Category: Police Press Releases

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OPP Police Press Releases

Elwood WATKINSON – Drunk Driving, Hit & Run

(SEGUIN, ON) – The West Parry Sound Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one person with impaired driving.

On February 19, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. the West Parry Sound OPP responded to a complaint from the public regarding a possible impaired driver that had just struck a parked vehicle while leaving a local restaurant. Officers were able to locate and stop the vehicle on Oastler Park Drive in the Township of Seguin.  

Elwood WATKINSON, 53 years-of-age of Wasauksing First Nation was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Careless driving
  • Fail to remain
  • Fail to report accident

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Parry Sound on April 2, 2026. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Dundalk OPP Police Press Releases

Brandon CRILLY – Drunk Driving

(DUNDALK, ON)- The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Dundalk resident with impaired driving following an early-morning incident in the Township of Southgate.

On February 21, 2026, at approximately 2:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to Werry Avenue in Dundalk after a concerned citizen reported a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway with an individual sleeping behind the wheel. Prior to police arrival, the vehicle left the area; however, officers located it shortly afterward in a nearby business parking lot.

Brandon CRILLY, 41-years-old, of Dundalk, was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration 80 Plus

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 2, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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Essex OPP Police Press Releases

Birk CASSELS – Drunk Driving

(ESSEX, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in Essex.

On February 21, 2026, at approximately 1:12 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Tracey Crescent in the Town of Essex.

Birk CASSELS, 19-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 7, 2026, to answer to the charges.

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

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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

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Leamington OPP Police Press Releases

Jhon AGUDELO ROJAS – Drunk Driving

(LEAMINGTON, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic stop in Leamington.

On February 21, 2026, at approximately 1:17 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a vehicle stop on Talbot Street West near Chestnut Street in the Municipality of Leamington.

Jhon AGUDELO ROJAS, 26-years-old of Leamington was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 31, 2026, to answer to the charges.

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

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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

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Essex OPP Police Press Releases

Frank WESTROP – Drunk Driving

(KINGSVILLE, ON) – A driver has been charged following a collision in Kingsville.

At approximately 9:10 p.m. on February 21, 2026, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on County Road 34 in the Town of Kingsville.

Frank WESTROP, 19-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

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

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on April 10, 2026, to answer to the charges.

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

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

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Bernard SOUCIE & Sarah BLEMINGS – Theft, Etc.

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have arrested and charged two individuals during separate theft from motor vehicle investigations after early morning calls for service.

On February 22, 2026, just after 2:30 am, members of the Orillia OPP responded to a call for service of a party going through vehicles in the area of Shannon Street in the City of Orillia. Members responded quickly, locating the accused party and placing them under arrest. Upon searching the accused, several property items were located not in the accused’s name, including items such as medications, wallets, and other personal property. The accused was transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment for further investigation.

As a result, Bernard SOUCIE (53) of No Fixed Address, is facing the following charges:

–      Theft Under $5,000 from Motor Vehicle (CC),

–      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime (CC),

–      Obstruct Peace Officer (CC),

–      Identity Theft – obtain or possess another persons identity information (CC),

–      Possession of Break in Instruments (CC),

–      Trespassing at Night (CC),

–      Theft of Credit Card (CC),

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order (CC), and

–      Possession of a Schedule III Substance (CDSA)

The accused is being held for a bail hearing on today’s date before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.

On February 22, 2026, just after 2:40 am, members of the Orillia OPP responded to a call for service of a party going through a vehicle in the area of Lewis Drive in the City of Orillia. Officers arrived on scene quickly and located the suspect as they were in the process of looking through an unlocked motor vehicle. The officers arrested the suspect, and personal property was located during a search that was not in the name of the accused. The accused was transported back the Orillia OPP Detachment for further investigation.

As a result, Sarah BLEMINGS (29) of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

–      Theft Under $5,000 from Motor Vehicle (CC),

–      Possession Property Obtained by Crime (CC),

–      Mischief (CC), and

–      Resist Peace Officer (CC)

The accused is being held for a bail hearing on today’s date before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.

The Orillia OPP would like to remind vehicle owners of some tips to reduce your risk of being a victim of theft, including never leaving a running vehicle unattended, ensure to lock your doors and roll up the windows every time, keep valuables out of site, and consider the use of cameras around the property.

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Area OPP Kincardine OPP Police Press Releases

OPP Kill One In Kincardine – SIU Invokes Silence & Mandate

(KINCARDINE, ON) – The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate following an incident in the Municipality of Kincardine.

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at approximately 5:50 p.m., members of the South Bruce Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attempted to arrest an individual who had been involved in multiple incidents earlier in the day across South Bruce and Huron County.

Officers with the OPP Emergency Response Team and the Canine Unit located the individual at a residence on the Bruce Saugeen Townline in the Municipality of Kincardine. During the interaction, police discharged their firearm. As a result, the individual was pronounced deceased.

As the SIU has invoked its mandate, the OPP will not be able to provide further information. Any inquiries relating to the SIU investigation should be directed to SIU Communications at [email protected].

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Alex THOMSON – Drunk Driving

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another driver with impaired driving.

On Friday, February 20, 2026 just before 11:00 p.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer who was on patrol in the town of Gravenhurst, observed a vehicle on Muskoka Road South in the town of Gravenhurst that was concerning. The officer conducted an investigation and subsequently arrested and charged 31-year-old Alex THOMSON of Cambridge with Impaired Operation – Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 7, 2026 to answer to his charge.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

Erin KRAWETZ Was Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three people with drug possession after a traffic stop in Bracebridge during the early morning hours.

On Saturday February 21, 2026 at 3:15 a.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge when a vehicle caught their attention and the officer initiated a traffic stop. As a result of their investigation, police arrested and charged 43-year-old Erin KRAWETZ of Bracebridge, ON with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance- Cocaine
  • Operation while prohibited
  • Driving while under suspension

She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 12, 2026 to answer to her charges.

Police have also charged 27-year-old Ashton CARNEGIE, of Bracebridge, and 54-year-old Robert MEEKS, of Washago, each with Possession of schedule I Substance – Cocaine. They will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 12, 2026 to answer to their charges.

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Huntsville OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Violent Robbery – Laura NIMMONS Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have arrested and charged one individual with Robbery and other Criminal Offences after an early morning call for service.

On February 21, 2026, at around 1:20 am, members from the Orillia OPP responded to a call for service of an unwanted person at a business on Atherley Road, in the City of Orillia. Upon responding, the complainant advised that there was a patron in the business who alleged they would use a weapon against them if they did not provide them with alcohol or cigarettes. Officers arrived on scene immediately and located the suspect, who resisted arrest. They were ultimately transported to the Orillia OPP Detachment, where they repeatedly made comments about wanting to kill the officers involved.

As a result of the investigation, Laura NIMMONS (41) of Huntsville, is facing the following charges:

–      Robbery with Violence (CC),

–      Mischief – destroys or damages property (CC),

–      Uttering Threats – Cause death or bodily harm x2 (CC), and

–      Resist Peace Officer (CC)

The accused is being held for a bail hearing on today’s date before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia. No weapons were located on their person or utilized during the offence.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases South Huron

Roland WHITE – Drunk Driving

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a South Huron resident with impaired driving offences following a traffic stop in the Town of Exeter, Municipality of South Huron. 

Just after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Huron County OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on Thames Road West and subsequently arrested the vehicle driver for impaired operation.

The accused provided breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician at the Huron County OPP detachment in Clinton. Breath samples provided to police resulted in readings over the legal limit.

Roland WHITE, 52 years-of-age from South Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs,

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80.

The vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on February 23, 2026. 

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OPP Police Press Releases South Huron West Perth

Christopher JOHNSTON – Drunk Driving

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a West Perth resident with an impaired driving offence following a traffic stop in the Town of Exeter, Municipality of South Huron. 

Just after 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Huron County OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on Orchard Street and determined the vehicle driver had consumed alcohol prior to driving. The driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation.

The accused provided breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician at the Huron County OPP detachment in Clinton. Breath samples provided to police resulted in readings over the legal limit.

Christopher JOHNSTON, 38 years-of-age from West Perth has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80.

The vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 02, 2026. 

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Area OPP Huron Huron East OPP Police Press Releases

Firearm Located – Jason STEINACKER Arrested

(HURON EAST, ON) – The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Huron East resident following a report of a recovered firearm in Mississauga. 

Huron OPP received information from Peel Regional Police on January 15, 2026, advising that a handgun registered to an individual in Huron East had been recovered in Mississauga. Investigators located the firearm owner who was subsequently charged with Criminal Code offences on January 15, 2026.

Jason STEINACKER, 52 years-of-age of Huron East has been charged with the following criminal offences:

–      Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device, or Ammunition,

–      Lost Firearm or Weapon – Not Reported.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 16, 2026.

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Area OPP Huron East OPP Police Press Releases South Huron

Benjamin VANGERWEN – Drunk Driving

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a South Huron resident with an impaired driving offence following a traffic stop in the Municipality of Huron East on January 18, 2026. 

Just after 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Huron County OPP officers were conducting Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) checks on Brussels Line, in the Village of Walton. Officers spoke to a vehicle driver who was subsequently arrested for impaired operation. The accused was transported to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton where they provided breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician. Breath samples were provided to police which resulted in readings over the legal limit.

Benjamin VANGERWEN, 29-years-of-age from South Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80.

The vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was processed and later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 02, 2026. 

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Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Christopher FIELDER

(KENORA, ON) – One individual has been arrested and charged following a traffic stop.

On Friday, February 20, 2026, members of the Kenora Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop after noticing a suspicious vehicle. With assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), the vehicle was searched and one individual was arrested and charged with multiple offences.

The search and arrest resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, a cell phone, Canadian currency, and other drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher FIELDER, a 48-year-old male from Kenora, is charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Criminal Code,and Highway Traffic Act 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 
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Operate unsafe vehicle
  • Speeding 1-49 km/h over posted limit

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on Monday, April 13, 2026.

If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.