Police Briefs

(FORT FRANCES) – One individual is facing impaired charges after colliding with a police vehicle.

On February 27, 2024, just before 9:30 p.m., members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were responding to an incident in the area of Third Street in the Town of Fort Frances. As officers were parked, a motor vehicle approached and subsequently collided with the marked cruisers. There were no injuries to officers or the driver of the motor vehicle as a result.

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the motor vehicle had been impaired by alcohol. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Rainy River District OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result, a 20-year-old Fort Frances woman has been arrested and charged with: Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs; and Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on March 25, 2024.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

WEAPON CHARGES

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A search warrant executed in the Town of Fort Frances has resulted in an individual being arrested and charged with numerous offences.

On February 23, 2024, shortly after 1:30 p.m., the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit, along with members of Emergency Response Team, Northwest Region Canine Unit, the Kenora Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Treaty Three Police Service Street Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on PalmCrest Drive in the town of Fort Frances.

The executed search warrant resulted in the arrest of an individuals and the seizure of multiple weapons.

As a result, a 41 year-old, of Fort Frances has been arrested and charged with: Unauthorized Possession of Weapon; Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose; Four counts: Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court; and Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

The accused was held in custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on February 26, 2024, to answer to the above charges.

Any person with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

LOCK IT UP

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are encouraging citizens to “Lock It or Lose It” and to take precautions to protect their vehicle contents from theft.

Under the “Lock It or Lose It” program, parked vehicles are examined to confirm they are locked and that no valuables have been left in plain view. A “Lock It or Lose It” notice is placed on every vehicle checked which specifies what safety precautions were ignored and simple prevention tips are provided which drivers can use to protect their vehicles and valuables from theft.

By taking simple preventative measures, such as confirming your vehicle is locked and by placing items of value out of sight or removing valuable items from your vehicle altogether, victimization can be avoided.

You can help prevent theft by following some crime prevention tips:

Always roll up your vehicle’s windows, lock the doors and pocket the key.
If you have a garage, use it and lock the door as well as your vehicle.
Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
Never leave valuable objects or packages in full view.
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.

Police are asking the public to do your part to protect your vehicle and vehicle contents from theft.

TEEN ASSAULT

(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Members of the Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged two youth with mischief, assault, and threats charges.

On February 15, 2024, shortly after 7:30 p.m., members of the Sioux Lookout OPP responded to an incident involving a weapon in an alleyway in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. Through investigation, it was determined the accused damaged multiple vehicles before assaulting an individual.

As a result, a 14-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been arrested and charged with: Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose – two counts; Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm; and Assault.

Additionally, a 13-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with: Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose; Assault with a Weapon; Mischief Under $5,000; and Failure to Comply with Undertaking,

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sioux Lookout at a later date.

ASSAULT

(ZEALAND TOWNSHIP) – One individual faces impaired and assault charges following a traffic complaint.

On February 23, 2024, shortly after 6:30 p.m., members of the Dryden Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver at a residence in Zealand Township. Officers located the driver of the motor vehicle and requested a breath sample to be provided.

Further investigation revealed that an assault had taken place at the residence on February 21, 2024.

As a result, a 50-year-old of Dryden, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act with: Assault – Spousal; Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and DrugsOperation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus); Resist Peace Officer; and Driving While Under Suspension

The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora at a later date.

The name of the accused will not be released to protect the identity of victim.

Individuals experiencing intimate partner violence are not alone. If you or someone you are aware of requires assistance, there are local resources ready to provide support. The OPP is available at 1-888-310-1122 throughout the province of Ontario. In cases of immediate danger, please dial 9-1-1 for prompt assistance.

IMPAIRED

(VAN HORNE TOWNSHIP, ON) – Members of the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation.

On February 24, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., members of the Dryden OPP Detachment responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver on Larson Bay Drive in Van Horne Township.

As a result, a 35-year-old Dryden woman, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with: Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs; and Having Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available.

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Dryden on March 18, 2024.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

FLIGHT FROM POLICE

(MARATHON, ON) – Two individuals are facing charges after fleeing from police.

On February 24, 2024, just after 2:00 a.m., members of the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) initiated a traffic stop on a motor vehicle on Highway 17 east of Marathon after observing a traffic violation. After making initial contact, the vehicle fled from officers along Highway 17.

Members of the Marathon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) overread and attempted to initiate a subsequent traffic stop on Highway 17 but were unsuccessful. Officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device; however, the vehicle continued travelling along Highway 17.

Officers later located the vehicle engulfed in flames. The two suspects fled into the nearby bush. Due to the fire, the highway was closed for a period of time.

A short time later, officers located the individuals and subsequently placed them under arrest.

As a result, an 18-year-old Tillsonburg man, has been arrested and charged with: Dangerous Operation; Flight From Peace Officer; and Obstruct Peace Officer – two counts

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been arrested and charged under the CC with Obstruct Peace Officer.

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Marathon at a later date.