SOUTH ALGONQUIN – Goderich Free Press

(SOUTH ALGONQUIN TWP., ON.) – An individual who previously alleged they were abducted at gunpoint has now been charged with public mischief.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to South Algonquin Township after a delivery driver reported he had been held against his will at gunpoint.

The individual claimed that they had encountered a female and male, armed with a handgun, in Brundell-Lyndoch-Raglan Township early that afternoon. He indicated the two individuals accompanied him in the van along numerous roads in the area before stopping and then they fled on foot.

The OPP’s Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit were called-in but were unsuccessful in locating any trace of the individuals. The OPP’s Forensic Identification Services and the UOV OPP Crime Unit assisted in the investigation.

Following an in-depth investigation, the claims were determined to be false.

As a result, 30-year-old Jean-Luc THIBEAU of Belleville has been charged with public mischief.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on Monday, July 7, 2025.

(SOUTH ALGONQUIN TWP, ON) – A driver is facing several charges after a recent single-vehicle collision in South Algonquin Township.

Members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to the collision on March 22, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Highway 60.

Investigation found that a westbound vehicle attempted to avoid wildlife, lost control and struck a guard rail. The driver, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was not injured. Officers found that the vehicle had been recently purchased, and stolen licence plates were attached to it. The driver was arrested, and police seized the stolen plates.

As a result of this incident 51-year-old Leslie PETZOLDT of Shelburne, Ontario has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC), Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) offences:

Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
Driving while under suspension
Use plate not authorized for vehicle
Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
Operate vehicle without insurance

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on April 14, 2025.