Category: Police Press Releases

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Huron Shores OPP Police Press Releases

3 Facing Murder Charges

(MUNICIPALITY OF HURON SHORES, ON) – Three individuals have been charged in relation to a residential fire investigation from February 6, 2023.

On February 6, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Mississauga First Nation Police Service and the Huron Shores Fire Department responded to a suspicious fire to a residence and a vehicle on Mississagi Bay Road. The remains of 51-year-old Dwayne KOZUCH were recovered in the residence.  

The East Algoma OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continued the investigation, with assistance from the OPP’s Forensic Identification Services Unit in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

On January 9, 2025, the OPP arrested and charged three individuals with offences contrary to the Criminal Code.

Nathaniel BATES, 28 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • First degree murder, section 235(1)
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2025.

Lindsay RIETZE, 28 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • First degree murder, section 235(1)
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2025.

Amanda SOUM, 42 years-old from Blind River was charged with:

  • Accessory after the fact to murder, section 240
  • Arson-disregard for human life, section 433(a)
  • Arson-damage to property, section 434

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on January 10, 2025.

Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation, should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Haliburton OPP Police Press Releases

63 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested

(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) – Members of the Haliburton Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Minden resident with an impaired operation related offence as the result of a R.I.D.E. program.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 11:59 a.m., Haliburton OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot check in the area of Water Street in the Township of Minden Hills. A vehicle entered the area and was met by the officers. After a brief conversation, officers were quickly led to an impaired driving investigation.

As a result of the investigation, James COUSINS, a 63-year-old resident of Minden was charged with the following offence:

Operation while impaired – blood concentration (80 plus)

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden at a later date. Until then the accused’s driver’s licence is suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days.

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Kingston OPP Police Press Releases

NURSE Arrested – $50,000 In Drugs

(Kingston, ON) – An Illicit drug investigation conducted by the East Region Community Street Crime Unit, has resulted in one individual being arrested, and a seizure of illegal drugs found in the vehicle being used to transport them to the Kingston area.

On January 9, 2025 members of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit (OPP) stopped a vehicle traveling along the 401 Highway west of Kingston, and arrested the individual driving. A search of the vehicle by officers located a large quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Over five-hundred grams of suspected cocaine and over six-hundred grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized from the vehicle. The estimated street value of the seizure is fifty-thousand dollars.

As a result of this investigation, Darrell Nurse, a 64-year-old male from Kitchener 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

The accused stayed in custody and was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville, where he was remanded into custody.

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Clearview OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Facing Attempted Murder Charge After School Threat

(CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) – Police have upgraded charges against an arrested individual in a Collingwood school threat investigation.

On September 11, 2024, the Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report about a potential threat to Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) by a former student. It was discovered that the threat was made in March 2024 and was not imminent. However, as the OPP takes all threats to public safety seriously, an investigation began under the Huronia West OPP Crime Unit and later under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

Following the two arrests on September 11, 2024, a search warrant of an electronic device revealed additional details, which would indicate that the plan to harm students was elaborate and well-researched.

As a result of further investigation, the charges for Jordan YOUNG, 19 years of age from Clearview Township, have been upgraded to the following offences as per the Criminal Code:

  • Attempted murder, as per section 239
  • Attempt to commit an assault with a weapon, as per section 267(a)
  • Possession of a firearm, section 91(1) – two counts
  • Possession of a prohibited device, section 92(2) – three counts
  • Careless storage of a firearm, as per section 86(1) – two counts
  • Unlawful possession of ammunition, as per section 86(1) – three counts
  • Weapons dangerous, as per section 88 – three counts
  • Possession a prohibited device for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, as per section 88 – three counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear on January 20, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.

Police are working with the Simcoe County District School Board and administrative staff at CCI to provide victim support.

The investigation is continuing under the direction of the OPP CIB. Investigators are urging anyone with information to 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.

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Collision & Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – A single vehicle collision has resulted in two people being arrested and approximately $9,000 of suspected drugs seized.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Birch Island. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.

Additionally, a search resulted in police seizing approximately 40g of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,000, approximately five grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $800, and approximately 15g of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $4,500.

As a result, the driver, Amanda PELTIER, 42-years-old from Wikwemikong, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous operation
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Fail to provide required document

The passenger, Leroy ESHKAWKOGAN, 37-years-old from Wikwemikong, was 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 of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 25, 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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City Of Kawartha Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

Thomas Hall Was Arrested

(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – On January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program.

A vehicle entered the RIDE program, and while engaging with the driver, officers observed an open container of alcohol within the vehicle. This prompted an investigation for impaired operation.

As a result of the investigation, Thomas Hall, a 29-year-old resident of Woodville, was charged with the following offence:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Driving a Motor Vehicle with an Open Container of Liquor

In addition to the charges, their license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days. 

The individual was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. Arrive alive, drive sober.

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Loyalist OPP Police Press Releases

20 Charges Following Vehicle Stop

(LOYALIST TOWNSHIP, ON) – Lennox and Addington (L&A) County members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two people with 20 offences following a vehicle stop on Highway 401.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, shortly before midnight, a vehicle was observed speeding eastbound in Loyalist Township. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested two people after locating open alcohol. A search of the vehicle then located suspected cocaine, suspected crack cocaine, suspected LSD (also known as acid) and suspected MDMA (also known as ecstasy).

Bridget DOCHERTY, a 30-year-old from St. Catherines, and a 17-year-old youth from St. Catherines, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are charged jointly with:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – six counts
  • Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose

In addition, the adult accused was also charged with:

  • Speeding
  • Possession unmarked cigarettes
  • Driving a vehicle with liquor readily available

The adult accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on February 11, 2025. They were also issued a three-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), for registering a “warn” on the approved screening device.

The youth accused was additionally charged with:

  • Fail to comply with release order – two counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order

This individual was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on January 10, 2025.

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Leamington OPP Police Press Releases

Tyler CLARK Runs Stop Signs & Gets Drunk Driving Charge

(LEAMINGTON, ON)- On January 9, 2025, at 11:13 p.m., a member of Leamington Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol when they observed a vehicle being operated by a suspected impaired driver on Talbot Street West, Municipality of Leamington.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested the driver; they were transported to a local OPP detachment.

As a result, Tyler CLARK, a 38-year-old of Wheatley, has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

·        Speeding 1 – 49 Km/h over posted limit

·        Driver fail to surrender licence

·        Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (Two Counts)

·        Fail to notify change of address – licence

·        Careless driving

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor to speak to the charges on January 21, 2025.

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

Essex County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

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

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OPP Police Press Releases Thames Centre

Shawn DITTRICH Was Arrested Again

(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system assists officer in stopping and charging a driver from Dorchester.

On January 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), while on general patrol on Westchester Bourne at Hamilton Road in Thames Centre, was alerted by the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, of a possible suspended driver.

A traffic stop was initiated.

It was determined the driver was a prohibited driver and was placed under arrest.

As a result, Shawn DITTRICH, a 48-year-old of Dorchester, has been charged under Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on February 25, 2025, to speak to the charges. 

The vehicle was towed from the scene and was impounded for 45-days.

The In Car Camera and ALPR have been operating in Middlesex County OPP vehicles since March 13, 2023. Middlesex OPP officers continue to see drivers operating vehicles that do not have valid, registered licence plates, are currently driving unlicenced, while under suspension or prohibited.

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

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

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Police Press Releases St. Thomas Police Service

STPS Daily Update 09Jan2025

An 18 year old St. Thomas resident has been arrested and charged after an incident in the city last night. At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday January 8th 2025, officers were called to locate the 18 year old who had left their residence after stealing a quantity of beer, contrary to a court ordered curfew and probation order. The individual was located in the 500 block of Talbot Street and advised of the grounds for their arrest. The individual became combative and punched the arresting officer in the face while kicking and spitting on police. Officers gained control of the teen who has been charged with:

  • 5 counts of Failure to Comply with Probation
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Assault Peace Officer
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Person under 19 years old having liquor (LLCA)

The 18 year old was transported to police headquarters where they were processed and held for a morning court appearance. ST25000469

Theft

A 33 year old St. Thomas resident has been charged after being identify as the person responsible for stealing packages from an apartment building. Through investigation and review of video surveillance, the individual was identified and has been charged with Theft under $5,000. A warrant for arrest has been requested. ST25000440

Approximately $435 in merchandise has been reported stolen from a retail store on Talbot Street. On Wednesday January 8th 2025, officers attended the store to investigate the report of two unknown individuals entering the store, gathering the items and then leaving through an emergency exit, failing to pay. Video surveillance of the incident is being reviewed as police continue to investigate. ST25000468

Mischief

The front window of a building in the 300 block of Talbot Street has been reported damage. This morning, officers on community patrol were flagged down by a concerned citizen who noticed the damage. Video surveillance of the area is available and being reviewed. This remains under investigation. ST25000479

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Police Press Releases Windsor Police Service

Brandi-Lynn Jacobs Was Arrested Again

The Windsor Police Service has arrested a 35-year-old woman following a robbery with scissors at a downtown business.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on January 7, 2025, officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress at a business in the 100 block of Tecumseh Road West. Officers arrived at the scene and learned that a woman had entered the business while brandishing a pair of scissors.

The suspect confronted employees and removed money from the cash register. The suspect then punched one of the employees and fled the scene on foot.

Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect without further incident. Officers recovered the stolen funds.

Brandi-Lynn Jacobs, 35, was charged with robbery with an offensive weapon and failure to comply with release order.

Anyone with information should call the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at http://www.catchcrooks.com

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Chatham-Kent Police Press Releases

CKPS Daily Update 09Jan2025

Chatham-Kent Police

On January 8th, 2025, at approximately 13:26hrs, the Intelligence Unit along with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team arrested a 42-year-old male who operated a black Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, during a traffic stop stemming from a drug investigation. A previously obtained search warrant for the vehicle was subsequently obtained. During the execution of the warrant officers located the following items inside the vehicle:

-A loaded .40 calibre Glock handgun
-129 grams of cocaine
-6 oxycodone tablets
-A digital scale

At 13:59hrs members of the Intelligence Unit also executed a search warrant at the male’s residence, located at Pearl Crescent in the city of Chatham. A systematic search of the residence was completed during which time officers located the following items:
-A loaded .22 caliber revolver handgun
-8 grams of methamphetamine
-0.7 grams of fentanyl
-1.4 grams of cocaine
-15 codeine tablets
-26 clonazepam tablets
-47 tabs of lysergic acid
-Debt lists
-Numerous rounds of ammunition

Total street value of the controlled substances is estimated $13,000. The male was arrested and was charged with the following offences. He currently held in custody and is pending a bail hearing.

Count 1: Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA – Cocaine
Count 2: Possession of a Schedule I Substance S. 4(1) CDSA – Fentanyl
Count 3: Possession of a Schedule I Substance S. 4(1) CDSA – Methamphetamine
Count 4: Possession of a Schedule IV Substance S. 4(1) CDSA– Clonazepam
Count 5: Possession of a Schedule III Substance S. 4(1) CDSA – Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Count 6: Possession of a Schedule I Substance S. 4(1) CDSA– Oxycodone
Count 7: Possession of a Schedule I Substance S. 4(1) CDSA– Codeine
Count 8: Occupant of a Motor Vehicle Knowing There was a Firearm S. 94 CC
Count 9: Possession of a loaded Restricted Firearm S. 95(a) CC
Count 10: Possession of a loaded Prohibited Firearm S. 95(a) CC
Count 11: Careless Storage of Firearm S. 86(1)

The Chatham-Kent Police Service remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. We continue to monitor ongoing investigations and encourage residents to report any suspicious activities to assist in maintaining public safety.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Shots Fired Into Residence – Suspects At Large

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a shooting incident in Kitchener.

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., police responded to reports of property damage at a residence in the area of Howe Drive and Ottawa Street South.

Several holes were located on the side of the home. Through investigation, it was determined that the holes were caused by bullets.

Investigators believe that the shots that damaged the residence were fired around 3:30 a.m. on January 9, 2025. The residence was occupied at the time, but no physical injuries were sustained.

The investigation remains ongoing by WRPS’ General Investigations Unit, and there will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the day. 

Anyone with information or video surveillance footage is asked to call police to call 519-570-9777, extension 6370.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

WA24331611 (917)

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Violent Sexual Assault – Evan Derek SWEET Wanted By Police

Police are searching for a male suspect after a violent sexual assault in Oshawa.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at approximately 11:05 p.m., members of Central East Division responded to reports of a sexual assault at an apartment complex in the area of St. Lawrence Street and Simcoe Street South.  A male armed with a knife sexually assaulted a female in the lobby of the building.  Both the suspect and victim left the area prior to police arrival.

Officers searched the area and located the victim a short distance away suffering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 1:10 p.m., the suspect was seen in the area of Harwood Avenue South and Hunt Street, in Ajax, where it is believed he sexually assaulted a second victim.

Police are issuing a public safety warning for this Evan Derek SWEET. If you see him, please do not approach and immediately call 911.

He is described as: male, White, approximately 25-30 years-old, with a heavy build, and blonde/orange hair.

A photo of the suspect is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Evan Derek SWEET, age 28 of No Fixed Address is wanted for: Robbery, Sexual Assault, and Assault Cause Bodily Harm.  

Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Fitzgerald of the Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5316.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

MILLS Facing Murder Charge

Police have made an arrest in Durham’s 11th homicide of 2024.

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., members of East Division responded to reports of an armed person at 1040 Cedar Street in Oshawa.  Officers arrived on scene and located a male shot inside the building, he was pronounced deceased on scene.

On Monday, January 6, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for Michael MILLS.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, investigators located MILLS in the area of Dryden Boulevard and Thickson Road in Whitby where he was taken into custody. 

Michael MILLS, age 44, of Oshawa was charged with Second-Degree Murder.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. MacKinnon of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 x 5411.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.