Category: Serpent River First Nation

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

Neil COLIN – Drunk Driving

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint involving a westbound vehicle on Highway 17 within Serpent River First Nation.

The black car repeatedly hit the shoulder and crossed into the oncoming lane, while the driver was seen throwing garbage out the window. Police located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the interaction, officers determined that the driver had consumed alcohol. At approximately 3:15 p.m., an arrest was made.

The driver was transported to Blind River detachment for further testing and their vehicle was towed.

Neil COLIN, 54 years old from London, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 2, 2025. The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP continues to encourage the public to report motorists suspected of driving impaired by calling 9-1-1 or contacting the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

Robert FOLZ Was Arrested Again!

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)– Argument results in one being arrested.

On February 4, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a disturbance that had taken place at a community centre on Ball Park Road in the community of Serpent River First Nation where two people had a verbal altercation. The conversation ended with one person threatening to use baseball bats the next time they met. 

Officers later located the accused, and a subsequent query revealed that the individual was also wanted for another matter. Further investigation revealed that the accused was in violation of another condition and was found in the company of someone with whom they were not permitted to associate with. As a result, an arrest was made, and the accused was transported to the Blind River detachment.

Robert FOLZ, 41 years old from Serpent River First Nation was charged with:

  • Uttering threats-cause death or bodily harm
  • Failure to comply with release order-other than to attend court – three counts

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on February 5, 2025, and was remanded into custody.

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

Brighten MOORE Facing Firearms Charges

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- One person arrested for pointing rifle at family members.  

On December 20, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the OPP’s Northeast Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team unit and the Traffic Incident Management Enforcement unit responded to a weapons complaint at a residence on Village Road in the community of Serpent River First Nation.

The complainant and their common-law spouse arrived at the residence to speak with a family member. When the family member became agitated, the couple decided to leave. As they were backing out of the driveway in their pickup truck, the family member emerged from the residence, armed with a long gun, and pointed it at the couple as they were leaving.

A short time later, when it was safe to so, officers approached the residence and arrested the accused for pointing the firearm. During the search, police located and seized two firearms, including a .22 semi-automatic rifle, which matched the description provided by the complainants.

As a result, Brighten MOORE, 28 years-old from Serpent River First Nation, was charged with:

  • Pointing a firearm
  • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Blind River on December 22, 2024, and was remanded into custody.

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

Police Warn Of Drones

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- Reminder to anyone operating a drone that it is your responsibility to operate it safely and legally.

On December 11, 2024, the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a complaint about a drone flying over the homes of certain Serpent River First Nation community members, including during early mornings and late evenings. One incident involved a drone flying near a residence at 5:00 a.m., coming close to an individual’s bedroom window.

In Canada, you must follow the rules set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, respect the applicable Criminal Code related sections, and all municipal, provincial, and territorial laws related to trespassing and privacy.

Before flying a drone, make sure to understand the rules that apply and follow them:

All drones between 250 grams (g) and 25 kilograms (kg) in weight must be registered. This includes custom-built drones and drones built from a kit or off-the shelf.

Drones under 250 g do not need to be registered unless something is attached to it that increases its weight to 250 g or more.

Drones over 25 kg also do not need to be registered but require a special flight operations certificate instead.

Is a Licence Required?

Only if the drone is between 250 g and 25 kg, the operator must carry a valid drone pilot certificate, and the drone must be registered. If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate.

Penalties

If you fly a drone without meeting these requirements, fines are:

$1000 for recreational users

$5000 for commercial users

Police are asking drone operators to respect the privacy of others, be responsible and avoid flying over private property. Everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. 

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

71 Year Old Violently Assaulted – Paul OWL Arrested

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- 71-year-old pushed to ground results in charges.

On September 20, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call for service related to a family dispute on Hillside Drive West in the community of Serpent River First Nation.

With the assistance from Manitoulin OPP, police attended Hillside Drive West and determined an argument ensued between two families over property related matters. During the heated argument, a 71-year-old relative was pushed, fell backwards, and hit their head on the pavement. 

The 71-year-old and the accused were transported separately to hospital in Blind River via Algoma Paramedic Services. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result, Paul OWL, 39 years-old from Serpent River First Nation, was charged with:

  • Assault with a weapon
  • Assault

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on November 7, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Serpent River First Nation

Julie KNAPP Arrested Again

(SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION, ON) – A Sudbury driver was arrested and charged after report of erratic behaviour on Highway 17, Serpent River First Nation.

On March 29, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended an assist call at a residence when a driver of a brown Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) yelled at police and displayed very bizarre behaviour.  Because of these signs of impairment, they were arrested and assessed by an OPP Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE). The vehicle was towed and impounded.

In the driver’s possession, police seized an air soft imitation Berretta handgun, a large hunting knife, a switch blade knife, suspected cocaine, suspected suboxone tablets, suspected Fentanyl, suspected crystal meth, and a crack pipe.  

Julie KNAPP, 43-years-old, from Sudbury was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule II Substance
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid
  • Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
  • Failure to comply with release order (three counts)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on May 2, 2024.

The OPP would like to remind the motoring public to drive sober; this includes drug consumption as well. Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code and drivers are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.  A charge of impairment by drugs involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter and those that are illegal. 

The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.