Category: Police Press Releases

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Joshua SCHOLTENS Facing Numerous Charges

Niagra Regional Police

In December of 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Street Crime Detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) initiated an investigation into an individual not complying with the conditions of his release order.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Street Crime Detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) and 2 District arrested the suspect Joshua SCHOLTENS (30 years). He was charged with the following criminal offence:

–          Fail to Comply with Release Order

Upon his arrest detectives formed grounds that SCHOLTENS was trafficking in illegal drugs. As a result, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant on a St. Catharines residence. Detectives located and seized the following:

–          55.4 grams of Cocaine with an estimated street value of $5540

–          587.3 grams of Psilocybin with an estimated street value of $5873

–          1.8 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $180

–          $710 in Canadian Currency

Joshua SCHOLTENS of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following additional criminal offences:

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine X 2

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Crystal Methamphetamine

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Psilocybin

–          Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000

–          Failing to Comply with Release Order X 2

SCHOLTENS remains in police custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Wednesday, January 8, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact police by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1022200.

­­­Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #25-2180

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Belleville Police Service Police Press Releases

Belleville Police Daily Update 08Jan2025

Total calls for service – Belleville Police responded to 66 calls for service over a 24-hour period beginning at 5:00 am on January 7, 2025 to 5:00 am on January 8, 2025

Traffic stop leads to charges

On the 7th of January at 6:42pm, an officer conducted a vehicle stop in the city’s east end after an ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) hit showed a suspended driver attached to a vehicle.  A 2019 Nissan was stopped after the license plate information revealed the registered owner was suspended for unpaid fines.  During the investigation, the officer also discovered that there was no valid insurance on the vehicle.  As a result, a 32-year-old Brighton man was charged with drive under suspension and drive motor vehicle with no insurance.  The driver was issued a summons for Provincial Offences court in February. 

Theft of shopping carts

A business located near Sidney St. and Bridge St. West contacted the Belleville Police Service on the 7th of January to report that over the previous month, 27 shopping carts have been stolen from the property.  The shopping carts have a value of approximately $8000.  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen carts is asked to contact the Belleville Police Service at 613-966-0882 or Quinte Crime Stoppers.

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Police Press Releases Sarnia Police Service

Murder In Jail – One Arrested

On Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 3:42 AM, the Sarnia Police Service received a 911 call from the Sarnia Jail in response to an inmate that was found unresponsive in his cell.

Police, Fire and Paramedics quickly responded to find the male with no vital signs and he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Investigators have since determined the death to be a homicide and have arrested another inmate who shared the same cell with the deceased.

As part of the continuing investigation and in collaboration with the Ontario Coroner’s Office, a post mortem examination (autopsy) has been scheduled for Thursday January 9, 2025.

The deceased  has been identified as Douglas CUTBUSH (51-years-old) of Sarnia.

Devin Gary FENTIE (33-years-old) of Sarnia is charged with first degree murder and was held for bail.

Pursuant to Section 522 (1) of the Criminal Code, a person charged with murder can only be granted bail by a judge or justice presiding in the superior court of criminal jurisdiction unlike bail procedures for less serious offences where bail eligibility is determined by a justice of the peace in the Ontario Court of Justice.   

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Police Press Releases St. Thomas Police Service

St. Thomas Police Daily Update 08Jan2025

A 44 year old St. Thomas resident has been arrested and charged with several offences after police were called to a disturbance downtown. This morning, at approximately 1:20 a.m. officers attended the area of Princess Avenue and Talbot Street to move along an unwanted person who had been involved in an altercation. Through investigation, officers learned the individual was wanted on an outstanding warrant with the London Police Service.

While attempting to arrest the individual, the accused became combative, actively resisting while kicking and spitting at police.  The individual was transported to police headquarters where a search incident to arrest, found a quantity of illicit drugs.

As a result of, the 44 year old St. Thomas resident has been charged with:

  • Resist peace officer
  • Two counts of assault peace officer
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine
  • Possess unmarked cigarettes

The individual was processed and released on appearance notice.

No injuries were reported. ST25000408

Warrant Arrests 

A 30 year old St. Thomas resident has been arrested. On Tuesday January 7th 2025, the individual attended the Elgin County Courthouse to turn themselves in on an outstanding warrant for one count Break and Enter, stemming from an incident in August. The individual was processed and released with a future court date. ST25000359

A 28 year old London resident has been arrested. On Tuesday January 7th 2025, the individual attended St. Thomas Police Headquarters to turn themselves in on an outstanding warrant for Assault and Assault with a Weapon following an investigation into an incident that occurred in February of 2024. The individual was processed, attended court and was released on an undertaking with a future court date. ST25000363

A 28 year old St. Thomas resident has been arrested. On Tuesday January 7th 2025, the individual attended the Elgin County Courthouse to turn themselves in on an outstanding warrant for Uttering Threats and Failure to Comply with Probation stemming from an incident in December. The 28 year old was processed, appeared before the court and was released with a future court date. ST25000369

Fraud 

A St. Thomas resident is out almost $13,000 after falling victim to a bank scam. It was reported that while out of the country the victim received a call from who they believed to be a representative from their bank, making them aware of fraudulent credit card transactions. The victim provided their security information after the caller stated it was required to cancel the transactions. The victim later learned several flights had been purchased with their credit card and the call they had received was a scam. ST25000336

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Guelph Police Service Police Press Releases

Guelph Police Daily Update 08Jan2025

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after two people stole more than $2,200 worth of lipstick from a south-end business.

Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, a man and woman entered a business near Stone Road West and Scottsdale Drive. As the woman pretended to look at fragrances while watching employees, the male began placing handfuls of items in his jacket. They left the store five minutes after entering.

In total, 136 Maybelline lipsticks with a value of $2,242 were stolen.

The man was described as mid-30s, 5’8” with a medium build, olive complexion and dark facial hair. He was wearing a black workwear-style jacket, beige sweater, jeans and a black baseball cap.

The woman was also mid-30s, 5’6” with a medium build, olive complexion, dark hair and a large nose. She was wearing a long beige winter jacket, black sweater and a zebra-print toque.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Jonathan Schleen at 519-824-1212, ext. 7570, email [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Man arrested for threats, damage

A Guelph man faces charges after three employees of a supportive housing complex were threatened.

On Tuesday, officers were called to the home in the north end of the city for a physical disturbance, during which one of the residents damaged a fire extinguisher.

While officers were on scene they learned of another incident a week earlier during which three employees had to lock themselves in an office while a resident  pounded on the door, demanding cigarettes and threatening to harm the workers.

A 26-year-old Guelph man is charged with mischief under $5,000 and three counts of uttering threats. He will appear in court February 21.

Missing court leads to arrest

A missed court date led to more charges for a Guelph woman Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, officers patrolling downtown located a man and woman on Baker Street. Investigation revealed the woman was wanted for missing a December court date for robbery and assault. She was placed under arrest and further investigation revealed she is also on release conditions with a term not to associate with the male.

A 41-year-old Guelph woman is charged with failing to attend court and failing to comply with an undertaking. She was held for a bail hearing and has been released to appear in court January 28.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours – 214

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Guelph Police Service Police Press Releases

Pedestrian Killed By City Bus

A Fergus man is dead after he was struck by a city bus in downtown Guelph Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called at 1:37 p.m. to the intersection of Wyndham Street North and Carden Street. Investigation revealed a 49-year-old Fergus man was struck as he crossed Wyndham Street.

The male was extricated from under the bus by Guelph Fire Department personnel but pronounced dead a short time later.

The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Dave Anderson of the Guelph Police Service Traffic Unit at 519-824-1212, ext. 7444, or email [email protected].

Anyone who witnessed the collision and is having a difficult time can call Victim Services Wellington at 519-824-1212, ext. 7304, or the Here 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-844-HERE-247.

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Police Press Releases West Grey Police

West Grey Police 07Jan2025 Update

On January 2, 2025 West Grey Police were advised that a 27 year old male from West Grey was breaching conditions of a release order. Officers attended his residence and he was arrested, charged, held for bail and remains in custody as of press time.

On December 17th West Grey Police officers responded to a disturbance in Elmwood. Upon arrival police discovered a 51 year old male had breached the conditions of a release order. The culprit had already fled the scene and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was located in Hanover and arrested by Hanover Police Service officers later the same day. West Grey officers attended and he was brought back to the West Grey Police Service where he was held for bail. He remained in custody til December 30th when he was released on a new release order with conditions not to attend Elmwood. He will appear in court to answer to his charges at the end of January.

On December 18th, 2024 West Grey police took out an arrest warrant for a 37 male from Durham who also breached conditions of a release order. He has yet to be located.

On January 1, 2025 West Grey officers undertook an investigation into criminal harassment by a 26 year old male against a 30 year old female from West Grey. The male had been arrested by another police service on charges against the same female and did turn himself to West Grey when asked, He was held for bail and released. He will attend court in February to answer to the charges.

On January 6, 2025 West Grey officers responded to the Tim Hortons in Durham for a reported impaired driver. A 33 year old female of West Grey , who was already recently charged with impaired driving, was located behind the wheel of a vehicle. She failed the roadside demand and was placed under arrest and transported to the West Grey Police Service where she subsequently blew over the legal limit. Her vehicle was impounded and she was released on an undertaking charged with Adult Operation while Impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus). She will appear in court to answer to the new charges in February.

On December 23, 2024 a West Grey officer was assaulted during a routine traffic stop on Durham Rd E. A 31 yr old female of no fixed address was charged with Assault Peace Officer, Possession of a Schedule substance and driving while under suspension. She was released from custody on an undertaking with conditions and will appear in Walkerton court in February to answer to the charges.

On December 28, 2024 West Grey officers attended to a single vehicle collision in Neustadt. A 33 yr old male from Flesherton was located sleeping in the drivers seat of the vehicle. He refused a breath demand and became combative with the attending officer. He was arrested and charged accordingly. He was released with conditions and will attend court in late January to answer to his charges.

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Cornwall OPP Police Press Releases

Human Smugglers Arrested – Names Released

(CORNWALL, ON) – Police have arrested four people after a traffic stop revealed eight individuals concealed in the rear of the vehicle destined for the United States (US).

An ongoing joint forces operation led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS), revealed evidence for a traffic stop under the Excise Act. On January 7, 2025, members from OPP BEST and the RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the City of Cornwall travelling in the direction of the CBSA port of entry. Officers located eight individuals concealed in the back of the vehicle and subsequently charged the driver and passenger of the vehicle under the Criminal Code (CC). Further investigation revealed another two suspect vehicles, which led to the arrest of an additional two individuals.

Charles EDWARDS, age 58 of Akwesasne, George TOOKER, age 54 of Akwesasne, Ngoc Dung LE, age 52 of Brossard, Quebec and Huu Huan NGUYEN, age 43 of Anjou, Quebec have each been charged with conspiracy to violate US law, s. 465(3) CC.

The four accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on February 25, 2025.

The investigation is currently ongoing. The eight individuals found concealed within the vehicle were arrested and charges may be laid if applicable.

If you have any information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

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New Tecumseth OPP Police Press Releases

Stolen Property Recovered – Michael BRITO Arrested

(NEW TECUMSETH, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Collingwood Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of the Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant on Boyne Street, in the Town of New Tecumseth.

On January 2 2025, Nottawasaga CSCU began an investigation as they received information that a Kubota diesel side by side was stolen and a GPS tracker was pinging at an address in Alliston.

On January 7 2025, at approximately 5;25 p.m. officers executed a search warrant at the address locating the stolen Kubota inside the garage along with the below noted items believed to be stolen with a total value of $65,810.00

A Kubota RTV Value: $21,000.00, an Enclosed trailer Value: $5000.00, 3 Red Honda Dirt bikes Value: $8000, a Green Kawasaki Dirt bike Value: $3500, a Honda Generator Value: $4500, 4 Stihl trimmers Value: $2280, 2 Stihl quick cut saws Value: $3600, a Stihl Chainsaw Value: $300, 2 Hilti Jack hammer/Drills Value: $5000, Echo backpack leaf blower Value: $400,  Milwaukee band saw Value: $530, Milwaukee rotary hammer $1000, Wacker Neuson plate tamper Value: $2200, a Honda Snow blower and pressure washer Value: $2500, MTD Snow blower Value: $500, and Hilti Electrical box Value: $1500. and assorted brand-new Milwaukee power tools Value: $4000

As a results Michael BRITO 29-years-old of Alliston was arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada

• Obstruct Peace Officer

The accused is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 20th, 2025.

Officers are attempting to identify the owners of the items shown, if you believe any of these items belong to you, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 regarding E250006726. Anyone having knowledge of drug or property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court.

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Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Barry PRICE – Theft

(BRANT, ON) – On January 7, 2025, the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded promptly to a theft incident, leading to the recovery of stolen items and the arrest of a suspect.

At approximately 11:07 a.m., an OPP officer was approached by a complainant at a gas station on Colborne Street East. The complainant reported that a male suspect had stolen several items from a business on Colborne Street.

The officer observed the suspect nearby and engaged him in conversation. The suspect indicated that the stolen items were left at a nearby location. The officer located the stolen items and arrested the individual.

Barry PRICE, a 36-year-old male from Brantford has been charged with the following:

  • Theft Under $5000

PRICE has been released and is scheduled to appear in court on March 7th, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford.

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Greater Napanee OPP Police Press Releases

Romolo BALESTRA Was Arrested Again

(GREATER NAPANEE, ON) – Lennox and Addington County Detachment members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired driving and numerous other offences following a single vehicle collision on the 401 Highway overnight.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, shortly before 1:00 a.m., L&A County OPP members attended the scene of a collision at the Shannonville Road off-ramp where a heavily damaged vehicle was located unattended. Following a call to police from a nearby location, Romolo BALESTRA, a 34-year-old from Ottawa was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – over 80 mgs of alcohol
  • Dangerous operation
  • Fail to remain
  • Fail to comply with release order – two counts

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear at a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on January 8, 2025. Their driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded.

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Haliburton OPP Police Press Releases

Robert CONNORS Was Arrested Again

(HALIBURTON COUNTY, ON) – The Haliburton Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver for numerous driving related charges and criminal offences in the Township of Highlands East.

On January 3, 2025, shortly after 4:00 p.m. Haliburton OPP attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pickup truck that was travelling on County Road 503. The driver fled from police at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner. Due to risk of safety to the public, the officer did not continue the pursuit.

Police continued to search for the vehicle and driver. Officers located the vehicle that was had been involved in a motor vehicle collision, but the driver had left the scene and fled on foot. Officers continued to search the area and located the driver of the motor vehicle who was arrested by officers. 

As a result of this investigation, Robert CONNORS, a 41-year-old from Highlands East Township has been charged with:

·        Flight from Peace Officer

·        Resist Peace Officer

·        Dangerous Operation

·        Fail to Stop for Police

·        Operation While Prohibited

·        Fail to Comply with Prohibition Order

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order

·        Fail to Report Accident

·        Driving While Under Suspension – 5 Counts

The accused was held for a bail hearing to appear on video before the Ontario Court of Justice.

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Essa OPP Police Press Releases

MARTYN – Drunk Driving

(ESSA, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver for driving while impaired in the Township of Essa.

On January 7, 2025, shortly 5:00 p.m., Nottawasaga OPP received a call for a single motor vehicle collision on County Road 56, just North of the 20th Sideroad in Essa Township.

The Officer arrived on scene shortly after, located a white 4 door passenger vehicle in the ditch on County Road 56. An ASD demand was issued and as of a result of the investigation the driver,

Elaina MARTYN, 29 years-old, of Essa, was charge with:  

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

• Resist Peace Officer

In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. 

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on February 6, 2025, to answer to the charges.

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Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

18 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested

(LAKESHORE, ON)-On January 3, 2025, at 2:40 a.m., members form the Lakeshore detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on 1st Street near Railway Avenue in Belle River, Municipality of Lakeshore.

Officers arrived on scene and spoke to the driver of the vehicle. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to a local OPP detachment.

Ethan COURNOYER, an 18-year-old of Lakeshore, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

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 REESOR SIDING

Jodie DILLON Was Arrested – Meth A Factor

(REESOR SIDING, ON) – A call to police regarding a stalled vehicle on Highway 11 has resulted in impaired driving charges.

On January 7, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a call of a vehicle that was stuck on the side of Highway 11 in Reesor Siding. Officers located the vehicle and driver, and during the interaction with the driver, officers determined they had consumed an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Kapuskasing OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jodie DILLON, 32 years of age of Constance Lake, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – drugs

·        Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine

·        Operation while prohibited under the criminal code – two counts

·        Driving while under suspension

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 24, 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.