Category: Sault Ste Marie

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

18 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – An early morning disturbance led to impaired driving charges for one individual.

On April 5, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., an officer from the Thessalon detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was travelling through Sault Ste. Marie, when they heard yelling and screaming on Queen Street East near Fournier Road. Concerned for public safety, the officer attended the scene and located multiple individuals standing near three vehicles, two which were parked on the travelled portion of the road and one which was partially stuck in a snowbank. The officer observed one of the individuals place what appeared to be a beer can in the snowbank, enter the driver seat of the stuck motor vehicle and attempt to drive it. The officer detained the individual and formed grounds to believe they had consumed alcoholic beverages.

As a result of further investigation, Logan SCOTT, 18 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 12, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP was assisted in this investigation by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – The Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated three impaired driving incidents on Friday, April 4, 2025. Three drivers were charged with a total of six criminal offences.

At approximately 10:23 a.m., a Sault Ste. Marie OPP officer was conducting general patrol on Spring Street in Sault Ste. Marie, when their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system alerted them to a possible stolen vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, where the officer determined the vehicle was not stolen, but the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Lisa MCCORMICK, 42 years-of-age, of Batchewana First Nation was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 12, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

At approximately 9:00 p.m., a Sault Ste. Marie OPP officer was conducting general patrol on Highway 17 in Goulais River, when they observed a motor vehicle that failed to turn off its high beams when passing the police cruiser, obstructing the officer’s view. A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation determined the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Justen JOSEPH, 38 years-of-age, of Goulais River was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 21, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

At approximately 9:34 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint on Lake George Road in Laird. Officers stopped multiple vehicles and conducted Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) tests on the drivers. During the RIDE, one driver failed the MAS test, indicating the presence of alcohol in their system. As a result of further investigation, Robert DESCHAMPS, 62 years-of-age, of Laird was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 21, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol and drug-impaired drivers off our roads through public education and enforcement. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Josh PAYEUR Was Arrested – Details Released

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – An individual is facing an impaired driving charge after a traffic stop in Sault Ste. Marie.

On March 23, 2025 at approximately 3:57 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police was conducting general patrol on Great Northern Road, when their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system alerted them to a vehicle that was registered to a suspended driver.

While following the vehicle, the officer observed it make multiple lane changes and accelerate quickly from an intersection. A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation determined the driver was impaired by an intoxicating substance.

As a result, Josh PAYEUR, 24 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Drive vehicle with Cannabis readily available
  • Fail to surrender licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 14, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Robert BELLEAU Was Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – On February 25, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was patrolling Trunk Road in Sault Ste. Marie, when they observed a vehicle pull out of a business in an unsafe manner, failing to yield for traffic and nearly causing a collision.   

A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. As a result, Robert BELLEAU, 61 years-of-age, of Garden River First Nation was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Fail to yield – uncontrolled intersection
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 7, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Pervert Alert – Franco PILEGGI Arrested – Details Released

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – On January 31, 2025, at approximately 1:36 p.m., the Sault Ste. Marie and Superior East Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Units made an arrest following an extensive investigation into online child sexual exploitation. The arrest is also in relation to a search warrant police executed at a Rossmore Road residence in Sault Ste. Marie in December 2024. 

The investigation began when police received a complaint alleging the accused was having inappropriate online relationships with two individuals, one aged 12 years old and one aged 13 years old. 

As a result of the investigation, Franco PILEGGI, 42 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Luring a person under 16 years old by means of telecommunication – eight counts
  • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 16 years old – eight counts
  • Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years old – two counts
  • Extortion – two counts
  • Access child pornography – two counts
  • Possess child pornography

The accused was held for a bail hearing, and subsequently remanded into custody.

The Sault Ste. Marie and Superior East OPP Crime Units were assisted in this investigation by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Technological Crime Unit, the OPP North East Region Emergency Response Team and the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Unit.

The OPP encourages parents and caregivers to speak to children about online safety and to monitor their online activity. Child predators use online chat rooms and social media applications to gain access to children, as these platforms are used by millions of children every day.

If you believe a child is in danger, always call 9-1-1. If you have information related to child sexual exploitation, contact your local police. If that is the OPP, please call the 24hr non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.

Visit the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca for more information and resources.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Jesse WIWCHAR – Drunk Driving

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – A New Year’s Eve traffic stop in Sault Ste. Marie has resulted in impaired driving charges for one individual. On December 31, 2024, at approximately 11:37 p.m., a Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police officer was conducting general patrol, when they observed a vehicle remain stopped at a green light on Great Northern Road.       

A traffic stop was conducted and investigation determined the vehicle driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Jesse WIWCHAR, 33 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 3, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Gilles BELZIL – Impaired Driving

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – Multiple traffic complaints from concerned road users helped police locate a driver believed to be impaired by drugs.

On November 13, 2024, at approximately 5:17 p.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began receiving multiple traffic complaints of a vehicle that was driving in a dangerous manner on Highway 17 east of Sault Ste. Marie. Witnesses reported the vehicle braking irregularly, greatly fluctuating its speed, turning on and off its four-way flashers, passing vehicles on the shoulder, and tailgating. Police located the vehicle on Black Road in Sault Ste. Marie, and initiated a traffic stop.       

During their interaction with the driver, police formed grounds to believe the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired. As a result, Gilles BELZIL, 54 years-of-age, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, was arrested and charged with:

  • Dangerous operation – two counts
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Refusal to comply with demand
  • Drive vehicle with Cannabis readily available

The accused was held for a bail hearing, and subsequently released by the Ontario Court of Justice with a return court date of December 9, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The public is always encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they observe a possible impaired driver. The Sault Ste. Marie OPP appreciates the efforts of those who called to report the dangerous driving behaviour of this individual. Thank you for helping us keep our roads safer for everyone.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

3 Charged With Possession Of Property Obtained by Crime

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – Three individuals are facing criminal charges following a traffic stop in the city’s west end. On November 12, 2024, at approximately 12:20 a.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police were conducting general patrol on Third Line West, when they observed a motor vehicle pulling out of a property that was under construction. Officers further observed the vehicle pulling a trailer that did not have working lights.

A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation revealed the three vehicle occupants were in possession of scrap metal stolen from the construction site.

The vehicle driver, James GREENING, 46 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with: 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Draw trailer, no plate
  • Draw trailer, no permit
  • No red light on rear of trailer

Vehicle passenger, Frank CAICCO, 59 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Vehicle passenger, Amanda ATHERTON, 40 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

All three accused individuals were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 16, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – The Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has investigated four impaired driving incidents this month, charging four drivers with a total of nine offences. All incidents occurred on busy roads during the afternoon and early evening hours. 

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 2:56 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint on Highway 556 near Searchmont. A vehicle entered the RIDE and investigation determined the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. The driver was also prohibited from driving a motor vehicle in the province of Ontario. As a result, Thomas JAEGER, 45 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 18, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused’s vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

On October 14, 2024, at approximately 5:49 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP officers were conducting general patrol on Second Line West in Sault Ste. Marie. They observed a motor vehicle driving slower than the flow of traffic in a passing lane. A traffic stop was conducted and investigation determined the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Robert WILDMAN, 53 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Fail to keep right when driving at less than normal speed

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 4, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

On October 26, 2024, at approximately 4:38 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP officers were conducting general patrol on Fourth Line West in Sault Ste. Marie. They observed a motor vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted and investigation determined the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Daniel THORNTON, 40 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 25, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 4:36 p.m., Sault Ste. Marie OPP were notified of a traffic complaint for a southbound motor vehicle travelling on Highway 17, south of Wawa. Witnesses reported the vehicle swerving in and out of its lane, entering the oncoming lane and nearly causing several head-on collisions. The vehicle was located on Highway 17 near White Lane Drive in Goulais River. Investigation determined the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. As a result, Ryan KOSKI, 45 years-of-age, of Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 25, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol and drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Kaleb DEMOUR – Drug Trafficking

(SAULT STE MARIE, ON)- OPP execute drug warrant in Sault Ste Marie.

In the summer of 2024, Sault Ste Marie and Superior East Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Units (CSCU) and the OPP’s Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB), began an investigation related to drugs being trafficked from Sault Ste Marie to Wawa.

On August 20, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the OPP’s CSCU and POIB assisted by the Sault Ste OPP Detachment, and Sault Ste Marie Police Service’s Canine Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit and Emergency Services Unit, arrested an individual in the City of Sault Ste Marie and seized approximately $4500 in Canadian currency. 

Later, on this same afternoon a drug warrant was executed at a residence on Durban Street in Sault Ste Marie. Police seized over 16 grams of suspected fentanyl (estimated street value $2400) and over 55 grams of suspected cocaine (estimated street value $6000), and drug paraphernalia.

Kaleb DEMOUR, 30 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie Video Bail on August 21, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Keith KING – Drunk Driving

(SAULT STE MARIE, ON)– Speeder charged with impaired driving.

On August 3, 2024, shortly after 12:00 a.m., the Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol duties when officers observed a westbound car travelling at a high rate of speed on Trunk Road in the City of Sault Ste Marie.

A traffic stop was initiated and while the officer was speaking to the driver, police determined the driver had consumed alcohol and a subsequent arrest was made. The driver was transported to the Sault Ste Marie OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Keith KING, 33 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Having care and control of a motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor
  • Driver fail to surrender licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on September 2, 2024.

The car was towed and impounded for seven days with the driver being issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Christian STRUM-FURGE & Amy STRUM Were Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – Two individuals are facing criminal charges following multiple property crime investigations.

The first incident occurred on February 8, 2024, shortly before 9:00 a.m., when the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a theft from a business near Agawa Canyon. With the public’s assistance, police were able to identify the individual responsible for the theft.

Then on March 26, 2024, shortly after 10:00 a.m., the Sault Ste. Marie OPP responded to a suspicious vehicle on Carp Road in Batchawana Bay. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle pulling a large piece of industrial equipment. Police located the vehicle and equipment abandoned, and determined the equipment was stolen from a business near Montreal River Harbour. Again, with assistance from the public, police were able to identify the driver and passenger of the suspect vehicle. The driver was revealed to be the same individual responsible for the theft near Agawa Canyon. 

When officers located the individual, they were in possession of stolen property from businesses on Trunk Road in Sault Ste. Marie, Trout Lake Road in Heyden and Calabogie Road in Echo Bay. During the arrest, the individual admitted to stealing vehicle parts and equipment from a business in Batchawana Bay, and industrial equipment from a business on Great Northern Road in Sault Ste. Marie.

As a result of the extensive investigation, Christian STRUM-FURGE, 25 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with: 

  • Theft over $5,000
  • Theft under $5,000 – two counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – three counts
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – two counts
  • Mischief – destroy property 
  • Mischief under $5,000

Additionally, Amy STRUM, 45 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie has been arrested and charged with:

  • Theft over $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Both accused individuals were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on May 6, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Jagdeep JAGDEEP Arrested

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – A traffic stop has resulted in impaired driving charges for one individual. On March 24, 2024, shortly after 8:00 p.m., the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting general patrol on Black Road in Sault Ste. Marie, when officers observed a motor vehicle without its headlights activated, and travelling in an unsafe manner.    

A traffic stop was initiated, where investigation determined the vehicle driver had consumed alcoholic beverages. A search of the vehicle yielded both sealed and open containers of alcohol. As a result, Jagdeep JAGDEEP, 21 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Drive without Proper Headlights
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C. Above Zero
  • Driver Fail to Surrender Licence
  • Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 29, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Robert HOLLAND – Assault

(SAULT STE MARIE, ON) –  On March 5, 2024, shortly after 5 pm, the Sault Ste Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call in Goulais River on Mission Road.

The accused and the victim were engaged in a verbal argument over damage to the victim’s property. Subsequently, this led to the property owner being physically assaulted.

As a result of the investigation, Robert HOLLAND, 64 years-of-age of Sault Ste Marie, was charged with assault.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on April 8, 2024.