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Column: Law & Order

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Column: Law & Order

Manitoulin OPP executes warrant and makes arrest

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a warrant in Billings Township. 

On Thursday, August 14, members of the Manitoulin OPP responded to a complaint of a known person breaching their conditions on Main Street in Billings Township. 

The conditions included the individual required to remain at least 50 metres away from any location where the complainant might be. The individual had parked their vehicle next to the complainant’s and, while at a local restaurant, walked past them, thereby breaching the conditions. 

On Tuesday, August 26, at approximately 12 pm, officers with the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Highway 540 in Billings township. As a result of the investigation, William Concannon, 58 years old from Gore Bay, was arrested and charged with two counts of breach of recognizance and criminal harassment.

The allegations have yet to be proven in court.

Police seek info on stolen ATV

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is calling for assistance from members of the public in locating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), stolen from a location in Sandfield Township last month.

The ATV was reported to the OPP as stolen on July 30. “The complainant reported that a 2019 Honda TRX Four Trax Rancher ATV was stolen,” explained the OPP in a release. The vehicle was stolen from a residence on Gibraltar Road in Sandfield.

The vehicle has an Ontario-registered off-road vehicle plate, number 93BJ4.

Anyone with information related to the theft, those responsible, or the location of the ATV is asked to contact the OPP using reference number E#251016033 or Crime Stoppers anonymously. You can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Driver arrested for impaired after driving on
walking path at Low Island Park

One person is facing impaired-related charges after a traffic stop at Low Island Park.

On Friday, August 15 at approximately 8 pm, officers with the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP were at Low Island Park in Little Current, when they observed a vehicle driving on the walking path. Police conducted a traffic stop, and further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Robert Nahwegahbo, 45 years old from Calgary, Alberta, was charged with operation while impaired, operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus). 

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on September 23.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to ‘make the call’ and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

Domestic dispute results in multiple charges

Accused led police on hunt through two communities

A 36-year-old male from M’Chigeeng First Nation has been charged with numerous criminal code offences involving weapons, assault, and uttering threats. Due to the nature of the incident-intimate partner violence (IPV), a publication ban is in effect. The name of the accused will not be released.

On August 19, at approximately 1:02 pm, UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Highway 540 in M’Chigeeng First Nation. 

Upon arrival, officers encountered a distressed victim who alleged that the accused had damaged their vehicle and threatened to cause harm. When police arrived, the accused fled into a wooded area.

During the investigation, police received information that the accused may have recently obtained a handgun, which police were able to locate and seize during the course of the investigation. Officers established scene containment and requested additional resources including the Manitoulin OPP and a K9 unit. The residence was cleared, and a search of the surrounding area did not locate the accused.

A cellphone location search later identified the accused’s position whereabouts, and the suspect vehicle was eventually located on Virginia Crescent in Aundeck Omni First Nation (AOK). After initially fleeing into the bush the accused surrendered to police without incident.

Earlier, the Manitoulin OPP had advised of a heavy police presence in the area of Highway 540 between Hill Street and Bebonang Street in M’Chigeeng First Nation as well as on Virginia Crescent in AOK.

The incident was resolved with the arrest of the male and charges laid. The accused was transported to the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, processed and held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The accused has been charged with the following Criminal Code charges: five counts of adult failure to comply with undertaking, adult mischief (domestic), three counts of adult uttering threats cause death or bodily harm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to probation order, possession imitation weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon (spousal), adult assault (spousal).

On August 20 the accused attended bail court. UCCM police contested the release of the accused. However, following a review of the matter, the Office of the Crown Attorney consented to the release of the accused on conditions. The victim was personally notified by UCCM police and Mobile Crisis Response team of the condition of the accused’s release. 

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service; phone 705-377-7135 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police respond to second weapons call in one day

On August 19 UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service responded to an incident on Ge Te Miiikan in Sheguiandah First Nation involving reports of threats and a potential weapon. Upon arrival, officers conducted a search of the area and located a pitchfork in a roadside ditch approximately 20 metres from a residence. The item was seized as evidence.

During the investigation, officers leaned that the accused had attended a nearby residence and made statements regarding an altercation involving a neighbour’s dog. The accused was reported to be intoxicated by alcohol at the time. Police attended the accused’s residence, where they attended the end of the driveway. The accused was informed he was under arrest, placed in handcuffs without incident, searched, and secured.

As a result, the accused, a 34-year-old male from Sheguiandah First Nation has been charged with the following criminal code charges: possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, failure to comply with release order (Conditions: do not possess any weapons as defined by the Criminal Code, including but not limited to pellet guns, firearms, imitation firearms, crossbows, prohibited or restricted weapon or devices, firearm parts, ammunition, explosive substances, or any imitation thereof).

This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

On August 20, the accused attended a bail hearing and was released from custody with strict conditions.

Anyone with further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact: UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service at 705-377-7135, or provide information anonymously through  Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Drug warrant executed

On August 20, the Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a controlled drug and substances act search warrant at a residence on Daawema Road in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

The execution of this search warrant was a joint effort between the Northeast Region CSCU, Manitoulin OPP, UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS).

Police seized amounts of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine with a total estimated street value of approximately $12,800, and approximately $7,800 in Canadian currency.

As a result, Sunny Hang, 21-year-old from North York was arrested and faces multiple charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. 

OPP investigating abandoned vehicle in Gore Bay

The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP is continuing an investigation into the abandonment of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) early in the morning of August 21. 

The OPP had been contacted by a local resident who reported that an individual had been seen driving the ATV at a high rate of speed and was possibly impaired, in the downtown area of Gore Bay.

OPP officers investigated, finding an abandoned ATV on Meredith Street, in front of the Canada Post office at about 5 am. Officers called a tow truck to recover the abandoned ATV which was partially blocking the driving zone on Meredith Street.

Report of assault at campground in Espanola
results in arrest

One person has been arrested following a call to police about an assault that took place at a campground.

On Wednesday, August 20 at approximately 11 pm, the Manitoulin OPP received a call reporting an assault at a campground in Espanola. Police attended the campground and initiated an investigation. As a result, one person was arrested for assault.

As a result, Sergey Adamov, 70, from Calgary was arrested for assault cause bodily harm.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on October 6.

Manitoulin OPP responds to false stabbing report in Espanola

The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP wants to remind the public about the appropriate use of 9-1-1 and the serious consequences of misusing emergency services.

On Sunday, August 3, at approximately 10 pm, officers with the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a stabbing in Espanola. Upon arrival, police determined that no stabbing had occurred. The caller was intoxicated and had contacted police seeking assistance in retrieving personal belongings from another location. The individual was subsequently arrested for public intoxication and public mischief.

9-1-1 should only be used for emergencies involving police, fire, or medical services where someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or a crime is in progress.

Intentionally misusing 9-1-1 is a criminal offence. Individuals found misusing emergency services may be charged with public mischief.

Accidental 9-1-1 calls also continue to be a significant issue, typing up emergency lines and resources. To help prevent accidental calls: lock your phone screen when not in use, disable auto-dial emergency features if they are not needed, store phones securely, keep phones out of reach of children.

If you accidentally call 9-1-1, do not hang up. Stay on the line and inform the operator that the call was made in error and that there is no emergency. Hanging up may prompt emergency services to send officers to your location to confirm your safety, consuming additional time and resources to identify you and attend your location.

For non-urgent police matters, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. For weather updates, contact Environment Canada. For road conditions or closures, dial 5-1-1.

The OPP appreciates the public’s cooperation in using 9-1-1- responsibly to ensure help is available when it’s truly needed.