Category: Red Rock

(RED ROCK, ON) – Members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation following a single vehicle collision.

On Friday, January 23, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m. EST, members of the Nipigon OPP spotted a tractor trailer in the ditch along Highway 17 near Red Rock while on patrol. The officer had reasonable suspicion that the individual was under the influence of alcohol while operating the vehicle. Through investigation it was determined the driver of the vehicle was impaired.

As a result, Keith BRIMACOMBE, 62 years old of Winnipeg, MB, is charged with the following:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on March 3, 2026. The driver also received a licence suspension of 90 days, and the tractor trailer was impounded for 7 days.

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving puts everyone at risk and commercial motor vehicle drivers must have a blood alcohol level of zero. If you suspect that someone is driving any vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

(RED ROCK, ON) – On 10 September 2025 at approximately 11:30pm officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Nipigon Detachment, responded to reports of an aggressive bear in the Brompton Road area. The bear had reportedly charged at and growled at residents, causing concern for public safety. Despite efforts to deter the animal, it could not be safely scared away or relocated.

Before taking action to destroy any animal, OPP officers assess the threat to public safety, the feasibility of relocation, and the ability to carry out the intervention safely within a residential setting. In this case, due to the immediate risk posed and the inability to safely relocate the bear, officers were required to dispatch the animal.

With the cooler temperatures approaching, fall time is an important time to be aware of bears. There have been many sightings recently as bears are starting to bulk up for winter. With bears preparing for winter hibernation, fall is when people need to be the most aware. Bears tend to find their way into residential areas this time of year in search of food.

Individuals are reminded to use extreme caution when encountering bears and other wildlife. For information on how to prevent and report encounters with black bears, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/bear-wise-tips-and-tools

Not every bear sighting is an emergency, here is who to call if you encounter a bear.

Non-Emergency Encounters

Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a bear is:

• Roaming around, checking garbage cans
• Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
• In a tree
• Pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue

For Emergency Situations

Call 911 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, such as:

• Entering a school yard when school is in session
• Stalking people and lingering on-site
• Entering or trying to enter a residence
• Wandering into a public gathering
• Killing livestock/pets and lingering on site.

The Nipigon OPP would also like to provide some safety tips:

• Never feed or approach bears
• Secure food, garbage and recycling
• Remove bird feeder when bears are active
• Never leave pet food outdoors
• Clean and Store BBQ grills and smokers
• Alert neighbors to bear activity

On September 12, 2025, officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle following two youths in the town of Red Rock. The youths were located safely and transported home by OPP members. The suspect was identified, arrested, and found to be in breach of a probation order.

David O’CONNOR, 34, from Red Rock, has been charged with:

• Criminal harassment – repeatedly follow – two counts
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Failure to comply with probation order
• Failure to comply with release order (other than to attend court)
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance

The accused was held for bail and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.