Category: OPP

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OPP Police Press Releases Wasaga Beach

2 Arrested For Armed Robbery

(TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) – Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested two individuals in relation to a theft of a motor vehicle.

On January 2, 2025, uniform members of HW responded to the report of an armed robbery of an UBER driver. The driver responded to a request for pick up at the Pizza Pizza in Wasaga Beach. After the picking up the suspect and mobile, the suspect pressed an object against the driver’s head and demanded he pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and get out. After the driver complied, the suspect fled the area in the vehicle alone leaving the driver behind.

Uniformed officers patrolled the area, located the vehicle and an attempt was made to stop the vehicle however, the driver failed to stop. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a parking lot in Collingwood.

The Huronia West Crime Unit, Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) were able to locate and arrest the two suspects at a residence in Collingwood without incident.

As a result of the investigation, a youth from Wasaga Beach was arrested and charged with:

  • YPC Robbery using Firearm
  • YPC Possession property obtained by crime over $5000
  • YPC Flight from peace officer
  • YPC Uttering Threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm
  • Failure to attend court while on Release Order

The identity of the youth will be withheld under the provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

Subsequently, Justice McEWEN, 20-year-old from Wasaga Beach, was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession property obtained by crime over $5000
  • Flight from peace officer

The two accused were held for a bail hearing and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The Huronia West OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Townships of Springwater and Clearview. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Huron Shores OPP Police Press Releases

3 Facing Murder Charges

(MUNICIPALITY OF HURON SHORES, ON) – Three individuals have been charged in relation to a residential fire investigation from February 6, 2023.

On February 6, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Mississauga First Nation Police Service and the Huron Shores Fire Department responded to a suspicious fire to a residence and a vehicle on Mississagi Bay Road. The remains of 51-year-old Dwayne KOZUCH were recovered in the residence.  

The East Algoma OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continued the investigation, with assistance from the OPP’s Forensic Identification Services Unit in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

On January 9, 2025, the OPP arrested and charged three individuals with offences contrary to the Criminal Code.

Nathaniel BATES, 28 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • First degree murder, section 235(1)
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2025.

Lindsay RIETZE, 28 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • First degree murder, section 235(1)
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2025.

Amanda SOUM, 42 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • Accessory after the fact to murder, section 240
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

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

Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation, 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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Haliburton OPP Police Press Releases

63 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested

(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) – Members of the Haliburton Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Minden resident with an impaired operation related offence as the result of a R.I.D.E. program.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 11:59 a.m., Haliburton OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot check in the area of Water Street in the Township of Minden Hills. A vehicle entered the area and was met by the officers. After a brief conversation, officers were quickly led to an impaired driving investigation.

As a result of the investigation, James COUSINS, a 63-year-old resident of Minden was charged with the following offence:

Operation while impaired – blood concentration (80 plus)

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden at a later date. Until then the accused’s driver’s licence is suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days.

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Kingston OPP Police Press Releases

NURSE Arrested – $50,000 In Drugs

(Kingston, ON) – An Illicit drug investigation conducted by the East Region Community Street Crime Unit, has resulted in one individual being arrested, and a seizure of illegal drugs found in the vehicle being used to transport them to the Kingston area.

On January 9, 2025 members of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit (OPP) stopped a vehicle traveling along the 401 Highway west of Kingston, and arrested the individual driving. A search of the vehicle by officers located a large quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Over five-hundred grams of suspected cocaine and over six-hundred grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized from the vehicle. The estimated street value of the seizure is fifty-thousand dollars.

As a result of this investigation, Darrell Nurse, a 64-year-old male from Kitchener 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 – Methamphetamine

The accused stayed in custody and was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville, where he was remanded into custody.

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Clearview OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Facing Attempted Murder Charge After School Threat

(CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) – Police have upgraded charges against an arrested individual in a Collingwood school threat investigation.

On September 11, 2024, the Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report about a potential threat to Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) by a former student. It was discovered that the threat was made in March 2024 and was not imminent. However, as the OPP takes all threats to public safety seriously, an investigation began under the Huronia West OPP Crime Unit and later under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

Following the two arrests on September 11, 2024, a search warrant of an electronic device revealed additional details, which would indicate that the plan to harm students was elaborate and well-researched.

As a result of further investigation, the charges for Jordan YOUNG, 19 years of age from Clearview Township, have been upgraded to the following offences as per the Criminal Code:

  • Attempted murder, as per section 239
  • Attempt to commit an assault with a weapon, as per section 267(a)
  • Possession of a firearm, section 91(1) – two counts
  • Possession of a prohibited device, section 92(2) – three counts
  • Careless storage of a firearm, as per section 86(1) – two counts
  • Unlawful possession of ammunition, as per section 86(1) – three counts
  • Weapons dangerous, as per section 88 – three counts
  • Possession a prohibited device for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, as per section 88 – three counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear on January 20, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.

Police are working with the Simcoe County District School Board and administrative staff at CCI to provide victim support.

The investigation is continuing under the direction of the OPP CIB. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Collision & Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – A single vehicle collision has resulted in two people being arrested and approximately $9,000 of suspected drugs seized.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Birch Island. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

Additionally, a search resulted in police seizing approximately 40g of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,000, approximately five grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $800, and approximately 15g of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $4,500.

As a result, the driver, Amanda PELTIER, 42-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous operation
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Fail to provide required document

The passenger, Leroy ESHKAWKOGAN, 37-years-old from Wikwemikong, was 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
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 25, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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City Of Kawartha Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

Thomas Hall Was Arrested

(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – On January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program.

A vehicle entered the RIDE program, and while engaging with the driver, officers observed an open container of alcohol within the vehicle. This prompted an investigation for impaired operation.

As a result of the investigation, Thomas Hall, a 29-year-old resident of Woodville, was charged with the following offence:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Driving a Motor Vehicle with an Open Container of Liquor

In addition to the charges, their license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days. 

The individual was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. Arrive alive, drive sober.

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Loyalist OPP Police Press Releases

20 Charges Following Vehicle Stop

(LOYALIST TOWNSHIP, ON) – Lennox and Addington (L&A) County members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two people with 20 offences following a vehicle stop on Highway 401.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, shortly before midnight, a vehicle was observed speeding eastbound in Loyalist Township. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested two people after locating open alcohol. A search of the vehicle then located suspected cocaine, suspected crack cocaine, suspected LSD (also known as acid) and suspected MDMA (also known as ecstasy).

Bridget DOCHERTY, a 30-year-old from St. Catherines, and a 17-year-old youth from St. Catherines, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are charged jointly with:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – six counts
  • Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose

In addition, the adult accused was also charged with:

  • Speeding
  • Possession unmarked cigarettes
  • Driving a vehicle with liquor readily available

The adult accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on February 11, 2025. They were also issued a three-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), for registering a “warn” on the approved screening device.

The youth accused was additionally charged with:

  • Fail to comply with release order – two counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order

This individual was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on January 10, 2025.

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Leamington OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler CLARK Runs Stop Signs & Gets Drunk Driving Charge

(LEAMINGTON, ON)- On January 9, 2025, at 11:13 p.m., a member of Leamington Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol when they observed a vehicle being operated by a suspected impaired driver on Talbot Street West, Municipality of Leamington.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested the driver; they were transported to a local OPP detachment.

As a result, Tyler CLARK, a 38-year-old of Wheatley, has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

·        Speeding 1 – 49 Km/h over posted limit

·        Driver fail to surrender licence

·        Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (Two Counts)

·        Fail to notify change of address – licence

·        Careless driving

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor to speak to the charges on January 21, 2025.

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

Essex County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

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 Thames Centre

Shawn DITTRICH Was Arrested Again

(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system assists officer in stopping and charging a driver from Dorchester.

On January 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), while on general patrol on Westchester Bourne at Hamilton Road in Thames Centre, was alerted by the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, of a possible suspended driver.

A traffic stop was initiated.

It was determined the driver was a prohibited driver and was placed under arrest.

As a result, Shawn DITTRICH, a 48-year-old of Dorchester, has been charged under Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on February 25, 2025, to speak to the charges. 

The vehicle was towed from the scene and was impounded for 45-days.

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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Collingwood OPP Police Press Releases

Ditch Drunk Driver Arrested

(Collingwood, ON) – Members of the Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the assistance of Collingwood Fire Department and Simcoe County Paramedics responded to a report of a motor vehicle that had flipped into a ditch in the Town of Collingwood.

On January 9, 2025 just after 1:30 AM Collingwood OPP were dispatched for a single motor vehicle into a ditch off Connell Street and Pretty River Parkway South. Due to the motor vehicle’s position on its roof the driver, who was the lone occupant, was extricated by Collingwood Fire Department before being transported to Collingwood General & Marine Hospital by EMS. The driver emerged from the incident with only minor injuries.

Officers were then led into an impaired driving investigation as there was suspicion the driver had consumed alcohol. At which point the driver was not co-operative with police.

Connor CADARET, 31 year-old male from Whitchurch-Stouffville was charged with:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand – Criminal Code of Canada S 320.15(1)

In addition to the charge the driver received a 90-day drivers licence suspension and a 7-day motor vehicle impoundment.

The OPP remains committed to removing alcohol & drug impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and education. If you suspect someone of driving while impaired, call the OPP 1-888-310-1122 or dial 911 to report it.

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OPP Police Press Releases Quinte West

Erica VARLEY – Break & Enter

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – Two individuals are facing Break and Enter and Theft offences after an incident in Quinte West.   

On Thursday January 9, 2025, members of Quinte West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a break and enter in progress on Adrian Court, in the City of Quinte West. Officers had just completed a search warrant at the residence earlier that morning. Police attended this time and arrested two parties in the residence.

Erica VARLEY, age 33 from Quinte West, has been charged with:  

  • Break and enter – with intent to commit indictable offence
  • Theft under $5000

Failure to comply with an undertaking, and was held for a bail hearing.

Brian CALLADINE, age 47 of Quinte West, has been charged with: Break and enter – with intent to commit indictable offence. This accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date. 

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Goderich OPP Police Press Releases

2 Arrested After Theft In Goderich – Names Released

(GODERICH, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two London residents with several criminal offences following a theft from a retail store in Goderich on January 07, 2025. 

Just before 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 07, 2025, Huron County OPP officers were contacted by staff at a Goderich retail store who reported a theft that had just occurred. Suspects and vehicle description were provided to police.

Officers patrolled for the suspects and later received a report of the same vehicle parked on Huron Road near Seaforth. Officers attended the vehicle location and located the two suspects nearby. The suspect vehicle had been reported stolen earlier from the City of London. Further stolen items and a prohibited knife were seized. The pair were arrested and charged as follows:

Brayden DUNPHY-GORMLEY, 28 years of age from London has been charged with:

–      Theft Under $5,000 – (two counts),

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000,

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,

–      Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.

The accused was processed and held in custody for a court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich, where they were remanded into custody. 

Matthew SQUISSATO, 35 years of age from London has been charged with:

–      Theft Under $5,000,

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000,

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,

–      Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon,

–      Obstruct Peace Officer,

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order – (three counts).

The accused was processed and held in custody for a court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich, where they were remanded into custody. 

Police would like to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the pair walking on Huron Road near Seaforth seeking fuel for the stolen vehicle. Time frame was 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. on January 7th. If you have any information, please contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 519-482-1677. Quote incident# E250027354.

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Essa OPP Police Press Releases

One Arrested Following Break & Enters

(ESSA, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), ) with assistance from the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) have made an arrest after several break and enters occurred at businesses and residences in Angus.

On December 30, 2024, police received a call for a break and enter at a local business in Angus. The two suspects broke the front door glass, stole items and fled the scene. 

In the early morning of December 31, 2024, shortly before 4:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to a break and enter in progress at the Ultramar gas station and Uplift Cannabis store located at 165 Mill Street, in the Township of Essa. Suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two suspects also attended several other businesses smashing front doors making entry into each establishment

On December 31 shortly before midnight, officers attended for another break in Angus at Angus Variety located at 9 Margaret Street, in the Township of Essa. Where Suspects had fled the scene prior to police arrival. Video footage was obtained from several businesses showing descriptions of two suspects.

On January 6th, 2025, Police responded to several break and enters on Brentwood Road where power tools and other items were stolen from the residences sheds.

As a result, on January 9, 2025, shortly before1:00 p.m. officers arrested and charged Keith JAMES also known as Keith LEDYIT 49-years-old at 62 Brentwood Road with the following:

  • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence – 8 counts
  • Obstruct Police
  • Breach of Probation – 9 counts

The accused has been held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on January 10, 2025, to answer to the charges.

If you have any information regarding a criminal offence please contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can submit your information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court.

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OPP Police Press Releases Quinte West

Drug Bust – Names Released

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – Numerous Quinte West residents are faces drug trafficking charges after an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU).

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, CSCU, assisted by OPP Emergency Response Team members, the Canine Unit and Quinte West OPP members, executed a search warrant at a residence on Adrian Court, in the City of Quinte West. Six parties were taken into custody.  

Officers seized over 17 grams of suspected cocaine, nearly 14 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, and over $800 in cash. They also seized items typically associated to drug trafficking; cellular phones, digital scale, and a digital video recorder.   

Scott MARTIN, age 24 of Quinte West, has been charged with: 

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – two counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

Erica VARLEY, age 33 of Quinte West, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – two counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order

Bradley DICKENS, age 55, Crissy MOORE, age 46, Shannon REID, age 55, and Amanda Young, age 40, all from Quinte West, all have been charged with two counts each of:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking

Martin and Young were held for a bail hearing and remanded in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Belleville at a later date. VARLEY, DICKENS, MOORE, and REID were released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Belleville at a later date.