Category: Police Press Releases

Categories
Greenstone OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Facing Murder Charge

(GREENSTONE, ON) – The Greenstone Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual in relation to a death investigation in the Municipality of Greenstone. 

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, at approximately 12:45 a.m., officers responded to a report of a medical emergency. One individual was transported to the hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.

The deceased has been identified as Brandin RITCH, 32 years old of Greenstone.

As a result of the investigation, Alexis AGGAMWAY, 19 years old of Greenstone, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

·      Second degree murder, section 235(1)

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay and remains in custody.

The OPP North West Region Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services and the OPP Emergency Response Team.

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

Categories
Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

MONGRAIN, MIMEAULT & SCOTT Arrested – Details Released

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – On May 22, 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant in Elliot Lake.

Police attended a residence on McKeown Road and seized more than 105 grams of suspected cocaine (estimated street value exceeding $10,500), numerous suspected methamphetamine tablets, cash, packaging materials, digital scales, and cell phones.  

The OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Emergency Response Team (ERT), and uniform members were involved with the investigation and three people were arrested and charged with numerous offences.

Jacqueline (Jackie) MONGRAIN, 52-years-old, from Elliot Lake 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

Zachary MIMEAULT, 29-years-old, from Elliot Lake 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

Sarah SCOTT, 40-years-old, from Elliot Lake was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition 

The accused persons will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 10, 2025.

Categories
OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

3 Collisions, 3 Impaired Charges

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to three separate motor vehicle collisions in Oro-Medonte and Ramara Township.

On May 22, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m., officers from the Orillia detachment were dispatched to a motor vehicle in the ditch on Lakeshore Rd. E Oro-Medonte. After arriving on scene officers were led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges.

As a result, Ragulan VIJAYARATNAM; 25-year-old, from Pickering, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus
  • Adult Mischief – destroys or damages property

Furthermore, at approximately 8:10 p.m., officers from the Orillia Detachment were dispatched to a motor vehicle rollover on Ramara Road 46, in Ramara Township. After arriving on scene officers were led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges.

As a result, Mark FALBY; 63-year-old, from Brechin, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

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

Lastly at 03:10 a.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were dispatched to a motor vehicle in the ditch on Line 15 S Oro-Medonte. After arriving on scene officers were led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges.

As a result, Jennie BECKSTEAD; 27 -year-old, Oro-Medonte ON, has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by drug

All three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date. Their driver’s licences have been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 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.

Categories
Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Kalie EKOMIAK Arrested – Assault & Harassment

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – On May 21, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person after numerous complaints to police regarding threatening phone calls. 

At approximately 10:15 a.m. police received complaints regarding multiple threatening phone calls placed by a known person to a school, daycare and residence. Police ensured the safety of all recipients and facilities and located the caller a short time later on Hillside Drive South. The caller was extremely confrontation, uncooperative, and assaultive with police during the arrest.

Kalie EKOMIAK, 35-years-old, from Elliot Lake was charged with:

·      Assault a Peace Officer

·      Criminal Harassment – repeatedly communicate

·      Mischief – obstructs, interrupts, or interferes, with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 10, 2025.

Categories
CENTRAL MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Calvin BRIFFETT Was Arrested Again #RepeatOffender #3Strikes

(CENTRAL MANITOULIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – On May 22, 2025, the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person in Mindemoya who had multiple outstanding arrest warrants.

On May 21, 2025, police were called to a motel in Mindemoya pertaining to a disturbance involving a tenant and employee. Police learned that the tenant was wanted on numerous warrants and there was information he was in possession of a gun.

The OPP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), and Canine assisted, and the person was safely arrested on the morning of May 22.

Calvin BRIFFETT, 63-years-old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:

·      Unauthorized possession of weapon

·      Failure to comply with Undertaking – two counts

·      Failure to comply with Probation Order

The accused had an arrest warrant from East Algoma OPP for three counts of failing to attend court and failing to comply with an Undertaking. In addition, there was another warrant from Manitoulin OPP for two counts of operation while prohibited. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Little Current on May 23, 2025.

Categories
Lincoln OPP Police Press Releases

Mirkarim MOUSAVI Was Arrested Following Hit & Run Involving 53,000 Litre Diesel Spill

(LINCOLN, ON) – A driver has been identified, arrested and charged in relation to a serious motor vehicle collision that occurred on Friday, January 12th, 2024, at 7:45am, on the Fort Erie bound lanes of the QEW, east of Tufford Road, in the Town of Lincoln, Region of Niagara.

It was reported that a black Mercedes being driven aggressively and brake checking other vehicles caused a white SUV to collide with a fuel tanker causing both vehicles to travel off the highway and into the right ditch. The fuel tanker truck rolled through the highway barrier fence and came to rest on the South Service Rd spilling a large amount of its load of 53,000 litres of diesel fuel onto the ground and causing environmental damage. The collision and cleanup resulted in a lengthy highway closure.

The driver of the black Mercedes did not remain at the scene and did not report their involvement in the collision to police.

An extensive investigation was undertaken by Officers from the Burlington-Niagara Detachment Cluster of the Ontario Provincial Police – Highway Safety Division (OPP-HSD) with support from the OPP – HSD’s Crime Unit to identify the involved vehicle and driver.

As a result of the investigation, Mirkarim MOUSAVI, age 59, from Burlington has been charged with:

·      Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm

·      Fail to Stop at Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm

MOUSAVI was released from custody and will be required to attend court at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines on June 9th, 2025, at 9:00am.

The OPP would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in this investigation.

If you have information about this incident or any other incident, you can 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.

Categories
Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Dakota LEWIS Was Arrested #RepeatOffender #3Strikes

(BRANT,ON) -On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., members of the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrols in the area of Cockshutt Road in the County of Brant.

Officers initiated a traffic stop with a vehicle on Old Greenfield Road. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.

As a result, Dakota LEWIS, 35 years old, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle – Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
  • Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver – HTA
  • Drive motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock device – HTA
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – Criminal Code of Canada

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on July 24, 2025.

The Brant County OPP would like to remind all drivers of the importance of complying with licensing conditions and court-imposed driving prohibitions. Safe roads start with responsible and legal driving behaviour.

Anyone who suspects illegal or unsafe driving is encouraged to contact police. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersbb.com.

Categories
Clarence-Rockland OPP Police Press Releases

Homicide Victim Found In River Identified

(CLARENCE-ROCKLAND, ON) – An individual located deceased in the Ottawa River in Clarence-Rockland has been identified and his death deemed a homicide.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers from the Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a body discovered in the Ottawa River, near Dallaire Street.

A postmortem examination has confirmed the deceased to be Robert PREVOST, 63 years old of Clarence-Rockland, who was reported missing in early March 2025. He was last seen at his home on Laurier Street in early February 2025. Photos of the victim are attached.

The Russell County OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance was provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services and OPP specialized units, including the Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, Aviation Unit, Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and the Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement team.

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

Categories
OPP Perth East Police Press Releases

Fatal E-Bike Collision

(PERTH EAST, ON) – One person has died as a result of a collision that occurred in the Township of Perth East.

On May 15, 2025 around 10:00 p.m. the Perth County OPP were called to a collision involving an e-bike on Perth Line 42 that lost control. The lone occupant of the e-bike, a 30-year-old individual from the Township of Perth East, was transported by air ambulance to a local trauma centre where they later succumbed to their injuries.

This investigation is ongoing. If you or anyone you know witnessed this collision or has dashcam footage, please call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Michael MCNEELANDS Was Arrested

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – On May 21, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested an intoxicated person walking on Mississauga Avenue in Elliot Lake. 

At approximately 5:00 p.m. police were called by numerous people on Mississauga Avenue, stating there was an intoxicated male causing a disturbance on the street and interfering with traffic. The male was spoken to who was displaying the obvious signs of drug impairment. He was also very uncooperative and confrontational with police. After a short confrontation, the male was safely arrested and removed form the area. 

Michael MCNEELANDS, 42-years-old, from Elliot Lake was charged with:

·      Resist peace officer

·      Causing a disturbance

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 10, 2025.

Categories
Brockton OPP Police Press Releases

One Dead In Workplace Incident, One Hospitalized

(BROCKTON, ON) – On May 23, 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Bruce County Paramedic Services, and Brockton Fire and Emergency Services attended an address along Concession 6 of Greenock for a workplace incident.

Police attended the scene and discovered that an individual was trapped under a concrete wall.

As a result of the incident, a 37-year-old resident of Hanover was pronounced deceased. Additionally, a 35-year-old resident of Arran-Elderslie was injured and transported to a London area trauma centre.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has been notified and will continue the investigation.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Six individuals are facing multiple charges following a three-week long investigation that led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

Between April 21, 2025, and May 9, 2025 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with support from the OPP Canine Unit, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Thunder Bay Police Service Canine Unit investigated incidents of drug trafficking throughout Northwestern Ontario.

During the investigation and during the execution of two search warrants at residences in the City of Thunder Bay, officers seized suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

As a result of the investigation, six people have been charged and face numerous charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act.

Maurice BARTLEY, 57-years-old of Thunder Bay 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 – Opioid

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 9, 2025.

Steve GROOMBRIDGE, 42-years-old of Thunder Bay 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 – Opioid
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused was remanded into custody.

Lennox MATTINAS, 48-years-old of Thunder Bay 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 – Opioid

The accused was remanded into custody

Jasen Dowhaniuk, 43-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of distributing

The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 30, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Alleysha Henry, 27-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder on June 5, 2025 to answer to the above charge.

Leah NEWMAN, 49-years-old of Langley, BC 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
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 4, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the trafficking of illicit substances is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Puslinch

Samantha McCARTHY Was Arrested

(PUSLINCH TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrest a Puslinch Township resident for impaired driving, after conducting a traffic stop.

On May 21, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP conducted a traffic stop on Concession 11 in Puslinch Township.

As a result, Samantha McCARTHY, a 32-year-old of Puslinch Township was charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a 14-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on June 6, 2025.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

Categories
Centre Of Wellington OPP Police Press Releases

Onkar SINGH Was Arrested In Fergus

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TWP, ON) – On May 21, 2025, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle that was observed on Tower Street South in Fergus.

As a result of the investigation, Onkar SINGH, 50-years-old of Fergus, was charged with:

·      Operation While Impaired – alcohol and drug

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

·      Having care and control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on June 6, 2025.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

Categories
Belleville Police Service Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(BELLEVILLE, ON) – The Central Hastings Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing to investigate a fatal collision that occurred on Highway 37 in the City of Belleville.

Highway 37 was closed between Denyes Road and Hoskin Road following a collision between a pickup truck and a car just prior to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Two southbound vehicles were attempting to overtake another southbound vehicle. The passing vehicles made contact, and both drivers lost control of their vehicles. The car left the road and entered the ditch.

The driver of the was rushed by Hastings-Quinte EMS to a local hospital, where the 85-year-old woman from Quinte West was pronounced deceased.

Central Hastings OPP continues to investigate the collision, in conjunction with OPP Collision Reconstructionists and other members of the Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or who may have relevant dashcam video, is asked to contact the Central Hastings OPP at 1-888-310-1122.