Category: Police Press Releases

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OPP Police Press Releases Sudbury

Katherine NANTAIS – Drunk Driving

(SUDBURY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving offences after conducting a traffic stop.

On February 27, 2025, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle on Highway 69, Sudbury.

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

As a result of the investigation, Katherine NANTAIS, 57 years-of-age, from Sudbury, was charged with, operation while impaired – alcohol, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on March 26, 2025, in Sudbury.

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

The OPP would like to remind the public that if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please “Make the Call,” and dial 9-1-1 as impaired driving never ends well, please plan a way to get home safely.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sudbury

Evan BELANGER – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(SUDBURY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving offences after receiving several traffic reports from the public.

On February 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP responded to several traffic complaints of a possible impaired driver travelling east, from Nairn Centre on Highway 17, Sudbury.

The vehicle was located, and a novice driver was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to an OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Evan BELANGER, 32 years-of-age, from Frankford, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Drive motor vehicle – not equipped with ignition interlock device
  • Driving while under suspension – two counts
  • Novice driver – Blood Alcohol Concentration above zero

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on March 19, 2025, in Sudbury.

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

The OPP would like to remind the public that if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please “Make the Call,” and dial 9-1-1 as impaired driving never ends well, please plan a way to get home safely.

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Laurentian Valley OPP Police Press Releases

Patricia GOULET-COUSINEAU Was Arrested Again

(LAURENTIAN VALLEY TWP, ON) – An area resident is facing several charges after an impaired driving investigation in the Township of Laurentian Valley (TLV).    

On February 26, 2024, at approximately 6:50 p.m., members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in TLV. Officers located the vehicle on B Line Road and a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted. Further testing was conducted by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer at the detachment.   

As a result of this investigation the driver, 21-year-old Patricia GOULET-COUSINEAU of no fixed address, has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) and Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offences:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Fail to comply with probation order

·        Fail to comply with release order

·        Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody until their next appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on February 27, 2025. 

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Brayden BULLOCK – Impaired Operation

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person has been arrested and is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On February 25, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint about a pickup truck that was unable to maintain its lane. Police located the vehicle on Highway 540 in M’Chigeeng First Nation, and conducted a traffic stop. Police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

As a result, the driver, Brayden BULLOCK, 18-years-old from Grey Highlands, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Wilbert KLASSEN – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop.

On February 25, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin OPP were conducting general patrol on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. They observed a pickup truck pulling a trailer that was driving at a high rate of speed, and that was unable to maintain its lane. Police conducted a traffic stop, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Wilbert KLASSEN, 47-years-old from Manitoba, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Evan BELANGER – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint.

On February 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting a vehicle that was speeding and swerving on Highway 17 in the Nairn-Hyman Township. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

Evan BELANGER, 32-years-old from Frankford, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous operation
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Driving while under suspension – while suspended under HTA sec 41/42
  • Drive motor vehicle – not equipped with ignition interlock device

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on March 19, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – 2 Arrested

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two people are facing charges following a traffic stop that resulted in police locating suspected drugs.

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Albert Street in Espanola. Police determined that the vehicle passenger was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Further investigation on scene resulted in both the driver and passenger being arrested.

Additionally, police located approximately 43 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $13,000, approximately 0.5 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $50, and approximately $6,800 in Canadian Currency.

As a result, the driver, Kimberly KITCHIKAKE, 38-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

The passenger, Dallas YURKO, 46-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

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

The second accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on February 27, 2025.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

Dustin MCKENZIE – Drunk Driving

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing charges after police received a traffic complaint in Espanola.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint reporting that a possible impaired driver had left a local bar. Police located the vehicle on Highway 6 in Birch Island First Nation. Police administered an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test with the driver, which resulted in a Fail, and the driver was arrested.

As a result, the driver, Dustin MCKENZIE, 24-years-old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that if you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Kapuskasing OPP Police Press Releases

Autumn CANTIN – Impaired Driving

(KAPUSKASING, ON) – A 911 call reporting a suspected impaired driver has resulted in charges against a Hearst resident.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 2:20 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call regarding a suspected impaired driver in Kapuskasing. Officers located the vehicle on Government Road and conducted a traffic stop. Upon investigation, they determined the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance and placed them under arrest. The individual was transported to the Cochrane OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Autumn CANTIN, 20 years of age of Hearst, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 17, 2025, in Kapuskasing. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

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OPP Police Press Releases Smooth Rock Falls

3 Arrested On Hwy 11 – Names Released

(SMOOTH ROCK FALLS, ON) – A traffic stop on Highway 11 led to the seizure of cocaine, cash, a prohibited weapon, and the arrest of three individuals.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 in Smooth Rock Falls. During the stop, officers observed three occupants and a bag of suspected cocaine in plain view.

All three individuals were arrested for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of a prohibited switchblade, approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency, and cocaine with an estimated street value of $4,000.

Further investigation revealed that one of the passengers – who was criminally prohibited from driving – had been behind the wheel shortly before the stop. Additionally, the driver at the time of the traffic stop displayed signs of intoxication and was transported to the Kapuskasing OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been charged:

Marcel LAFONTAINE, 49 years of age of Cache Bay:

·        Operation while prohibited under the criminal code

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Fail to comply with probation order

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

Marie POULIN, 29 years of age of Timmins:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 31, 2025, in Kapuskasing. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

Rozlyn WESLEY, 41 years of age of Constance Lake:

·        Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·        Possession of a prohibited device – switchblade

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 31, 2025, in Kapuskasing.

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MATTICE-VAL CÔTÉ OPP Police Press Releases

Guy MALENFANT – Drunk Driving

(MATTICE-VAL CÔTÉ, ON) – The James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in a serious collision involving a single Motorized Snow Vehicle (MSV) in Mattice that has left the driver with life-altering injuries.

On December 31, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., The James Bay OPP and Timmins Ambulance responded to a call of an injured MSV operator on Third Street North in Mattice. The driver was located and transported to local hospital by ambulance.

The driver, Guy MALENFANT, 22 years of age of Mattice, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

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

·        Fail to wear proper helmet

·        Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 28, 2025, in Hearst. In addition, the accused received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

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Kincardine OPP Police Press Releases

Scammer Gets $100,000 For Free!

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On February 25, 2025, the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address in the Municipality of Kincardine, where an individual reported being victim of a fraud.

Investigation revealed that over the past few months, the victim made a series of transactions amounting to approximately $100,000 through a cryptocurrency investment company. The victim stumbled upon this investment company through an online advertisement, where they later conversed with an individual on numerous occasions to facilitate the transactions. Once the victim attempted to make a withdrawal from their account, they became aware there were no funds available.

The investigation has been passed over to the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit.

We urge residents to be cautious when engaging in digital currency transactions and investments.

For more information on fraud, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca

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.

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Dufferin OPP Police Press Releases

Weapon & Drug Bust

(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Officers from the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seized drugs, firearms, and related items following search warrants executed at residences in Bradford and Shelburne.

In the fall of 2024, the Dufferin Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), in collaboration with the Caledon (CSCU), Nottawasaga (CSCU), Central Region K9, Dufferin OPP frontline members and South Simcoe Police Service, launched a multi-jurisdictional drug investigation. As part of the operation, search warrants were executed between February 19 and February 25, 2025, at homes in Bradford and Shelburne. Five individuals were arrested and face multiple charges. Additionally, officers seized various drug-related items, including firearms.

Sharlene BYFIELD, a 35-year-old female from Bradford, has been charged with:

  • Poss of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Stanley SILVERA, a 37-year-old male from Bradford, has been charged with:

  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Poss of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 – in Canada
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)

Justin GILCHRIST, a 38-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with:

  • Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Samantha HACKSON, a 39-year-old female from Shelburne, has been charged with:

  • Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
  • Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Timothy TRANTAU, a 36-year-old male from Dysart, has been charged with:

  • Poss of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs

Items Seized:

Bradford Location:

  • Glock 36, .45 caliber, loaded with 6 rounds
  • 937 grams of Cocaine
  • 87 grams of Fentanyl (various colors)
  • 358 Percocet pills
  • 50 Clonazepam pills
  • Over $8000.00 in Canadian cash
  • 105 rounds of various ammunition
  • Drug trafficking paraphernalia

Shelburne Location:

  • Mossberg 590 Pump Action Shotgun
  • 190.6 grams of Cocaine
  • 366.4 grams of Fentanyl (various colors)
  • 17.6 grams of Methamphetamine
  • Money counter
  • Vacuum sealer
  • Drug trafficking paraphernalia

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to ensuring public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with the community. If you have any information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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CENTRAL MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(CENTRAL MANITOULIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Three people are facing charges after police located suspected crack cocaine during a traffic stop.

On February 20, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 551 in the Township of Central Manitoulin. There were three occupants in the vehicle, and police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. Further investigation resulted in the three occupants being arrested.

Additionally, police seized approximately two grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $300, and approximately $5,000 in Canadian currency.

As a result, the driver, Madison GILLINGHAM, 21-years-old from Scarborough, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Novice driver – presence of drug

The passenger, Brandon AKOURIS, 24-years-old from Toronto, was charged with:

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

The second passenger, Celeste MIGWANS, 45-years-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Traffick in Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 1, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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Chatham-Kent OPP Police Press Releases

Matthew SHOEMAKER Was Arrested

(CHATHAM-KENT, ON) – Individual facing charges after traffic complaints on Highway 401.

On February 26, 2025, at 2:21 p.m., members of the Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to the Westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent, after receiving traffic complaints of a motorcycle travelling erratically.

Officers located the motorcycle disabled on the shoulder of the highway.

Investigation revealed the motorcycle had previously been reported stolen from Stratford.

An individual was placed under arrest and transported to the Elgin OPP Detachment.

As a result, Matthew SHOEMAKER, a 21-year-old of Chatham, has been charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of an identity document
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence

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 April 7, 2025.

The Elgin OPP can be reached anywhere, anytime, at 1-888-310-1122.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Elgin-St. Thomas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.