OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from impaired drivers. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://peelcrimestoppers.ca. 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 Thames Centre

Breanna McKAY Was Arrested Again

(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – In-car camera alert results in multiple charges for driver.

On March 16, 2025, at 12:00 a.m., a Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) member, while on general patrol on Dundas Street in Thames Centre, was alerted by the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, of possible stolen licence plate on a vehicle.

Police confirmed the licence plates had previously been reported as stolen.

A Tire Deflation Device was safely utilized on the vehicle at which time it came to a stop at the intersection of Elgin Road and Catherine Street in Thames Centre.

The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle fled the scene on foot, however, was quickly located by police.

The individual was placed under arrest.

As a result, Breanna McKAY, a 26-year-old of Tillsonburg, has been charged under the Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act with:

  • Operation while impaired – drugs
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Possession of an identity document
  • Possession of article stolen from mail
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Obstruct plate
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was held for bail.

The In Car Camera and ALPR have been operating in Middlesex County OPP vehicles since March 13, 2023. Middlesex OPP officers continue to see drivers operating vehicles that do not have valid, registered licence plates, are currently driving unlicenced, while under suspension or prohibited.

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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LANARK OPP Police Press Releases

ATM Attempted Break-in – One Arrested

(LANARK, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid a charge following an attempted ATM break-in.

Lanark County OPP officers responded to a bank in Lanark, on March 17,2025 at approximately 11:20 p.m. and arrest was made at the scene. Two other individuals fled on foot.

The OPP Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team conducted a search of the area, but the other individuals were not located. A door to the bank had been forced open and the culprits had attempted to break into the ATM. Several power tools were left behind. It is not believed any money was taken.

Andre Pageau, 35-years-old from Gatineau, Quebec, has been charged with break and enter.

The accused was held for a bai hearing scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on March 18, 2025.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area or who may have captured relevant video of the suspects in and around the time of the incident, to call Lanark OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident E250324151. If you have information but wish to remain anonymous, call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Stephen Wallace Was Arrested

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver with impaired operation following a suspicious vehicle investigation.

On March 11, 2025, shortly after 2:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Kingsview Drive. During the interaction, grounds were formed that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.

As a result of the investigation, Stephen Wallace, 63, of Holland Landing, was charged with:

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

• Having care or control of motor vehicle with open container of liquor.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on March 27, 2025, to answer to the charges. The driver’s licence was also suspended for a period of 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven. 

Did you know? No person shall drive or have the care of a motor vehicle (whether or motion or not) with liquor, except:

• In a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken; or

• Packed in baggage that is fastened closed or not otherwise readily available to any person in the vehicle

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, call 9-1-1. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://peelcrimestoppers.ca. 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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Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Mark HAWLEY – Assault, Drunk Driving

(BRANT, ON) – The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one individual following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 403.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 6:27 p.m., Brant County OPP, along with Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services and Brant County Fire Services, responded to a report of a black pickup truck that had rolled over into the north-side ditch on Highway 403 westbound, west of Paris Road.

Emergency responders located the lone male occupant, who was assisted from the vehicle and transported to hospital for medical assessment. Further investigation determined that the driver had been operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest and later became combative with officers.

As a result, Mark HAWLEY, 54 years old, of Brantford, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Operation while impaired
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Assault peace officer

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford at a later date.

The OPP reminds drivers that impaired driving is a criminal offence that poses serious risks to public safety. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/.