Category: Police Press Releases

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Dutton-Dunwich OPP Police Press Releases

Liam TRKULJA Facing Numerous Charges

(DUTTON DUNWICH, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), St. Thomas Detachment, has charged an individual following a traffic stop.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 2:25 p.m., a member of the Elgin OPP stopped a passenger vehicle in the westbound lanes of Highway 401, Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.

Middlesex – Elgin Community Street Crime Unit and Eelunaapeewi Lahkeewiit of the Delaware First Nation Police Service are assisting with the investigation.

Liam TRKULJA, a 21-year-old of Jarvis was charged with the following offences:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (Criminal Code)
  • Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking -psilocybin (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
  • Possession of illicit cannabis (Cannabis Act)
  • Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling (Cannabis Act)
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence (Highway Traffic Act)
  • Drive with windshield coated – view obstructed (Highway Traffic Act)
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

The accused was released on an Undertaking and is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on Monday, January 5, 2026.

The OPP remind drivers and members of the public to respect our communities, comply with all laws, and not jeopardize the safety of our citizens or our neighbourhoods with risky, illegal, and dangerous actions. Report impaired drivers and dangerous driving behaviours. Your call could save a life, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jason CHAPESKIE – Assault, Extortion

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following a complaint of assault.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, a member of the public attended the Bancroft OPP detachment to report an assault that had occurred the previous day. After further investigation, one person was arrested.

As a result, Jason CHAPESKIE, 34, from L’Amble has been charged with the following:

–      Assault

–      Extortion

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on January 6, 2026.

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Area OPP Huron OPP Police Press Releases

Huron Pervert Alert: Nicholas GILL, Luring Children, Sexual Assault, Etc.

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – An individual from Huron County is facing charges in connection with an ongoing sexual assault investigation. 

In July 2025, The Crime Unit of the Huron County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) commenced an investigation into a reported sexual assault that resulted in an arrest and sexual assault charge.

Further investigation identified additional victims dating back to 2022.

Following a months-long investigation, on September 18, 2025, Nicholas GILL, 30 years old of Huron County, was arrested and charged with the following additional Criminal Code offences:

–      Sexual assault – three counts

–      Sexual exploitation

–      Assault

–      Luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication

–      Makes, prints, publishes or possess for the purpose of publication any child pornography,

–      Communicate with anyone for the purpose of obtaining sexual services.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date. 

The accused is known to have travelled out of province as a long-haul trucker, particularly to Manitoba and Alberta.

Investigators are urging anyone who may have been impacted, experienced similar circumstances or has information about the accused’ activities that could assist the investigation to contact police.

The victims in this investigation have been referred to dedicated victim services to ensure they receive continued support. At every step, the OPP aims to treat victims with dignity and respect, reduce harm, and maintain clear, supportive communication to help minimize further trauma during investigations.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Huron County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca

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OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

Jaiden KILBY – Theft X3 #3Strikes

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person after responding to a shoplifting call in the Town of Renfrew.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 11:05 p.m., Renfrew OPP responded to a shoplifting call for service in the Town of Renfrew.

As a result of the investigation, Jaiden KILBY age 30 of Renfrew was charged with:

–      Three counts of theft under $5000

The accused was released and scheduled to attend the Pembroke Court of Justice on December 17, 2025.

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Arnprior OPP Police Press Releases Renfrew

Wendy SMITH Was Arrested

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person after responding to an assault call.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 10:40 a.m., Renfrew OPP officers responded to an assault call for service in the Town of Arnprior. 

As a result of the investigation, Wendy SMITH age 49 of Arnprior was charged with assault.

The accused was released and scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on January 7, 2026.

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Elliot Lake OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Facing Multiple Arson Charges #3Strikes

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person in relation to numerous fires in Elliot Lake between September 24, 2024, and July 8, 2025. 

Police investigated a series of arsons which occurred in the City of Elliot Lake resulting in numerous structure and motor vehicle fires. After a lengthy and comprehensive investigation, the OPP arrested a person on November 24, 2025.

Mattawa LAWRENCE, 19-years-old, from Elliot Lake was charged with four counts of Arson – damage to property.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on November 25, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Quinte West

Cash & Drug Bust – Jordan LALONDE, Valerie MERCER & Robert RICHARDSON

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – Three people are facing charges after a seizure of drugs and other items in Quinte West.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) began an investigation into drug trafficking in the area this fall.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, officers with CSCU, assisted by the OPP Emergency Response Team members, the Canine Unit and Quinte West OPP members, executed search warrants at residences on York Crescent and Alberta Street.

Two people were taken into custody. Officers seized over 24 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 95 grams of suspected cocaine, as well as more than 300 pills of suspected hydromorphone and benzimidazole. They also seized items associated with drug trafficking and nearly $11,000 in cash. A third person was arrested a short time later.

Jordan LALONDE, age 36 of Quinte West, has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – four counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000
  • Fail to comply with a release order

This accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date.

Valerie MERCER, age 22 of Quinte West, has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – three counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

This accused remains in custody pending an ongoing bail hearing process.

Robert RICHARDSON, age 47 of Quinte West, has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – four counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000
  • Fail to comply with a probation order – two counts

This accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases South Dundas

Weapon & Drug Bust – Robert SCOTT & Shelby THOMPSON

(SOUTH DUNDAS TWP., ON) – Two people are facing charges after a seizure of drugs and firearms in South Dundas Township.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) began an investigation into drug trafficking in the area this fall.

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, officers with CSCU, assisted by the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team members, the Canine Unit and members of the SD&G OPP executed a search warrant at a residence on Deeks Road.

Two people were taken into custody. Officers seized approximately 450 grams of suspected methamphetamine, nearly 60 grams of suspected cocaine and more than 70 pills of suspected hydromorphone. They also seized a modified and loaded .22 calibre rifle a loaded shot gun and several other firearms, as well as items associated with drug trafficking and nearly $2,000 in cash.

Robert SCOTT, age 42 of South Dundas, has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – four counts
  • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a prohibited device of ammunition for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm – two counts
  • Breach of firearms regulations – storage
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  •  Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

This accused remains custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Shelby THOMPSON, age 30 of North Grenville, has been charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – four counts
  • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon – two counts
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm – two counts
  • Breach of firearms regulations – storage
  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 – two counts

This accused remains custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on Monday, December 1, 2025.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

One Dead In Hit & Run : A-Bryan CONNELL Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – On November 24, 2025, the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a serious Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) on Causley Street (Highway 17) in Blind River.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a collision involving an eastbound Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and cyclist. The cyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene and the CMV operator failed to stop, continuing eastbound on Highway 17. Police located the CMV a short time later in Algoma Mills and the driver was subsequently arrested and vehicle towed.

A-Bryan CONNELL, 63-years-old, from Plummer Additional Township, was charged with:

· Fail to stop at accident resulting in death

· Dangerous operation causing death

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on November 25, 2025.

The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team and Technical Collison Investigator (TCI) attended, and the highway was closed for a considerable amount of time to ensure a proper, thorough, and safe investigation.

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Essa OPP Police Press Releases

Bryan PENNY – Drunk Driving

(ESSA, ON)- Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual with impaired driving following a single motor vehicle collision in Essa Township.

On November 21, 2025, shortly before midnight., Nottawasaga OPP responded to a single in the ditch on the 3rd Line north of 5th Sideroad in Essa Township. Officers located the vehicle and met with the driver, during the interaction, grounds were formed that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol leading to the driver’s arrest. The driver was transported to local hospital with minor injuries, later released and transported back to the Nottawasaga Detachment.  

As a result of the investigation, Bryan PENNY 37-years-old of Essa was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on December 11, 2025, to answer to the charges.

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Area OPP Brampton OPP Police Press Releases

Frances BROWN – Criminal Breach Of Trust

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid numerous charges following a fraud investigation.

On November 13, 2025, Caledon OPP received a report of a fraud involving a local minor hockey organization in the Town of Caledon. Police entered into an investigation which revealed donation funds intended for the organization were misappropriated.

As a result of the investigation, Frances BROWN, 45, of Brampton, was charged with:

  • Mischief
  • Fraud over $5000
  • Criminal breach of trust

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on December 18, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The OPP urges individuals and businesses to remain vigilant to instances of fraud. If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online at https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.

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Area OPP Centre Of Wellington Police Press Releases

Yusuf LIBAN Arrested After Erratic Behaviour

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) – A Kitchener driver is arrested following a traffic stop for erratic driving behaviour.

On November 22, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop after observing erratic driving behavior on Jones Baseline outside of Fergus. Police located a quantity of drugs within the vehicle. 

As a result of the investigation, Yusuf LIBAN, a 30-year-old from Kitchener, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – opioid (other than heroin)

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

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

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. 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.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP London Police Press Releases

Laith HAJOU Was Arrested

(LONDON, ON) – Driver facing refusal charge after traffic stop.

On November 24, 2025, at 12:41 a.m., a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) while travelling through the City of London on Sunningdale Road East, observed a suspicious vehicle, at which time a traffic stop was initiated.

The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment.

As a result, Laith HAJOU, a 22-year-old of London, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in London on December 18, 2025, to speak to the charges.

The Middlesex 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 Toronto

Greedy 70 Year Old Arrested For Not Sharing – Alex PARUCHA

(TORONTO, ON) – An individual has been charged in connection with a fraud and theft investigation.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, an individual claimed a $1 million Lotto Max Free Play ticket with Encore as a sole claimant and received payment from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The OLG Forensic Investigation Unit received and reviewed claims suggesting the winnings may have resulted from a group play arrangement. The case was referred to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB), attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

In September 2025, officers from the OPP IEB, with support from the OLG, launched an investigation which confirmed that the ticket was part of a group arrangement. The winnings should have been shared among three individuals, not a single person.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Alex PARUCHA, 70 years old of Toronto, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

·      Theft Over $5,000, s. 334(a)

·      Fraud Over $5,000, s. 380(1)(a)

·      Possession of property obtained by crime, s. 354CC (1)(a)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sarnia

Pervert Alert: Eddy John BUTLER Arrested For Luring Children For Sex

(SARNIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), with assistance from the OPP Lambton Detachment, members of the OPP Digital Forensics Unit and Chatham-Kent Police Service, have arrested and charged a Sarnia resident following a child sexual exploitation investigation.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Sarnia, and several electronic devices were seized.

As a result of the investigation, Eddy John BUTLER, 35 years old of Sarnia, was arrested and charged with four counts of luring a person under 16 years of age contrary to section 172.1(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on December 17, 2025.

“Online child sexual exploitation is a serious crime that harms the most vulnerable members of our community. As law enforcement we must continue to work tirelessly with our partners to identify offenders and protect victims of abuse and exploitation. We encourage anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.” – Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit

The OPP will continue to identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by educating their children on internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them by visiting cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

If you have information regarding online child exploitation and wish to provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.