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ASHFIELD COLBORNE WAWANOSH OPP Police Press Releases

Deceased Identified

(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH, ON) – Police have identified the male found on the Lake Huron shoreline eight years ago using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).

On October 15, 2016, male human remains were discovered on the Lake Huron shoreline located north of Port Albert. The adult male was wearing a life jacket. As a result, members of the Huron County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

According to the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS), the cause of death was undetermined. However, foul play was not suspected in his death.

Investigators suspected that a man who was previously interviewed by SooToday on September 15, 2016, under the assumed name of Mitchell NELSON, could be the male discovered deceased a month later. The OPP requested public assistance for information through media relations and social media. A photo is attached to this media release.

CIB detectives submitted the male’s DNA for IGG in January 2023 to determine the male’s identity. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) provided genealogy support and on July 15, 2024, a family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the male was Garnet Michael NELSON of Alberta. He was 56 years old at the time of his death and investigators have confirmed that he is the same man that was interviewed by the news outlet in September 2016.

The investigation was assisted by Huron County OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Services, Victim Services, TPS, the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and OFPS.

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Muskoka Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

Gurmehakpreet SINGH – Hit & Run, Theft, Etc.

(MUSKOKA LAKES TWP, ON) – Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a vehicle fire that occurred in Muskoka Lakes Township during the early morning hours today.

On September 16, 2024, at 2:30 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka Lakes Fire and Muskoka EMS, responded to reports by members of the public of a vehicle that had left the roadway, struck a rock cut and was engulfed in flames on Muskoka Road 118 just east of Scarcliffe Road in Muskoka Lakes Township. Officers attended the scene and initially were unable to located the driver, further investigation revealed that the driver had taken the vehicle without the owner’s permission and fled the scene after the collision.

Police have charged 21-year-old Gurmehakpreet SINGH of Port Carling, ON with the following:

  • Take Motor Vehicle without Consent CC 335(1)
  • Obstruct Peace Officer CC 129(a)
  • Fail to Remain at the Scene HTA 200(1)(a)
  • Drive Motor Vehicle with no Plates HTA 7(1)(b)(i)

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 22, 2024 to answer to his charges.

Anyone with information about this or any other offense is asked to contact Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com.

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Chatham-Kent OPP Police Press Releases

James WHITTET – Drunk Driving

(CHATHAM-KENT, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) located and investigated a vehicle after a Good Samaritan reported a traffic complaint within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

On September 13, 2024, at approximately 2:55 p.m., members of the OPP located the vehicle on the westbound Highway 401 near the 93-kilometer marker, Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

While speaking to the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of impairment and Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) was administered. The driver performed the testing poorly, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, James WHITTET, a 30-year-old from Cambridge 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 is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Chatham on September 30, 2024.

The OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the individual who contacted police and reported this incident. As a direct result, officers were able to safely locate the vehicle and take the driver into custody.

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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Hamilton OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON, ON) – Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a fatal collision involving two passenger vehicles in the Township of Hamilton.

On September 15, 2024, at approximately 9:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of a serious two-vehicle collision, north of Donaldson Road on County Road 28. Emergency Medical Services and the Township of Hamilton Fire Department also attended the incident. One vehicle was travelling northbound and collided with a southbound vehicle.

Sadly, as a result of the collision, the lone occupant one of the vehicles, a 54-year-old, male from Curve Lake, Ontario, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the second vehicle were transported to a local hospital where the driver was transferred to a Toronto hospital by ORNGE with serious injuries. The passenger had sustained non life-threatening injuries. There were no other injuries reported at the time of the collision.

OPP Traffic Collision Investigation (TCI) members attended to assist with the investigation and County Road 28 was closed between Donaldson Road and Ganaraska Road, until shortly after 3:00 a.m. on September 16, 2024.

This investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided when available. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has dash cam/video footage, is asked to contact Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Occurrence ref: E241240549.

If you had witnessed the collision and wish to speak to victim services, Peterborough-Northumberland Victim Services can be reached at 1-888-822-7729.

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City Of Kawartha Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – Members from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made an arrest of a wanted individual and laid charges in relation to drugs.

On Saturday, September 14th  at approximately 12:30p.m. Officers were conducting a RIDE program on King’s Wharf .

A vehicle entered the RIDE program and was conducted to pull off to the shoulder for further investigation.

Officers recognized the male passenger, who was wanted on several warrants.

After further investigation, Officers entered a drug trafficking investigation where the following suspected drugs were seized

  • 9 tablets of Clonazeram,
  • 3.5g of Fentanyl,
  • 30.8 g of Cocaine,
  • 2.4 g of Crack cocaine ,
  • 7 tablets Oxycodone,
  • 9 tablets Clonazepam,
  • 5 tablets of Fentanyl

Along with other Opioid substance and $3425.00 CAD cash.

As a result, the driver, 42-year-old Aliza Hotchkins from City of Kawartha Lakes was arrested and charged with

–      Possession of schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking- opioid

–      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

–      Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available

–      Fail to surrender insurance card

They were released from custody with conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

The male passenger, 43-year-old, Adam Hughes from City of Kawartha Lakes was arrested and charged for  

–      Possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking- opioid

–      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused was transported by Officers and held for bailed.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwest Middlesex

David STINSMAN – Facing Numerous Charges

(SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX, ON) – Stolen vehicle located and recovered in Southwest Middlesex. Driver from Blenheim facing numerous charges including assault police.

On September 15, 2024, at 12:45 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to Thames Road at Gentlemen Drive, for the report of a possible location of a stolen vehicle, being tracked by GPS.

Officers arrived on scene and located the vehicle stationary on the roadway.

During the investigation the accused assaulted an officer and attempted to flee on foot.

Additional officers on scene were able to catch the suspect and place them under arrest, at which time two additional officers were assaulted.

As a result, David STINSMAN, a 41-year-old of Blenheim, has been charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code (three counts)
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada
  • Assault with intent to resist arrest (three counts)
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order
  • Driving while under suspension (two counts)

The accused was held for bail.

The vehicle had previously been reported stolen out of Chatham-Kent.

The officers did not require medical attention.

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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Middlesex Centre OPP Police Press Releases

Jerry AGAYAO – Drunk Driving

(MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ON) – Driver facing Impaired driving charge after failing roadside demand.

On September 13, 2024, at 10:21 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to a traffic complaint on Glendon Drive in Middlesex Centre, for the report of a possible impaired driver.

The vehicle was located, and a traffic stop was initiated.

It was determined the driver had previously consumed alcohol. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was utilized. The driver was arrested and transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment where further tests were administered.

As a result, Jerry AGAYAO, a 40-year-old of Mount Brydges, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on November 4, 2024.

The Middlesex 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

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Essex OPP Police Press Releases

David GRAINGER – Sexual Assault

(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – One individual was charged following an historical sexual assault investigation.

In June 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Essex County Detachment Crime Unit began an investigation from a report of sexual assaults that occurred between 2003 and 2010.

As a result of the investigation, on July 9, 2024, one individual was taken into custody without incident.

Charged with the following offences is 79-year-old David GRAINGER of Lakeshore:

·        Sexual Interference S.151 CC,

·        Invitation to Sexual Touching S.152 CC,

·        Sexual assault S.271 CC

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor at a later date.

Members of the Essex County OPP Crime Unit are continuing to investigate as it is believed that there may be more victims. If anyone has any information, they are being asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Windsor & Essex County at 519-723-2711.

If you are in danger and require immediate assistance, dial 9-1-1.

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OPP Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Syed ALI – Drunk Driving

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an Ottawa resident with Impaired Driving after conducting a traffic stop on Highway 417.

Shortly before 2:00 a.m. on September 16, an officer observed a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 417 near Maitland. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer noticed a strong odour of alcohol coming from the driver. The driver failed a roadside breath test and was arrested for impaired driving.

Syed ALI, 24 years of age has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

Ali received a 90-day driving suspension and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. Ali is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice on October 22, 2024

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Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Michael MCCLEERY Was Arrested

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – Prohibited driver from Michigan charged in Elliot Lake.

On September 14, 2024, at approximately 3:45 p.m. East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general patrol duties on Mississauga Avenue. Police recognized a four-door sedan with a Michigan plate as the driver had been previously charged with impaired operation in November of 2023.  

A subsequent vehicle stop was conducted and the driver was arrested. The vehicle was also towed and impounded.     

Michael MCCLEERY, 62-years-old, of Michigan was charged with – Operation While Prohibited Under the Criminal Code.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 10, 2024.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(Fort Frances, ON) – The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) in Fort Frances concluded an investigation with the arrest of two individuals and seizure of drugs, money and a vehicle.

In the summer of 2024, the Rainy River District Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) CSCU began a drug trafficking investigation in the Rainy River District. 

On September 6, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, CSCU assisted by the Treaty Three Police Service and the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau conducted a related traffic stop on Mill Road in the Town of Fort Frances. Two individuals were arrested and search warrants were executed on the vehicle and a hotel room which resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of suspected cocaine, $680 in Canadian currency, as well as drug trafficking related equipment and a vehicle involved in the offence.

Lisa COUCH, 35-years-old from Fort Frances ON and Tyler McMAHON, 44-years-old from Atikokan ON, are jointly charged with possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

Both accused were held for a bail hearing and have since been released from custody with a next appearance date scheduled for November 4, 2024, in Fort Frances. 

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers Charged

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals from Ottawa with Impaired Driving offences in unrelated occurrences.

Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on September 14, OPP stopped a vehicle that was travelling at 140km/h on Highway 417 near Moodie Drive. While speaking with the driver, the investigating officer determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol. The driver was also a G2 driver.

In a separate incident, shortly before 11:30 p.m. OPP attended a two-vehicle collision on Highway 416 near Hunt Club Rd. The investigating officer determined that one of the drivers involved in the collision had also been consuming alcohol. However, the driver refused to provide a breath sample to police.

Rajkumar EDLA, 29 years of age has been charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
  • Speeding – 140km/h in a posted 100km/h zone
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C Above Zero

Joseph MacDonald, 28 years of age, has been charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences:

  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
  • Change Lane – Not in Safety

Both Edla and MacDonald received a 90-day driving suspension and their vehicles were impounded for seven days. Edla is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice on October 30 and MacDonald is scheduled to appear on October 10.

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – On September 14, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the Norfolk detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a five-vehicle collision on Highway 6, near Blueline Road, Port Dover.

Members of OPP, Norfolk County Fire and Paramedic Services attended to assist.

The investigation determined that three motorcycles, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), and a pick-up truck were involved in a collision at that location.

A passenger of one of the motorcycles, a 33-year-old from Sudbury was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the same motorcycle was transported to a trauma center with serious injuries.

The operator of a second motorcycle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Four other vehicle occupants were not injured.

Members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team attended to assist with the investigation.

Highway 6 remains closed between Blueline Road and Pheasant Trail/Blue Lake Avenue while police continue to investigate. 

Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to contact Norfolk OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may submit an online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.ca or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Mulmur OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(MULMUR, ON) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Dufferin County EMS, and Fire Services attended a serious three-vehicle collision in the Township of Mulmur.

On Saturday, September 14, 2024, at approximately 2:45 p.m., officers attended County Road 19 in Mulmur for the report of a serious three-vehicle vehicle collision. The collision involved a motorcycle, sedan and sport utility vehicle (SUV). The motorcycle was traveling southbound and collided with a northbound sedan and SUV.

Sadly, as a result of the collision the driver of the motorcycle, a 53-year-old, male from Hamilton was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other injuries reported at the time of the collision.

The Traffic Collision Investigation (TCI) team of the OPP was brought in to investigate. The investigation is continuing and anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage is asked to contact the Dufferin OPP 1-888-310-1122.

If you had witnessed the collision and wish to speak to victim services, Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services can be reached at 905-951-3838.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drunk Driver Arrested Following Fatal Collision

(Orillia, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision in the Township of Oro-Medonte.

On September 14, 2024, just after 1:0 a.m., Orillia OPP and emergency crews responded to reports of a serious single vehicle collision at 15-16 Sideroad West between Line 5 and Line 6 in the Township of Oro-Medonte involving a single motor vehicle with extensive damage. Upon arrival, the male driver was transported by EMS to a Barrie area hospital for non-life threatening injuries, and the male passenger was pronounced deceased at scene.

The Central Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement unit (TIME) attended the location to continue the investigation. The intersection remains closed at this time.

As a result of the collision, the driver has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Operation causing death,
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), and
  • Dangerous Operation causing death.

The accused has been held in custody for a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing, and the intersection remains closed. Anyone who may have witnessed or has camera footage of the collision and has not spoken with police is asked to contact the Orillia OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The OPP recognize that seeing and hearing traumatic events can affect individuals in different ways. Orillia OPP is encouraging anyone who feels affected by this traumatic event to reach out for support if required.