Category: Orillia

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Another Child Run Down

(Orillia, ON) -The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is currently investigating a fail to remain collision that occurred in Orillia.

On Thursday April 10, 2025, at approximately 3:37 pm, a white Ford pickup truck driving at a low rate of speed, struck a child riding their bike on Penetang street in the City of Orillia. The driver of the vehicle is described as a white male, wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses with a long red beard. The vehicle left the scene heading towards West Street. The child sustained minor injuries.

Members of Orillia OPP are involved in this investigation. If you have information or video camera footage, 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, reference E250434311. The OPP is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Steven Gibson – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(Orillia, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a driver with impaired operation related charges.

On April 10TH, 2025 at 12:30 pm, officers were dispatched to Rama Rd for a possible impaired motorist. Police received information from a member of the public that a male party had put his all-terrain vehicle into a ditch and was exhibiting several signs of impairment, including a strong smell of alcohol. Police arrived on scene shortly thereafter and entered into an impaired investigation, quickly determining the driver to be impaired. The accused was arrested and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing. Additionally, it was found the accused had previous conviction for Impaired Related offences and was a Prohibited Driver.

 Steven Gibson 41-year-old of Ramara Township was charged with the following:

Adult Operation while impaired – Alcohol and drugs

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

Adult Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code

Adult Drive motor vehicle, no plates

Adult Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused has been held in custody pending a bail hearing on April 11th, 2025.

Members of Orillia 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Wayne MCLEOD Was Arrested

(Orillia, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a driver with impaired operation related charges.

On April 2nd, 2025 at 1:45 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Peter and North St. about a possible impaired driver. Police received information from a member of the public that a male party entered a local business and asked for directions while exhibiting several signs of impairment, including a strong smell of alcohol. Shortly after police located the male driving a vehicle that was observed leaving the business. A traffic stop was conducted, and police quickly determined the driver to be impaired.

 Wayne MCLEOD 53-year-old of Severn Township was charged with the following:

Adult Operation while impaired – Alcohol and drugs

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

Adult Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code

Adult Driving while under suspension

Members of Orillia 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Jesse BARWELL Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid drug trafficking related charges and seized a quantity of illicit drugs, after executing a search warrant in Barrie.

In February of 2025, Orillia CSCU began investigating an individual who was allegedly trafficking drugs throughout Simcoe County. Police were able to utilize investigative techniques and confirm this information.

On April 2nd, 2025, satisfied with the information gathered, the Orillia CSCU with assistance from Collingwood/Huronia West CSCU executed a search warrant at a Meadow Lane address in Barrie. One person was arrested and safely brought into police custody

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

133 grams – Cocaine

701 grams – Cutting agent

$1380 Canadian Currency

6 cellular devices

Rolex and Cartier Watches (proceeds of crime)

Other indicia of trafficking

Jesse BARWELL, 25-year-old of Barrie, has been charged with:

Adult Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

Adult Poss of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada

The accused was released with a future court date.

Members of Orillia 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 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Aubrey COTTLE Was Arrested – Details Released

(ORILLIA, ON) – An Oshawa resident is facing charges under the Criminal Code (CC) following an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Cybercrime Investigations Team (CIT). 

As a result of the investigation, Aubrey COTTLE, age 37 of Oshawa, has been charged with the following CC offences:

  • Mischief to computer data
  • Unauthorized use of a computer
  • Possession of a device to obtain unauthorized use of a computer

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa on March 31, 2025.

A publication ban has been issued and as a result, the OPP will not be able to release further information.

The OPP would like to thank the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad, Durham Regional Police Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance with this investigation.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Investment Fraud – Douglas Grozelle, Crystal Masterson & Jonathan Williams

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch (ARB) has charged three people in connection with a complex, multi-jurisdictional investment fraud scheme.

 On February 10, 2023, members of the OPP ARB initiated an investigation after receiving allegations of financial fraud related to the scheme.

 As a result of the investigation, three people have been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code.

Douglas Grozelle, age 49, of Burlington, Ontario has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000 x2

 Jonathan Williams, Age 41, of Beamsville, Ontario, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000

 Crystal Masterson, age 40, of Burlington, Ontario, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton.

 Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

 The ARB is an OPP unit specializing in complex fraud, corruption and financial crime. It investigates major fraud schemes, political corruption and occurrences requiring advanced expertise or impartiality across Ontario.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Laclie Street in the City of Orillia. Further investigation led to impaired driving related offences.

On March 29, 2025, at approximately 11:17 a.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Laclie Street, in the City of Orillia. After arriving on scene officers were led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges after administering a breath sample that registered more than five (5) times the legal limit.  

As a result, Lauren KNEZACEK; 26-year-old, from Springwater, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus
  • Dangerous Operation

Furthermore, at approximately 1:49 p.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were dispatched to another unrelated motor vehicle collision on New Brailey Line, in the Township of Severn. After arriving on scene officers were again led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges. 

As a result, Brian MEDEIROS; 26-year-old, from Wasaga Beach, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus

Members of Orillia 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Douglas VROOM – Drunk Driving

(Orillia, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a driver with impaired operation related charges.

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m, officers from Orillia OPP were conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) on a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) on Bass Lake Side Road at Line 6 in Oro-Medonte. While screening all drivers that enter the RIDE, police encountered one driver that provided a Fail on a Approved Screening Device (ASD).

As a result, Douglas VROOM, 54-years-old, from Coldwater, ON has been charged with:

Operation while impaired-alcohol blood concentration (80 plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges at a later date in April 2025. As a result of these charges, his driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

Members of Orillia 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Jonathon FERGUSON – Drunk Driving

(ORILLIA, ON) – A traffic complaint has led to Criminal Charges for a Ramara individual by the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On March 24, 2025, at 3:45 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint in the City of Orillia. The suspect vehicle was located at the driver’s residence, where alcohol was observed within the vehicle. Officers launched an impaired operation investigation, and a demand for an Approved Screening Device (ASD) was read. The driver complied with the demand and provided a sample of their breath resulting in a reading of ‘FAIL’ at which point the driver was arrested. They were transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment where further testing was completed.

As a result of the investigation, Jonathon FERGUSON, 37-year-old from Ramara, has been charged with the following:

·      Operation while Impaired – 80 plus (CC)

The accused was released with a future court date. Additionally, their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (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 $2,000.00.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Warren TODD Was Arrested For Asault & Threats – Alcohol A Factor

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one male party following a disturbance at a residence in Brechin, Ramara Township.

On March 20,2025 at approximately 9:15 p.m. officers from the Orillia Detachment of the OPP were dispatched to a disturbance in Brechin with reports that a male party was leaving a residence impaired after assaulting and threatening another individual. Shortly after officers located the vehicle and suspect on Hwy 12 near Muley Point Road. Officers quickly determined the driver was impaired placing him under arrest.

As a result, Warren TODD, 50-year-old, from Orillia has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drug
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Assault
  • Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
  • Mischief Over $5000.00 x 2

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges at a later date in April 2025. As a result of these charges, his driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

BRANDSMA Was Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – A complaint of a suspicious person has led to Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substance Charges by the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On March 18, 2025, just after 6:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious person slumped over in a motor vehicle at a plaza on West Street North in the City of Orillia. Upon arriving on scene, officers noted that the vehicle was on and running, and there was a lone male in the driver’s seat. Speaking with the driver, officers entered into an impaired investigation and ultimately formed grounds to arrest the driver for impaired by drug. The accused was transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). Additionally, it was found that the accused was currently on a Release Order from a different jurisdiction from previous impaired allegations.

As a result of the investigation, Tysen BRANDSMA, 37-year-old from Barrie, has been charged with the following:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Failure to Comply with Release Order (CC) x2, and

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (CDSA)

The accused was held for a bail hearing on today’s date. Additionally, their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (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 $2,000.00.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Fatal Snowmobile Collision

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating an overnight fatal involving a snowmobile.

On March 7, 2025, just before 11:00 p.m., Orillia OPP, Simcoe County Paramedic Service and Severn Fire, were dispatched to St Amant Rd and Quarry Rd in Severn Township for a report of a crash involving a snowmobile. Upon arrival a 40-year-old male from Durham Region was identified and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team and The Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario are assisting with the investigation.

Members of Orillia 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 have information that may be helpful, 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Shelby JOHNSTON Was Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint on Coldwater Rd and Peter St for a possible impaired driver.

On March 6, 2025, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were alerted by a member of the public of a possible intoxicated person leaving a local restaurant in a motor vehicle. Officers quickly began patrols in the area and located the vehicle shortly after on Highway 12.

As a result, Shelby JOHNSTON; 30-year-old, from Oro-Medonte, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

·      Operation while impaired by alcohol

·      Operation while impaired – 80 plus

Members of Orillia 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Darnell CHAMBERS-COOPER Was Arrested Again!

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual with multiple weapons charges after an early morning disturbance In the City of Orillia.   

On March 5, 2025, shortly after 12:00 a.m., officers from Orillia OPP were called to an apartment complex in the West Street North area of the City of Orillia for reports of an individual making threats and spitting on people.

Orillia OPP officers arrived and secured the area. Officers observed one individual with a firearm. Officers quickly de-escalated the situation and safely brought the individual into custody.

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

·        Alprazolam (Xanax)

·        .45 Cal Ammunition

·        GLOCK Handgun

·        $825 Canadian currency

·        Cellular device

 As a result, Darnell CHAMBERS-COOPER, a 24-year-old male, has been charged with the following:

·      Fail to comply with release order (4 counts)

·      Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm

·      Possession of prohibited ammunition (2 counts)

·      Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm (5 counts)

·      Knowledge of unauthorized possession of Firearm

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 CC 354(1)(a)

·      Obstruct Peace Officer

The male has been held in custody.

Members of Orillia 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 have information that may be helpful, 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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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Violent Assault – Ryan BARTLETT Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged two individuals after an altercation outside a local business in Downtown Orillia.  

On January 25, 2025, shortly before 1:00 a.m., officers from Orillia OPP were on general patrol on Mississaga Street in the City of Orillia. A member of the Orillia OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) observed an individual suffering from injuries believed to be caused by an edged weapon. One individual was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries. OPP K9 Unit and Orillia OPP Major Crime Unit assisted with the investigation. Orillia OPP determined that there was no threat to public safety, and it was believed to be an isolated incident.

As a result; Ryan BARTLETT, 23-year-old, from Orillia has been charged with:

·      Assault

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges on March 4, 2025.

As well, Tyson ELGIE, 20-year-old, from Orillia has been charged with:

·      Assault with a weapon

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges on March 18, 2025.

Members of Orillia 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 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.