Police briefs

A 30-year-old local man from Fort Frances has been charged with multiple break and enter incidents that took place last week.

The accused has been charged with a dozen offences including four counts of break and enters, two counts of thefts under $5,000, mischief under $5000, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime and possession of heroin.

The first incident took place on Jan. 11, shortly after 8:00 a.m. officers from the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a break and enter at a local business on First Street East in Fort Frances.

The second incident took place on Jan. 12, shortly before 2:00 p.m. when officers from the Rainy River District Detachment were called to a break and enter at a pharmacy in Fort Frances. The final break and enter happened on Jan.13, shortly before 2:00 p.m. members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police attended to a break and enter at two separate pharmacies in Fort Frances.

None of the charges were proven in court and a court date has not been set for the accused.

According to a press release, the investigation is still ongoing and members of the public who may have any information regarding the break and enters, or the trafficking of stolen items is strongly urged to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

FATALITIES

(ORILLIA, ON) – Two fatal snowmobile incidents over the weekend have the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warning snowmobilers to stay off frozen waterways, while the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) urges them to stay off closed OFSC trails.

With Snowmobile Safety Week now underway, the OPP is reporting that six people have lost their lives in snowmobile incidents so far this season. On Sunday, January 17, 2021, three people died in two separate incidents after their snowmobiles broke through the ice on Georgian Bay.

“These latest incidents are a tragic reminder of the serious risks associated with snowmobiling on frozen waterways. Approximately 40 per cent of OPP-investigated fatal snowmobile incidents in the last 10 years have occurred on lakes and rivers. Excessive speed, driving too fast for the conditions and alcohol/drugs are other top contributing factors in snowmobile deaths. Our data speaks loud and clear about the behaviours and unsafe riding conditions snowmobilers need to avoid to make it through the season safely,” said Chief Superintendent Rohan Thompson, Provincial Commander, Highway Safety Division.

“Our mild winter makes it particularly important for snowmobilers to regularly check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide to get information about trail openings and closures. Snowmobilers are reminded that it is unlawful and unsafe to ride on closed OFSC trails and are encouraged to visit the OFSC website for other important information about what they need to do to enjoy a safe riding season,” said Lisa Stackhouse , Director, Marketing & Communications, OFSC.

During the campaign and throughout the snowmobile season, OPP officers will be visible conducting enforcement throughout the province, focusing their attention on safety violations and impaired driving investigations. Snowmobilers are reminded that Mandatory Alcohol Screening authorizes officers to demand a breath test from snowmobile operators without requiring suspicion that they have consumed alcohol.

BREAK AND ENTER

(KENORA, ON) Members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person in relation to a Break and Enter on Park Street.

On Tuesday January 19, 2021 at 5:07 a.m. Police responded to a break and enter call on Park Street in the City of Kenora. Police attended along with the Northwest Canine Unit. Police entered the building and were able to locate a lone person who was arrested.

As a result of the investigations a 27 year-old Kenora man has been charged with the following: Break, Enter a place-commit indictable offence; Mischief Over $5000; Possession of Break In Instruments.

The accused was released on a Form 10 to attend the Kenora Courthouse on February 11.

SMUGGLING

(KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG FIRST NATION, ON) – On December 14, 2020, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation Band Council notified officers from the KI Police and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) of suspected narcotics being shipped into the community after locating and seizing pills concealed in a cargo parcel.

Following investigation, over 250 pills of a suspected controlled substance were located and seized, with an estimated street value exceeding $2500.

A 46 year old KI man has been charged for Trafficking in Schedule III Substance – Other Drugs. The accused has been released on an Appearance Notice, and is scheduled to appear in the KI Ontario Court of Justice on March 4.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs or substances in any community, please contact local band council and/ or your local police service. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. You may also report online at: http://www.p3tips.com/273.

WEAPONS

(KENORA) Members of the Kenora OPP the Kenora Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and the Organized Crime and Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) have charged a Kenora man with weapons related charges stemming from an investigation.

On Thursday January 7, 2021 at approximately 3:01 p.m. Police responded to an ambulance assist call on Tenth Street in Keewatin.

While at the home a firearm was seized and the OPP later conducted a Search Warrant on the residence.

As a result of the investigation a 39 year-old Kenora man has been charged with the following: Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose; Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm; Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition’ Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order; and Possession of Imitation Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

The accused was released on a Summons to attend the Kenora Court House on March 25.