ONGOING ISSUES WITH BREAK AND ENTERS IN GRAVENHURST
OPP – ONGOING ISSUES WITH BREAK AND ENTERS IN GRAVENHURST
Bracebridge OPP is investigating three more break and enters that occurred at commercial/retail locations in Gravenhurst over the weekend, bringing the total to six reported.
Over the course of the weekend between August 24th and 25th, 2024, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to 6 Break and Enters that occurred at retail/commercial locations between 1868 and 2266 Highway 11 North, just south of Gravenhurst, and 1789 and 2011 Highway 11 South. Furthermore, one licensed establishment on Veterans Drive near Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst. During very early morning hours in each case, unknown suspect(s) smashed glass in order to gain entry and were successful in making off with several items.
The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and police are working to collect evidence.
Anyone with information, including home security cameras in those areas, is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com.
OPP – POLICE LAY SEVERAL CHARGES AFTER REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY
Bracebridge OPP has charged one person in Bracebridge with several offenses after complaints from members of the public.
On August 23rd, 2024, at 8:45 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers received several calls from members of the public about a vehicle travelling in the town of Bracebridge making unsafe maneuvers in residential areas including Tamarack Trail, Balls Drive and Manitoba Street. Officers responded quickly and were able to stop the vehicle, safely, at Kelvin Grove Park, an area of Bracebridge that was very busy with pedestrians, before anyone was injured.
Police arrested and charged 22-year-old Marc-Andre OUELLETTE of Orleans with the following offenses:
Operation While Impaired by Alcohol/Drug CC 320.14(1)(a)
Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)
Mischief- Destroys or Damages Property CC 430(1)(a)
Theft Under $5000 CC 334(b)
Assault a Peace Officer CC 270(1)(a)
The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on August 24, 2024.
Members of the community are key partners in keeping Muskoka roads safe, if anyone has concerns about the driving behaviour of other motorists, please call 9-1-1 you’re your hands-free device. If anyone has concerns about issues in the community, please call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or if you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.
POWASSAN OPP – SUSPENDED DRIVER FACING SEVERAL CHARGES
On August 22, 2024, North Bay OPP stopped a red pick up truck with three occupants on Highway 11 N, South Himsworth Township for travelling 144 kilometres per hour (km/h) in a posted 100 km/h zone. Through further investigation police discovered additional provincial offence violations within the Highway Traffic Act and Cannabis Control Act.
A 24-year-old driver of Midland, is charged with:
- Driving while under suspension
- Speeding
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle
- Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
- Fail to move into another lane for emergency vehicle or tow truck – if safe to do so
- Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
The driver is required to appear at the North Bay Ontario Court of Justice in October 2024
OPP – TRESSPASSER INJURED IN NIPIGON
On August 24, 2024 approximately 5:08am officers from the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an address on Wadsworth Drive, Nipigon for an assault.
Officers attended and spoke to an injured female who reported being assaulted. Upon further investigation it was determined that the female had entered the home while the two residents were sleeping and began assaulting them. The homeowner used reasonable force to remove the female from the residence where she fell down a set of stairs and was injured.
Tiffany WAWIA, 44 years of Lake Helen First Nation was issued a Trespass Notice by officers, as the two victims declined to press charges.
OPP – OPP LAYS CHARGES IN INFANT DEATH INVESTIGATION
On May 8, 2024, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) commenced an investigation after an infant was transported to hospital. On May 15, 2024, WTPS requested assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Assistance was provided under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with support from the Manitoulin OPP Detachment. The infant was pronounced deceased on May 16, 2024.
As a result of the investigation, on August 22, a 33-year-old female was arrested. On August 26, a 34-year-old male was arrested. Both accused are of Wikwemikong First Nation and have been charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:
- Manslaughter, section 236
- Criminal negligence causing death, section 222(f)(b)
- Failing to provide the necessaries of life, section 215
One of the accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Wikwemikong on September 3, 2024. The other accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Wikwemikong on August 27, 2024, for a bail hearing.
As a publication ban has been issued, further information will not be released.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
