Category: Police Press Releases

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Cocaine At Courthouse Leads To Charges

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), assisted by the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and the Orillia Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), have laid drug trafficking charges after an individual attended the Ontario Court of Justice for an appointment.

On May 1, 2025, around 1:00 pm, officers of the Orillia OPP were working at the Ontario Court of Justice on Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia. As they were assisting with court security, they noted an individual who had set off the metal detector near the doors. Officers engaged with the party and noticed an object in their jacket pocket which they had refused to take out. Police were able to observe the object and saw a clear bag with a large amount of a pressed white substance and commenced into a drug trafficking investigation.

As a result, almost 65 grams of suspected Cocaine and over $3,500 were seized from the accused, Joseph CRANDALL, aged 43, of Orillia, and they face the following charges:

–       Resist Peace Officer (CC), and

–       Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine (CDSA).

The accused was held in custody to appear at in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia the following day for a bail hearing.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also 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 $2,000.00. 

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London OPP Police Press Releases

Spike In School Bus Collisions

(LONDON, ON) – A spike in school bus crashes has the members of West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) concerned.

Over the last thirty days, the OPP have investigated nine crashes involving school buses in various communities across West Region in southwestern Ontario. Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported to any students or bus drivers.

School bus travel is extremely safe. Every school day in Ontario, over 800,000 students are transported in school buses that travel 1.9 million kilometres. They’re one of the safest forms of transportation, but safety doesn’t happen by accident; it takes awareness, responsibility, and teamwork from everyone-drivers, students, parents, and the community.

School buses are designed to be safe, with flashing lights, stop signs, high seats, and trained drivers. Even in incidents where no one is hurt, the risk is real. That’s why motorists need to focus on prevention, not just reaction.

Advice for parents: talk to your children about staying alert near roads. Remind them to wait for the bus to come to a full stop, to use handrails when boarding, and to always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it.

Advice for students: you have a part to play too. Don’t push or run when getting on or off the bus. Listen to your driver. Stay seated and avoid distractions. You’re the future, and your safety is a top priority.

Advice for drivers in our community: slow down. Be patient. Stop when the bus stop arm is extended. That pause could save a life.

Let’s work together to make sure every ride to and from school is a safe one. Because when it comes to our children, safety should never be optional-it should be automatic.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-bus-safety.

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Be vigilant and patient when driving near school buses. When you see a school bus with its stop arm extended, it means lives are crossing the road. Stopping isn’t just the law-it’s your responsibility.” – Inspector Mike McConnell, Manager, Traffic Safety and Marine, West Region OPP Headquarters.

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – Three individuals have been charged as a result of separate impaired driving investigations.

At approximately 2:24 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program on Angling Road in Townsend, Norfolk County, when they stopped a vehicle and evaluated the driver’s sobriety.

As a result, the driver was taken into custody without incident.

62-year-old John WOOTON from Brantford, Ontario, has been charged with the following alleged offences:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Norfolk County OPP officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Charlotteville East Quarter Line Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

The investigation determined that the SUV was travelling along Charlotteville East Quarter Line Road when it left the roadway and entered the ditch. No injuries were reported.

As a result, the driver was taken into custody without incident.

During a search of the individual, officers seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and drug-related paraphernalia.

55-year-old Michael LEENDERSTE from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs,
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

At approximately 4:12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Norfolk County OPP officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a suspected impaired driver on Park Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

Officers located the vehicle and subsequently took the driver into custody without incident.

32-year-old Jordan DEPAUW-HAMILTON from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offence:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

If you observe a driver or operator you suspect may be impaired, contact the OPP or the nearest police authority by dialing 9-1-1.

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Marathon OPP Police Press Releases

Samuel GERGES – Impaired Driving

(MARATHON, ON) – The Ignace Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Ignace.

On April 30, 2025, shortly after 5:30 p.m., officers received a report of a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 17. Police located the vehicle travelling Westbound and conducted a traffic stop.

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the motor vehicle was impaired by drug. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported back to the Ignace OPP Detachment for further testing.

Samuel GERGES, 35-years-old, of Woodbridge, Ontario has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code, Cannabis Act, and the Cannabis Control Act with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Possession of over 30g dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place

·      Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

Further to this, the accused had his driver’s licence suspended for 30 days, and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on the 25th of June 2025.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are being asked to contact the Marathon OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Collingwood OPP Police Press Releases

Another Dies In Police Custody – SIU Invokes Silence

(Collingwood, ON) – The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate in relation to an incident that took place in Collingwood. 

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, members of the Collingwood Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a male for breaching a conditional sentence order. He was transported to the Collingwood OPP Detachment where he was subsequently lodged in cells and held for a bail hearing. 

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., the individual went into medical distress. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The OPP has notified the SIU, which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide further information. Any other inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

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Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

John ANDERSON Was Arrested

(KENORA, ON) – On April 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an individual causing a disturbance.

Police were notified that suspect was yelling and striking vehicles in the area of Seventh Avenue South. Police located the suspect, who then resisted police direction as he was being placed under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, John ANDERSON, 42-years-old of Kenora, Ontario has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Causing a Disturbance

·      Resist Peace Officer

The accused was released from custody and will appear before the Ontario court of Justice at a later date.

The OPP would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter. Anyone with further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Kenora OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Teen Repeat Offender With Gun & Drugs Found Under Car #3Strikes

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have charged a male for multiple drug and firearm related offences in Kitchener.

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Central Neighbourhood Police officers were on proactive patrol in the area of King Street East and Scott Street.

While on patrol, officers located a male who was wanted for previous criminal offences. The male fled from officers.

During the search for the suspect, which included the use of the Service’s canine unit, a firearm and a large quantity of suspected drugs were located. 

The K-9 Unit was able to track a suspect hiding underneath a vehicle and an arrest was made.

An 18-year-old male from Kitchener is being charged with multiple criminal offences including:

  • Escape lawful custody
  • Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
  • Carry concealed weapon
  • Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking schedule I substance
  • Fail to comply with a release order

The male was held for a bail hearing.

WA25106099 (917)

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Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

Logan CAMPBELL Was Arrested

(LAKESHORE, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 6:04 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on County Road 8 in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Logan CAMPBELL, 26-years-old of Leamington, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on May 13, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

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 of alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Loyalist OPP Police Press Releases

30 Year Old Found Dead – Police Seeking Person Of Interest

(LOYALIST TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a death in the Odessa area of Loyalist Township.

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, shortly after 10:00 a.m., officers were called to a residence on Potter Drive where a 30-year-old woman had been found deceased.

While a postmortem examination has found no indication of foul play, the investigation is continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Investigators are looking to speak to an individual who may have been involved in an earlier incident involving the deceased. There is believed to be no threat to public safety.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the L& A County OPP and refer to incident E250535059. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler LECKIE Was Arrested

(LAKESHORE, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 10:25 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on County Road 22 in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Tyler LECKIE, 29-years-old of Belle River, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Dangerous operation
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on May 15, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

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 of alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

One Dead – Dharmpal SINGH Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges following a fatal collision that occurred on January 24, 2024.

On January 24, 2024, shortly after 11:00 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment, the North West Region T.I.M.E. Team (Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement) along with Emergency Medical Services, responded to a collision on Highway 17 in Upsala. One individual was pronounced deceased, and two individuals were injured and taken to a local hospital.

As a result of the investigation, Dharmpal SINGH, 30-years-old of Abbotsford, British Columbia, has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Dangerous operation causing death

·        Dangerous operation causing bodily harm

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of fatal collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less.

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Clarence-Rockland OPP Police Press Releases

Melissa TOBIN – Arson, Disregard For Human Life

(CLARENCE-ROCKLAND, ON) – An arrest has been made in connection with a structure fire in Rockland.

The fire, at a two-storey apartment building on Laurier Street near Edwards Street, was reported on Monday, April 28, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Two people were transported to hospital after they jumped from a second storey window.

As a result of the ongoing investigation by the Russell County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Office of the Fire Marshal, an arrest was made on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Melissa TOBIN, age 47 of Clarence-Rockland has been charged with:

  • Arson-disregard for human life
  • Arson – damage to property

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on May 28, 2025.

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Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

Jesse NEWELL Assaut & Threats

(KENORA, ON) – Members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and have arrested and charged an individual following several weapons calls in Kenora.

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Kenora OPP were dispatched to three reports of weapons complaints in a store parking lot on Miikana Way. Police attended and located the individual, who was taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Jesse NEWELL, 38-years-old of Nanaimo, British Columbia has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Assault with a weapon – two counts

·        Mischief under $5,000

·        Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts

·        Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm – two counts

The accused was held for bail and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora at a later date.

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OPP Police Press Releases RIDEAU LAKES

Johanna CAKE Charged With Fraud

(RIDEAU LAKES TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid fraud charges against the operator of a former cat rescue in the Elgin area of Rideau Lakes Township.

The lengthy investigation by the OPP and Animal Welfare Service began in October 2024 after complaints were received regarding the well-being of cats under the care of the rescue and irregularities related to donations and expenses.

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Chief Executive Office of Eastern Ontario Cats was arrested. Johanna CAKE, age 33 of Rideau Lakes Township, has been charged with:

  • Fraud over $5000
  • Fraud under $5000 – two counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime
  • Obtaining by false pretence-over

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on May 30, 2025.

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Kingsville OPP Police Press Releases

Break & Enters – 3 Arrested

(KINGSVILLE, ON) – Three persons have been charged after a traffic stop in Kingsville.

On January 1, 2025, at approximately 12:52 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle for license plate discrepancy on Heritage Road in the Town of Kingsville.

The traffic stop led to further investigation into previous break and enters and recovered stolen property. 

After completion of the investigation, three individuals were charged with various Criminal Code, Cannabis Control Act and Highway Traffic Act offences.

Thomas RENAUD-MOORE, 51-years-old of Kingsville, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Break, Enter a place – commit indictable offence
  • Trespassing at Night
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession Break in Instruments
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive motor vehicle, no permit
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

Peter CHORTOS, 56-years-old of Kingsville, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession Break in Instruments
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

Richard BUTTERY, 43-years-old of Kingsville, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession Break in Instruments
  • Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

All the accused have been released from police custody scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor to speak to the charges.

The Ontario Provincial Police can be contacted at any time at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).