Category: Police Press Releases

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Teacher Arrested For Sexualy Assaulting Child

(CALEDON, ON) – The Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Major Crime Unit has charged an individual in relation to a historical sexual assault.

In November 2022, an investigation began after a victim reported a sexual assault that occurred in 2002. At the time, the accused was a teacher in Caledon.

As a result of the investigation, Luigi DI TOMASSO, 64-year-old of Stoney Creek, was charged with:

• Sexual assault

• Sexual interference 

• Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age

The accused was scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on August 29, 2024, to answer to the charges.

Until June 2024, the accused was a teacher in Caledon, Brampton, and Mississauga. Anyone with information about this or a similar incident is urged to call the Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your local police service. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.  

There is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed. If you do not wish to make a report to police or need more time and support to make that decision, there are community partners available to help. Ontario 211 provides information on Ontario’s community, social and health related government services. Simply call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ontario.ca for more information.

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City Of Kawartha Lakes OPP Police Press Releases

Two More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – Members from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were busy on Saturday, August 31.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. Officers received a traffic complaint about a vehicle travelling westbound on Killarney Bay Road. Officers located the motor vehicle and spoke with the driver.

Stephanie Peca, 51 years-old, from Fenelon Falls was arrested and charged with

•        Operation while impaired

•        Operation while prohibited

•        Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available

•        Fail to surrender insurance card

In addition to the charges the accused received a 90-day licence suspension, and the motor vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

Later that evening, at approximately 10:00 p.m. officers received reports of a motor vehicle in the ditch on its roof on Fleetwood Road.

Officers located the motor vehicle, along with the driver, passenger, their dogs and cat. The passenger was taken to local hospital with minor injuries.

The driver, Hugh Empey, 38 years-old from Central Hastings was arrested and charged with

•        Operation while impaired

The accused received a 90-day licence suspension, and the motor vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

The drivers will be appearing 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.

The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-8477

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

Wendy WASHIK – Assault With Weapon

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – An individual was charged following an investigation into a neighbour dispute in Simcoe.

At approximately 6:02 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment responded to a neighbour dispute on Woodway Trail in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

It was determined that two individuals were involved in a dispute on the premises, resulting in the victim being physically assaulted. No injuries were reported.

As a result, one individual was taken into custody without incident.

Charged with the following alleged offence is 58-year-old Wendy WASHIK of Norfolk County:

  • Assault with a weapon.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

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Atikokan OPP Police Press Releases

Reginald Galbraith – Drunk Driving

(ATIKOKAN, ON) – A traffic complaint about a motorhome swerving on the road ended with the arrest of an impaired driver.

On September 2, 2024, at approximately 8:00 pm, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Atikokan responded to a report of a motorhome that was swerving all over the road. Officers located the vehicle on Highway 11 near Armis Lake and conducted a vehicle stop.

The responding officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol and conducted a roadside screening test. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Atikokan OPP detachment where additional breath testing was completed by demand.  

Reginald Galbraith, 72-years-old, from Thunder Bay is charged with one count of impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs plus. The accused’s driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Atikokan Ontario Court of Justice on October 24, 2024, to speak to the charge.

Fact about impaired driving, the offence of impaired operation doesn’t mean the vehicle or conveyance needs to be moving. In law, operation is presumed if a person is occupying the driver’s seat. The onus is on the accused to establish that they did not occupy that seat for the purpose of setting the conveyance in motion. Road safety is the shared responsibility of everyone. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.   

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Kincardine OPP Police Press Releases

Andrew MERAW – Drunk Driving

(KINCARDINE, ON) – Driver arrested for Impaired driving after South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attend motor vehicle collision.    

On September 2, 2024, at 10:06 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report for a single motor vehicle collision on Bruce Road 23 in the Municipality of Kincardine.

The uninjured driver was found to have been under the influence of alcohol. They were placed under arrest and taken to a Qualified breath technician.

Andrew MERAW 28-years-old, from the Municipality of Kincardine was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation over 80
  • Dangerous Driving

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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Brockton OPP Police Press Releases

Curtis ANDERSON Was Arrested Again

(BROCKTON, ON) – On September 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a theft in the Municipality of Brockton. A Mini Bike was stolen from a property along Colborne Street South in Walkerton.

Officers on patrol observed the stolen bike at a location in Brockton. As a result of the investigation an individual was arrested and charged, and the Minibike was recovered.  

Curtis ANDERSON, 30-years-old, from the Municipality of Brockton was charged with:

  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Fail to comply with release order

The accused will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton to answer to the charges.

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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Erin OPP Police Press Releases

Cindy D. TUCKER Was Arrested

(ERIN, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged a driver after an automated licence plate recognition system (ALPR) alert.

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 10:45 a.m. a member of Wellington County OPP was patrolling Wellington Road 124 in the Township of Erin and received an ALPR alert for a stolen vehicle. As a result of the investigation, Cindy D. TUCKER, 43-years-old of Guelph, was charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Driving while Under Suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
  • Class G1 Licence holder – unaccompanied by a qualified driver contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, at a later date.

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

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Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Fire

(MIDLAND, ON) – An early morning fire on Barnett Avenue, Midland has claimed the life of a Midland resident. Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment responded at approximately 6:27 a.m. September 1, 2024 along with Midland Fire Service and County of Simcoe Paramedics after neighbours noticed a fire at a nearby home and forced in the front door and called 911.

A 39 year old male who was later confirmed to be the resident of the home was located in the area of attached garage to the single story detached bungalow and was triaged and transported to an area hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Although there are no signs of foul play, the ongoing investigation is being conducted by officials from The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and a post mortem will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. at a future date, all in an effort to determine the cause of the fire and death.

SGBOPP Incident # E241167998

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OPP Police Press Releases Tweed

6 Year Old Fatal Struck By Vehicle

(TWEED, ON) – A child has died after being struck by a vehicle in Tweed.

Members of the Central Hastings Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Tweed Firefighters and Hastings Quinte Paramedics were called to the scene on Jamieson Street West shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

An off-duty nurse and others attempted life-saving measures, but the victim, a six-year-old girl, was pronounced deceased after being rushed to hospital.

The name of the victim will not be released.

The vehicle and driver remained at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, involving members of the Central Hastings OPP Detachment and Crime Unit, an OPP Collision Reconstructionist, Technical Collision Investigators and the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant dashcam video, should contact Central Hastings OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident number E241170006

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OPP Oxford Police Press Releases

Another Fatal Collision

(OXFORD COUNTY, ON) – A single motor vehicle collision has claimed the life of the driver and has sent two passengers to hospital.

On September 1, 2024, at approximately 8:12 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Oxford Detachment, Hickson Fire Department, Tavistock Fire Department, Oxford and Perth Paramedic Services, along with Ornge responded to a single motor vehicle collision at a Cassell Road, East Zorra Township address.

It was determined that a vehicle was travelling on Cassell Road when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled over.

As a result, the driver of the motor vehicle suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Two passengers were transported to hospital via Air Ornge and Ambulance with minor injuries.

OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team are continuing to investigate.

Investigators are looking to speak to any witnesses that may have information surrounding this investigation. They are being asked to call the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Cassell Road was closed for several hours between 10th Concession Line and 11th Concession Line for investigation.

Further updates will be provided when new information becomes available.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Drug & Weapons Bust – Names Released

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A traffic stop on a known suspended driver resulted in the arrest of two people and seizure of a quantity of drugs, weapons and money.

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 4:30 pm an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the 800 block of King’s Highway after he recognized the suspended driver.  

The driver was arrested on scene for the offence and a vehicle search was conducted incident to the arrest. The search uncovered a quantity of illegal substances which resulted in an additional arrest for the driver as well as the arrest of the passenger.

As part of the investigation police seized approximately $2100 in combined Canadian and American currency, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, and Percocet tablets, approximately 400 unmarked cigarettes, open liquor, scale, and two collapsible batons similar to the kind carried by police.  

Erik Scott LAPISH, 52-years-old, from Fort Frances is charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (two counts) – Criminal Code
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – Criminal Code
  • Drive while under suspension – Highway Traffic Act
  • Operate unsafe vehicle – Highway Traffic Act
  • Possess unmarked cigarettes for sale – Tobacco Tax Act
  • Sell unmarked cigarettes – no wholesaler permit – Tobacco Tax Act

LAPISH is also charged with several documentation offences under the Highway Traffic Act. The accused was remanded to custody on the Criminal Code and CDSA charges. He is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on September 3, 2024, for a bail hearing. The remaining charges are scheduled to be spoken to on November 8, 2024, in Provincial Offences Court in Fort Frances. 

Carrie Lynn KELLAR, 43-years-old, of Fort Frances is charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – Criminal Code 
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts) – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – Criminal Code

The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on November 4, 2024, to speak to the charges.

If you have information about this crime or any other related crime you can contact the Rainy River District OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous you can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipshelp.com.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wasaga Beach

Pedestrian Airlifted Following Collision

(Wasaga Beach, ON) – Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a motor vehicle collision that took place on 68th Street North near Shore Lane in the Town of Wasaga Beach, in the morning hours of September 1st 2024.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. a group of pedestrians were walking on 68th Street North when a southbound black pick-up truck struck one of the pedestrians before fleeing the scene. The pedestrian, a 57-year-old male from Wasaga Beach, suffered serious injuries and has been airlifted by Air Orange to a Toronto area hospital for treatment.

Investigators believe that the involved vehicle may be a black Dodge RAM with front-end damage possibly including a broken window.

The Huronia West OPP are appealing to the community for any information, tips, witnesses, or video that might be available to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or reach out to Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.crimestopperssdm.com where they could be eligible for a cash reward.

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Killaloe OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(KILLALOE, ON) – Members of the Killaloe Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a fatal single vehicle collision on Highway 60 in South Algonquin Township.

On August 31, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded alongside Fire and Rescue and Renfrew County Paramedics to a report of a motorcycle collision on Highway 60.

As a result, a 70-year-old was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Highway 60 a since been reopened.

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OPP Police Press Releases Portland

Fatal Collision

(PORTLAND, ON) – The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to investigate a single vehicle collision where the driver was found deceased and the passenger was found with non-life-threatening injuries.

On September 1, 2024, just after 3:00 a.m., members of the Leeds OPP received reports of a vehicle in the ditch on Country Road 8, a few kilometres east of Highway 15.

The driver was a 19 year-old man from Mallorytown and the passenger was a 17 year-old man from Brockville.

The cause of the collision is still undetermined. Leeds OPP is being assisted by the OPP Collision Reconstructionists, the Technical Traffic Collision Investigators (TTCI), the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Office of Forensic Pathology.

County Road 8 remains closed between Harlem Road and Hughs Road, and will be re-opened once the on-scene investigation completes.

If you witnessed the collision, or have relevant dashcam video, contact the Leeds County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave your tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Scott KALAUZ – Drunk Driving

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A single vehicle collision on Highway 11 that sent two people to hospital resulted in several charges for the alcohol impaired driver.

On August 30, 2024, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Fort Frances responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 11 approximately 40 km east of Fort Frances. The involved vehicle left the highway and collided with a rock cut. Both driver and passenger of the vehicle were transported by ambulance to the hospital in Fort Frances for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation into the collision determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol and breath testing was completed by demand at the hospital.

Scott KALAUZ, 33-years-old from Winnipeg MB was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

–      Impaired operation alcohol and drug

–      Impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

–      Dangerous operation

–      Utter threats death or bodily harm

The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released by police and is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on October 7, 2024, to speak to the charges.  

Fact about impaired driving, breath testing equipment is portable. A Qualified Technician can conduct a breath test anywhere there is a power supply available. If you can’t provide a breath sample due to injury, police can make a blood sample demand that a medical practitioner can complete. If you plan to drink, do not plan to drive.