Category: Thessalon

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

James Douglas HEMBRUFF Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(THESSALON, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrest and charge a person after a threats complaint.

On January 10, 2026, police received a call in relation to a man verbally threatening people and threatened one person with a hammer at a work location on Federation Street. The man had departed prior to police arrival but was arrested a short time later on Maple Street.

James Douglas HEMBRUFF, 40-years-old, from Thessalon, was charged with:

  • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Fail to comply with Probation Order – two counts

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 5, 2026.

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Sault Ste Marie Thessalon

Robert John BOUCHARD Was Arrested Again

(THESSALON FIRST NATION, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged driver after vehicle stop.

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., officers were on general patrol, Maple Ridge Road, Thessalon First Nation, when they recognized a vehicle and driver, as they were known to police. The driver had a warrant out for his arrest and was therefore charged accordingly. 

Robert John BOUCHARD, 41 years-old, from Sault Ste. Marie, was charged with:

• Fail to comply with Probation Order

• Driving while suspended

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2026.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Jessica-Danielle Amie ROWAN Was Arrested

(THESSALON, ON) – A person was charged after a report of an intoxicated female in vehicle at gas station on Lakeside Drive.

On December 25, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call pertaining to an intoxicated female and her young child in a small black sport utility vehicle. Police attended the location a short after and subsequently arrested the female driver. A family member picked up the young child and the vehicle was towed and impounded.     

Jessica-Danielle Amie ROWAN, 33-years-old, from Sault Ste. Marie was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 5, 2026.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Derek BROWN – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(THESSALON, ON) – A person was charged for impaired after being stopped for speeding on Highway 17 near Government Road. 

On December 7, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a west bound blue pickup truck on Highway 17 travelling at a high rate of speed. The driver emanated a strong odour of alcoholic beverage and displayed signs of intoxication. After a roadside test, the driver was subsequently arrested and vehicle towed and impounded. In addition, an open alcohol can was located in the center console of the pickup truck.    

Derek BROWN, 42-years-old, from Hanmer was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol 

• Operation while impaired – blood concentration 80 plus 

• Dangerous operation

• Speeding

• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on January 8, 2026.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Mark VASEY Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(THESSALON, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrest and charge a person after a threats complaint.

On November 28, 2025, police received a call in relation to a person threatening acquaintances over borrowing a vehicle. On December 3, 2025, the person was arrested and charged. 

Mark VASEY, 40-years-old, from Thessalon, was charged with:

• Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm – two counts

• Uttering threats – damage property

• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

• Fail to comply with Probation Order 

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sault Ste. Marie on December 3, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Susan QUINTON – Threats

(THESSALON, ON)- Former acquaintance makes threats during grocery store incident.

On Friday, August 8, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a threats complaint that occurred at local grocery store in the Town of Thessalon.

While inside the grocery store, a former acquaintance approached the complainant and began yelling. As the confrontation escalated, the individual clenched their fist and threatened to harm the complainant.

As a result, Susan QUINTON, 55 years-old from Thessalon, was charged with: Uttering threats-cause death or bodily harm. 

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on September 4, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

David VIOLETTE Was Arrested

(THESSALON, ON)- Traffic complaint leads to impaired charge.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint involving a red car travelling eastbound on Highway 17 within the Town of Thessalon. The vehicle was reported to be weaving in and out of traffic.

While stopped in a construction zone, the driver of the red car was observed waving a baseball bat out of the window and smoking from a pipe. Police located the vehicle near Melwel Road and conducted a traffic stop.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that the individual was impaired by an intoxicating substance. The driver was arrested and transported to the Blind River Detachment for further testing.

David VIOLETTE, 55 years old from Campbell River, BC was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – drug
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on September 4, 2025. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.

The OPP remains committed to ensuring our roads are safe from drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers. Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol continue to pose a significant threat on Ontario roads.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Shawn TURCOTTE – Drive While Suspended

(THESSALON, ON)- OPP charge known suspended driver.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., members from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol on Lakeside Drive in the Town of Thessalon when they observed a driver known to them as being a suspended and disqualified driver.

A traffic stop was conducted on Dawson Street with the driver being arrested and transported to Thessalon. The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for 45 days.

Shawn TURCOTTE, 40 years-old who resides in the community of Thessalon First Nation was charged with:

  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code (five counts)
  • Driving while under suspension

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on September 4, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

23 Year Old Facing Drunk Driving Charge

(THESSALON, ON)- East Algoma OPP lays 21st impaired charge in 2025.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrols in the Town of Thessalon when they observed a black pickup truck travelling westbound at a high rate of speed on Lakeside Drive.

A traffic stop was conducted on Highway 17 near Lakeside Drive. During the interaction with the driver, police determined that alcohol had been consumed. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the Thessalon detachment for further testing.

Gabriel MERRYLEES, 23 years-of-age from Echo Bay was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on August 7, 2025.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the involved vehicle was impounded for 7days.

The OPP remains committed to ensuring our roads are safe from drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers. Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol continue to pose a significant threat on Ontario roads.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

19 Year Old Arrested After Rampage – Name Released

(THESSALON, ON)– Family member smashes up house.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an intoxicated person smashing up the complainant’s house on Edward Street in the Town of Thessalon. 

While en route to the residence, a query revealed that the intoxicated individual was also wanted for an outstanding warrant. Upon arrival, officers located the person upstairs and made the arrest.

As a result, Nathan RODGERS, 19-years-of-age from Thessalon was charged with:

  • Mischief under $5000
  • Fail to comply with Release Order

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on February 22, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Dog Intentionally Run Down – Douglas RICHARD Arrested Again!

(THESSALON FIRST NATION, ON)- Driver purposely strikes a dog with their vehicle.

On January 3, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an individual attempting to run over a dog with a vehicle on Oakridge Road in the community of Thessalon First Nation. The driver fled the scene before officers arrived.

On January 8, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., police observed the same driver leaving a building on Main Street in the Town of Thessalon. Upon noticing the police, the accused fled on foot. With the assistance of the public the OPP were able to locate the individual on Water Street, resulting in an arrest.

Douglas RICHARD, 30 years-old from Thessalon First Nation was charged with:

  • Uttering Threats-damage or injure animal
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – three counts
  • Failure to comply with release order-other than to attend court – five counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Drive while under suspension – two counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake at a later date.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Matthew BOSWORTH Arrested Again – Assault, Forcible Confinement

(THESSALON, ON)- Parent assaulted and restrained by sibling.  

On December 22, 2024, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a family dispute on Dawson Street in the Town of Thessalon.

The investigation revealed that an adult sibling had elbowed their parent in the face, then proceeded to headbutt them while restraining the parent in a chair for an extended period. The sibling also prevented the parent from leaving a bunkhouse on the property and pocketed their cell phone.

As a result, Matthew BOSWORTH, 30 years-old from Brantford, was charged with:

  • Assault
  • Mischief under $5000
  • Forcible confinement
  • Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic
  • Fail to comply with probation order

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Blind River on December 23, 2024, and was remanded into custody.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Two Arrested After Theft At LCBO

(THESSALON)- Shoplifter and getaway driver attempt to evade police.

On December 4, 2024, at approximately 2:45 p.m., officers from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a theft of liquor at the liquor store on Main Street in the Town of Thessalon.

The investigation revealed that the suspect entered the liquor store, took several bottles of liquor without attempting to pay, and walked out. The individual then fled northbound on Main Street in a getaway car.

While patrolling, police spotted the suspect white car traveling westbound on Highway 17 near Jarrett Road. When officers attempted to follow the vehicle, the driver tried to evade police, speeding dangerously while overtaking other westbound vehicles.

The white car then turned off Highway 17 onto Waltonen Road which leads to a dead-end (east of Bruce Mines). Officers located the white car parked on the road with two individuals inside. Both suspects were arrested at the scene.

Police also found four bottles of liquor hidden in a snowbank, which the suspects had attempted to conceal from the officers.

Mandeep BRAR, 23 years old from Brampton, was charged with:

  • Theft under $5000-Shoplifting
  • Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Blind River on December 5, 2024.

The driver, Statlinjit SINGH, 30 years-old from Niagara Falls, was charged with:

  • Theft under $5000-Shoplifting
  • Possession property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Dangerous operation

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

2 Arrested Following Traffic Stop

(THESSALON)- OPP query missing trailer plate. 

On December 3, 2024, officers from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol along Highway 17B in the Town of Thessalon.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., police observed a blue pickup truck towing a trailer at a local gas station on Highway 17B. Upon querying the trailer’s plate, it was found to be reported as missing, with the trailer itself having been stolen on December 2, 2024.

A short time later, a traffic stop was conducted on Government Road. The driver was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license, and the pickup truck was not insured. Additionally, the passenger, known to the officers, was found to be in breach of conditions from a previous Release Order.

As a result, the passenger, Brendon ZOTTER, 34 years-old from Sault Ste Marie, was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Failure to comply with Release Order-other than to attend court

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Blind River on December 4, 2024, and was remanded into custody.

The driver Jennifer BROWN, 41 years-old from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Drive while under suspension
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Use plate not authorized for the pickup truck
  • Use plate not authorized for the trailer
  • Fail to surrender permit for trailer
  • Drive motor vehicle-no permit

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

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OPP Police Press Releases Thessalon

Mark VASEY Arrested After Someone Defecated Beside Trailer


(THESSALON, ON)- Sibling attends campground and threatens park staff. On September 7, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a threat’s complaint at a local campground on Lakeside Drive in the Town of Thessalon.

Investigation determined campground staff told two people to leave the campsite by 11:00 a.m. as one of the individuals was observed defecating beside a seasonal trailer. 

Later, a sibling of one of the evicted individuals attended the campground, threatened park staff and left on foot. Police identified the accused through video footage provided by the complainant.

At approximately 12:00 p.m., police located the accused walking on Main Street and a subsequent arrest was made. As a result, Mark VASEY, 39 years-of-age from Thessalon was charged with: Uttering threats-cause death or bodily harm.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on October 3, 2024.