Category: OPP

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Area OPP Goderich OPP Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Arrested For Arson – Edward LABRECHE

(GODERICH, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual following an incident that took place in the Town of Goderich on December 12, 2025.   

On Friday, December 12, 2025, police were contacted to investigate an arson caught on video surveillance in the early morning hours outside a business on Bayfield Road in Goderich. The video showed one individual lighting a cardboard box on fire while another individual exits the box, narrowly escaping injury.

Police attended the scene and arrested the person responsible nearby, and they were charged as follows:

Edward LABRECHE, 29 years-of-age of no fixed address has been charged with:

–      Arson – Disregard for Human Life,

–      Mischief Endangering Life,

–      Assault with a Weapon,

–      Fail to Comply with Probation.

The accused was processed and held for a bail hearing where they were remanded into custody with a later court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

If you witness a crime or have information that can assist police, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or leave a secure web tip at P3tips.com.

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Area OPP Field OPP Police Press Releases West Nipissing

Marc-Denis ST. MARTIN – Drunk Driving

(WEST NIPISSING, ON) – Police arrested and charged the driver of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) with impaired driving.

On Monday December 23, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), conducted a traffic stop with an ATV, which had no rear lights activated, on Larocque Street, West Nipissing.

The driver was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to an OPP detachment for further testing.

Further investigation found the driver to be a prohibited driver and a search of the ATV located open liquor.

As a result, Marc-Denis ST. MARTIN, 53 years-of-age, from Field, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on February 5, 2026, in North Bay.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 45-days.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases

Cows Shot – Giles AKIWENZIE Arrested

(NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid additional criminal charges as part of an ongoing investigation that began following a firearm‑related incident on November 11, 2025.

Grey Bruce OPP were initially called just before midnight regarding reports of gunshots and a suspicious vehicle in the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Officers located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and recovered a firearm.

Giles AKIWENZIE, 59‑years‑old, of Neyaashiinigmiing, was arrested and charged with several firearm‑related and liquor‑related offences. The accused was later released from custody with a scheduled court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.

The investigation has remained active. Further information was later provided to police indicating that several cows in the area had been found with injuries believed to be consistent with gunfire.

Police attended the scene and continued the investigation.

As a result of this new evidence, AKIWENZIE now faces the following additional Criminal Code offences:

  • Killing or Injuring Animals
  • Transport a Firearm in a Careless Manner

Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact the Grey Bruce OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 (TIPS) or online at www.cstip.ca, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP Northern Bruce Peninsula OPP Police Press Releases

William MERVYN Was Arrested

(NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On December 23, 2025, at approximately 10:03 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) at Highway 6 and Bruce Road 9 in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.

A vehicle entered the checkpoint where police then spoke with the driver. The investigating officer detected signs of impairment. The driver was arrested for impaired operations and transported to local detachment for further testing.

William MERVYN, 61-year-old of Northern Bruce Peninsula, was charged with the following Highway Traffic Act, and Criminal Code offences:

·        Operation while impaired

·        Operation while impaired- B.A.C. 80 plus

·        Drive while suspended (HTA)

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 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 15, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Schreiber

Cocaine Bust – Justin REINHARDT

(SCHREIBER, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from members of the Nipigon and Schreiber OPP Detachments, has charged one individual following an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, officers from the CSCU, executed a search warrant at a residence in Schreiber. The search resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, Canadian currency, and various drug-related paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, Justin REINHARDT, 42, of Schreiber, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime – under $5,000

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Schreiber on February 12, 2026.

If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact Schreiber OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit crimestoppers.ca.

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Mattawa OPP Police Press Releases Sudbury

Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(MATTAWA, ON) – Four individuals are facing numerous charges after a traffic stop on Highway 17 in Mattawa led to the seizure of suspected cocaine and cash..

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 11:15 p.m., North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) infraction on Highway 17. During the stop, the driver provided a false name to officers. Police determined the driver’s licence was suspended under the Criminal Code.

The driver was arrested for obstructing a peace officer. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 57 grams of suspected cocaine, a digital scale, four cell phones, and approximately $4,600 in Canadian currency.

As a result, Matthew SINOBERT, 43, of Sudbury, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Obstruct a peace officer
  • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code – two counts
  • Driving while under suspension (HTA) – three counts
  • Operate unsafe vehicle

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 23, 2025.

Additionally, passengers Shy-Eagle ASSINEWAI, 26, of Sudbury; Naomi COOPER, 31, of Wikwemikong First Nation; and Ashley SHAWAYAHAMISH, 36, of Sudbury, were each charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

All accused individuals were held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 23, 2025.

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North Bay OPP Police Press Releases

Dawson SZANTI – Drunk Driving

(NORTH BAY, ON) – A North Bay resident has been charged with impaired driving following a rear-end collision on Highway 11 in North Bay.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire services, responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 11.

Police determined that the driver of the rear vehicle had consumed alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to the North Bay Police Service detachment for further testing.  

As a result of the investigation, Dawson SZANTI, 26 years of age, of North Bay, has been charged with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 20, 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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North Middlesex OPP Parkhill Police Press Releases

Justin MATHERS Was Arrested

(NORTH MIDDLESEX, ON) – Individual charged after disturbance in Parkhill.

On December 22, 2025, at 10:55 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to an address on Queens Avenue in Parkhill, Municipality of North Middlesex, for the report of a disturbance.

Officers arrived on scene at which time the individual was placed under arrest.

Justin MATHERS, a 35-year-old of North Middlesex, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Uttering Threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm

The accused was held for bail.

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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Area OPP Meaford OPP Police Press Releases

Richard FRASER – Drunk Driving

(MEAFORD, ON) – An individual from Meaford, Ontario is facing impaired driving-related charges stemming from a traffic complaint on Highway 26, in the Municipality of Meaford.

On Monday, December 22, 2025 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 26 near Grey Road 112, in the Municipality of Meaford. The witness advised that a pickup truck was driving with its four ways on, crossed the road and struck a guard rail.

Officers were able to locate the vehicle and driver a short time later.

Richard FRASER, 27-years-old, of Meaford, is charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol
  • Operation while Impaired – 80 plus
  • Adult Dangerous Operation

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 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 8, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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Area OPP North Huron OFP OPP Wingham

Officers Who Crossed the Line in Wingham Added To Hall Of Shame – Richardson & Hann #HallOfShame

This week, the Free Press takes the unprecedented step of adding Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers assigned to the PLT division—Paul Richardson (Badge 12861) and Robert Hann (Badge 13409)—to its Hall of Shame.

We do not do this lightly. But what occurred at the recent North Huron council meeting was not routine policing. It was an attack on democracy, free speech, and a free press—and it demanded a response.

What Happened

During a public council meeting—the people’s house—two plain-clothes officers positioned themselves to intimidate members of the public and press who were asking questions and documenting proceedings. Rather than facilitating public order, their conduct had a chilling effect on lawful civic participation.

This was not crowd control.
This was deterrence.

And it crossed a line.

The Public Responded—Peacefully

What followed should be studied, not suppressed.

The public and press gallery rose together, calmly and lawfully. Cameras went up—not as weapons, but as shields. Citizens exercised their rights to observe, record, and report. In that moment, ordinary people did what institutions failed to do: they protected democracy.

No shouting. No threats. No violence.
Just cameras, courage, and calm resolve.

Why This Matters

Police intervention in peaceful, lawful civic questioning runs headlong into the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—including freedoms of expression, press, and assembly. The presence of police to discourage scrutiny inside a council chamber undermines public confidence and erodes the very legitimacy policing depends on.

This is why accountability matters—even when it comes via social justice channels like a Hall of Shame.

Why the Free Press Is Acting

Yes—this is unprecedented for us.
But so was the conduct we witnessed.

The Free Press exists to document, defend, and deter abuses of power. When public officials—elected or sworn—step beyond their mandate, sunlight is not optional. It is required.

A Message from Wingham

Wingham has sent a clear signal:

  • Democracy will be defended in The Square Mile.
  • Council chambers belong to the public.
  • Intimidation has no place in civic life.
  • Cameras stay up.

The public is taking back its council chambers, peacefully and lawfully. Any attempt by police to intervene in that democratic space—without cause—must be reviewed, and disciplinary action considered.

If formal accountability lags, public accountability will not.

Hall of Shame Inductees

  • Paul Richardson — OPP / PLT (Badge 12861)
  • Robert Hann — OPP / PLT (Badge 13409)

History remembers moments like this—not for the uniforms involved, but for the choices made.

In Wingham, the choice was clear.
Democracy stood its ground.

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Area OPP Exeter OPP Police Press Releases

South Huron Drug Bust – Patrick ALBISTON & Tabatha VAN ERP

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – A search warrant executed in the Municipality of South Huron on December 17, 2025, resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and offence-related property. Two residents of South Huron have been charged.

An investigation initiated by members of the Huron-Perth Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) led investigators to an address in the Town of Exeter, Municipality of South Huron. Officers from the Wellington County OPP CSCU, Grey-Bruce OPP CSCU, West Region OPP K-9, and West Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) assisted with the investigation.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, a search warrant was executed at an address on Main Street South in Exeter, which resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, offence-related property, and Canadian currency.

The total value of the illegal drugs seized is approximately $36,000.

Offence-related property including weigh scales, cellular phones, and Canadian currency seized by police totaled $1,275.

Patrick ALBISTON, 39 years-of-age from South Huron has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine,
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl,
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine.

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing, and later released from custody with a court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Tabatha VAN ERP, 38 years-of-age from South Huron has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine,
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl,
  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine.

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing, and remanded into custody with a later court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Any person with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a web tip at “P3tips.com” where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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MANITOUWADGE OPP Police Press Releases

Jersey LITTLE Was Arrested

(MANITOUWADGE, ON) – The Marathon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a driver with multiple offences following a single motor vehicle collision.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Marathon and Manitouwadge OPP responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 17. Officers discovered the driver was suspended and there was a strong cannabis smell emanating from the vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Jersey LITTLE, 31 years old of Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with:

·      Operation While Impaired – Drugs

·      Dangerous Operation

·      Care or Control of Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available

·      Driving While Under Suspension

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The Ontario Provincial Police remains committed to taking alcohol and drug impaired drivers off our roads, trails and waterways through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Durfferin Melancthon OPP Police Press Releases

Kayden MORLEY – Drunk Driving

(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a resident of Melancthon Township with impaired operation-related offences following a traffic stop.

On December 20, 2025, shortly before 3:30 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers observed a vehicle having difficulty maintaining its lane while travelling on Highway 10 in the Town of Mono. Officers conducted a traffic stop, and after speaking with the driver, initiated an impaired driving investigation as a result of the interaction.

Kayden MORLEY, a 27-year-old male from Melancthon Township, has been charged with the following offences:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. As a result of the incident, the individual’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The Dufferin OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead if consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, public transit, or arrange to stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time. In a split second, impaired driving can result in life-altering consequences for yourself and others.

Members of the Dufferin OPP remain committed to public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. To report suspected unlawful activity, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM OPP Police Press Releases

Tow Truck Operator Killed – Sandeep SINGH Arrested

(BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM, ON) – Investigators have charged an individual involved in a fail to remain collision that claimed the life of tow truck operator on Highway 401.

On December 3, 2025, at approximately 7:18 a.m., members of the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment, Paramedic Services and Fire Services responded to a fail to remain collision on Highway 401, in the westbound lanes, west of Oxford Road 3 in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim.

Upon arrival, emergency services located a tow truck operator that was struck by an unknown vehicle while assisting a motorist. The tow truck operator, a 42-year-old male from Kitchener, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On December 22, 2025, police arrested and charged, 32-year-old, Sandeep SINGH, of Mount Hope, with the following offences:

  • Dangerous Operation Causing Death
  • Failure to Stop after Accident resulting in Death

The accused was released from custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock, on January 27, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sarnia

Darrin DAAMEN – Assault With Weapon, Etc.

(POINT EDWARD, ON) – An individual has been charged following a disturbance in the Village of Point Edward.

 On December 17, 2025, shortly before 10:00 a.m., members of the Lambton County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a disturbance involving two individuals at the waterfront near Fort Street in Point Edward. 

 As a result of the incident, one individual sustained minor injuries.

 Following an investigation, Darrin DAAMEN, 61-year-old from Sarnia, was charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

•             Assault with a weapon

•             Assault

•             Mischief

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in the City of Sarnia on January 26, 2026

 Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Lambton OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.