Police briefs
Please contact 911 for emergencies or call 1-888-310-1122 to make a report of a non-emergent nature. For anonymous tips, call Cirmestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca
(FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has now made an arrest in connection with a serious assault that occurred March 20, 2021 in Fort Frances.
A 30 year old man from Big Grassy First Nation has been charged with: Aggravated Assault and Assault with a Weapon.
The accused attended Ontario Provincial Court in Fort Frances on March 22, 2021 and has been remanded into custody.
Shortly after 5:00 a.m. on March 20, 2021, members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP were called to an assault with a weapon that took place on the 200 block of Scott Street in Fort Frances. The victim was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing with the collaboration of the Northwest Region Crime Unit, Northwest Region Emergency Response Team (NWR-ERT), and Forensic Identification Services (FIS), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
Members of the public with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the OPP at or can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or 1-888-310-1122. Online information can be provided at ontariocrimestoppers.ca
REPEAT OFFENDER
(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On the evening of March 17, 2021 members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police observed a male known to police as a disqualified driver.
Officers observed the male driving a motor vehicle on King’s Highway in Fort Frances. A traffic stop was conducted and the male was arrested for impaired operation based on the officer’s observation and obvious indicators of impairment.
The driver was presented to an Intoxilyxer Technician and the investigation continued. The evidence gathered supported the observations that he was impaired.
A 51 year old Fort Frances man has been charged criminally with: Operate conveyance while impaired by alcohol or drugs; and Drive while Disqualified.
At the time of his arrest, the man was already awaiting trial on a previous impaired driver charge, and has five previous convictions for impaired driving. As a result of these charges, although already suspended for life, his driving privileges have been suspended in Ontario for a further ninety days and the motor vehicle in question was impounded for a period of ninety days.
FATALITY
(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – The Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the OPP North West Region Crime Unit, under the direction of the Criminal Investigation Branch, are investigating an incident involving an individual with very serious injuries, which eventually led to their death.
On March 20, 2021 at 12:29 p.m. Sioux Lookout OPP was dispatched to assist Northwest EMS at an apartment complex on Millar Crescent in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. Officers located Armant Beardy, 34 years of age, who was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries. He later died as a result of these injuries.
This investigation is ongoing. There is no threat to public safety at this time.
Members of the public who have information regarding this investigation are urged to contact the OPP at or can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or 1-888-310-1122. Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted on-line at ontariocrimestoppers.ca . You may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
MURDER CHARGES
(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – A Winnipeg man is facing murder charges after the victim of a brutal assault died as a result of their injuries. The victim has been identified as 37 year old Robyn Kakepetum of Sioux Lookout.
On March 18, 2021 at 11:40 p.m., Sioux Lookout OPP was dispatched to a disturbance at a Seventh Avenue residence. Officers located the victim who was transported to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with life threatening injuries.
A 26 year old Winnipeg man was facing Robbery and Aggravated Assault charges. Since the victim’s death, he has been re-arrested with the additional offence of Second degree murder.
The accused remains in custody.
The Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the OPP North West Region Crime Unit, under the direction of the Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to investigate the incident.
Members of the public who have information regarding this investigation are urged to contact the OPP at or can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or 1-888-310-1122. Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted on-line at ontariocrimestoppers.ca . You may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
FATAL ACCIDENT
(NIPIGON, ON) -On Sunday March 21, 2021 at approximately 3:19 pm, officers of the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a passenger car and Tractor Trailer unit on Highway 11-17, Shuniah Township, west of Superior Shores Road.
Initial investigation determined that an eastbound Hyundai Genesis car struck a tractor Trailer unit parked on the westbound shoulder of the highway.
The lone occupant of the car, 25 year old Dylan Vaudrin of Thunder Bay, ON was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The occupant of the parked Tractor Trailer unit was not injured.
The Shuniah Fire Department along with Superior North Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were on scene to assist.
Highway 11-17 was closed for approximately 4 hours while OPP Traffic Collision Investigators (TCI) conducted their investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
DRUG TRAFFICKING
(KENORA, ON) The OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and Organized Crime & Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) have executed a search warrant in the 800 block of First Street South in the City of Kenora.
On March 18, 2021 at 8:54 p.m. Police executed a search warrant as part of an on-going investigation into the sale of illegal drugs in the North West region. As a result, officers seized drugs, cash, drug paraphernalia and a weapon.
Police have charged four people with multiple charges.
A 37 year old Kenora man has been charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Methamphetamine; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000; Possession of Prohibited Device or Ammunition for Dangerous Purpose; Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.
A 32-year-old Kenora man has been charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Methamphetamine; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000; Possession of Prohibited Device or Ammunition for Dangerous Purpose; Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon; Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order; Failure to Comply With Release Order-Other Than to Attend Court.
A 28 year old Kenora woman has been 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-Methamphetamine; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000; Possession of Prohibited Device or Ammunition for Dangerous Purpose; Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.
A 24 year old Kenora woman has been charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Cocaine; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.
Two of the accused were released on an Appearance Notice to attend the Kenora Courthouse on April 22, 2021 to answer to the charges, and the other two were held for bail.
