Crime Watch – August 22 | Featured

OPP – Found Human Remains In Mcdougall Township

Police have determined the identity of the human remains discovered in McDougall Township.

On August 12, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the West Parry Sound detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of found human remains on a property on Avro Arrow Road. The human remains have been identified as a 56-year-old female reported missing to the York Regional Police (YRP) on August 9, 2024.

The investigation is being led by YRP, with support from the OPP including the Criminal Investigation Branch, West Parry Sound Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services and the North East Regional Support Team. Additional information on the YRP-led investigation can be accessed on the YRP website.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between August 9 and August 12, 2024, is urged to call the West Parry Sound OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

OPP – Orillia CSCU And OCEB Partner In Drug Trafficking Investigation

The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed several search warrants in Simcoe County, seizing a quantity of drugs, weapons, including a firearm and Canadian currency.

In June 2024, the Orillia Detachment Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) commenced an investigation into a group drug traffickers who were operating throughout Simcoe County. Orillia CSCU, with the assistance of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Vancouver Police Department were able to obtain judicial authorization on several different types of warrants and production orders which lead to the identity of the involved traffickers.

With this valuable information, combined with other police investigative techniques, Orillia CSCU obtained search warrants for different locations within Simcoe County.

On August 21, 2024, Orillia CSCU executed numerous search warrants and recovered:

A loaded Glock 43 9 mm handgun
214 grams of Fentanyl
218 grams of Cocaine
58 grams of Heroin
$12 000 Canadian Currency
Several prohibited knives
Stolen Police bullet proof vest
7 cellular devices
Swastika/nazi paraphernalia

As a result of this investigation, 5 people have been charged.

Arkadius LESICZKA, 30-year-old, of the City of Barrie has been charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Heroin
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Cocaine x 2
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Fentanyl x 2
CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
CC354(1)(a) – Possession of stolen property
CC 467.11(1) – Participation in a Criminal Organization
CC 86(1) – Careless storage of a firearm
CC 95(1) – Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
CC 91(1) – Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
CC 108(1)(a) – Tampering with the serial number of firearm

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

Nathan VENEMA, 33-year-old, of Surrey British Colombia, has been charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Heroin
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Cocaine
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Fentanyl
CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
CC 467.11(1) – Participation in a Criminal Organization
CC 86(1) – Careless storage of a firearm
CC 95(1) – Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
CC 91(1) – Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
CC 108(1)(a) – Tampering with the serial number of firearm

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

Ian KELLY, 31-year-old, of no fixed address, has been charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession of the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Heroin
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Cocaine
CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking Fentanyl
CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
CC 467.11(1) – Participation in a Criminal Organization
CC 86(1) – Careless storage of a firearm
CC 95(1) – Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
CC 91(1) – Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
CC 108(1)(a) – Tampering with the serial number of firearm

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

Mia SANCHEZ, 21-year-old of Surrey British Colombia, has been charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession of the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl
CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Heroin
CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

OPP – Drug Charges Laid Following Search Warrant In Marathon

Three individuals are facing drug charges following a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant in the Town of Marathon.

On August 21, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., members of the Marathon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team and Marathon OPP Detachment executed a CDSA search warrant at a residence on Coveney Street.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Canadian currency, a conductive energy weapon, and other items associated with drug trafficking were also seized.

As a result, Cory EXELL, 41-years-old, and Skylar ANDREWS, 30-years-old, both of Marathon have been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code (CC) and CDSA with:

Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
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 $5,000

Summer DESMOULIN, 27-years-old, of Marathon has been arrested and charged under the CDSA 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 a Schedule I Substance – Heroin

The accused are being held in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Marathon on August 22, 2024.

X – OPP North West Region – Body Cameras

Members of the public will begin to see body-worn cameras being worn by officers across North West Region. These cameras are a crucial step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in policing and offering reliable evidence from an incident. This new tool, alongside our in-car camera systems, reinforces our commitment to clear and trustworthy public engagements.

Barrie Police – Investigation Continues After Teen Is Stabbed In Barrie Park

The Barrie Police Service investigation of a serious incident that occurred on August 20, 2024, where a 14-year-old youth received a stab wound as a result of an interaction with another individual remains active and ongoing.

The General Assignment Unit of the Investigative Services Division is conducting a fulsome and thorough investigation where public safety and the identification of the person responsible remains the primary focus.

Updates will continue to be provided as the investigation permits, but at present, the Service is asking for the patience of our community while we continue to investigate and work to fully verify the sequence of events that transpired.

If anyone has information that can assist police, or you may have witnessed activity in Sunnidale Park or the Sunnidale Dog Park area near Coulter Street that appeared to out of the ordinary on Tuesday afternoon between 4:30 p.m. and 5:17 p.m., you are asked to please call police at 705-725-7025, extension 2129. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Barrie Police – Woman Facing Impaired Charges After Barrie Crash

Yesterday afternoon, just after 1:30 p.m., officers from the Barrie Police Service responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision on Golds Crescent in the City of Barrie.

From the investigation that followed, it was very quickly determined that the involved motor vehicle had been involved in a collision with another car on the same street before it was located in nearby driveway.

After a brief conversation with the driver, police determined that she was impaired, and she was placed under arrest.

The 59-year-old Barrie resident was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued and a qualified breathalyzer technician determined that her level of impairment was almost five (5) times over the legal limit.

The accused, who has been charged with Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) was released from custody early in evening and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on September 9, 2024.

Barrie Police – Barrie Police Looking For Man Who Fled Scene Of Crash

On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 2:21 p.m., officers from the Barrie Police Service responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision that occurred on Bell Farm Road and Alliance Boulevard (directly across from the Barrie Police Training Unit).

Responding officers, which included members of the Barrie Police Training Unit, learned that a motor vehicle that was westbound on Bell Farm Road stopped for a pedestrian that was crossing the road using a crosswalk when it was rear ended by another passenger car. The driver of that car fled on foot and police set up containment in the area and conducted a canine track.

The canine track stopped abruptly near Duckworth Street and the northbound ramp to Highway 400 and police are investigating the possibility that the driver who fled may have used a cab to get away. Police also alerted the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in the event the driver sustained an injury and patrols of the Georgian College campus were also conducted in an attempt to locate the outstanding driver.

This investigation remains ongoing and at present, no charges have been laid. Police are continuing with attempts to locate the fail to remain driver who is described as male black, late 30’s, with dreadlock style hair and wearing a white t-shirt.

Late yesterday afternoon, officers assigned to this call for service canvassed area businesses that may have closed circuit television, but nothing was located that could provide investigative assistance.

Thankfully, the driver and a passenger in the car that was struck did not sustain any serious injuries.

If anyone has information that may assist police or has dash camera video of the collision or the aftermath, you are asked to notify police at 705-725-7025 and ask for Constable Salmon who is the investigating officer.