WTPS arrests armed barricaded individual following incident
On the morning of September 20, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) responded to a report of a male armed with a weapon at a residence on Wakegijig Avenue in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT).
WTPS officers quickly established containment and enforced a perimeter around the area. Additional support was requested, and frontline officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police Service and the UCCM Canine Unit assisted with the initial response.
To ensure public safety and a peaceful resolution, WTPS requested further assistance from specialized OPP units, including the emergency response team (ERT), tactical response unit (TRU), crisis negotiation team (CNT) and provincial liaison team (PLT).
Throughout the incident, several occupants exited the residence safely. However, the male suspect remained barricaded inside and made threats toward police, including threats to discharge a firearm at responding officers.
At approximately 1:09 am on September 21, a 37-year-old male from Wiikwemkoong was safely arrested and transported to hospital as a precaution. After being medically assessed and released, the individual was held in custody and charged with the following criminal code offences: break and enter dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence, trespassing at night, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, unlawfully in a dwelling house, mischief under $5,000, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, two counts of fail to comply with release order.
The accused appeared in WASH bail court in Sudbury on September 21. His matter was adjourned to bail court in Gore Bay on September 22.
“This incident highlights the strength of collaboration with our policing partners and the vital role our community plays in ensuring safety,” said Ron Gignac, chief of police, WTPS. “We deeply appreciate the public’s cooperation during this high-risk situation. Together, we remain committed to keeping Wiikwemkoong safe for everyone.”
WTPS encourages all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via the online reporting portal at wtps.ca.
Manitoulin OPP seeking owners of horse
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP is looking to identify the owner of a horse involved in a collision.
On Thursday, September 18 at around 5:15 am, on Highway 6 near Ironside Street in Sheguiandah, police responded to a report of a pickup truck colliding with a horse. The animal appeared injured and fled into the nearby bush. There are no descriptors available of the horse, and initial efforts to locate the horse were unsuccessful.
If you believe this may be your horse, if you’ve already retrieved it and suspect it was involved, or if you know who the owner of this horse may be, please contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-883-310-1122. Your call will help us ensure the horse is safe and assist with our investigation.
Warrant executed at residence leads to drug and firearm seizure
On the evening of September 24, members of the WTPS, with support from the OPP emergency response team and OPP Canine Unit, executed a Controlled Drugs And Substances Act (CDSA) warrant at a residence on Lakeshore Road in Wiikwemkoong.
During the search, officers seized approximately $18,000 worth of cocaine, a quantity of Canadian currency and a loaded illegal handgun. This firearm has never been registered in Canada, is a prohibited weapon, and was manufactured in the United States.
As a result of the investigation a 39-year-old female from Wiikwemkoong and a 21-year-old male from North York have been charged with weapons dangerous, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized.
Both individuals remain in custody pending a bail hearing.
Additionally, a 63-year-old female and a 66-year-old male, both from Wiikwemkoong, have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking-CDSA 5(1). They were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
“This operation is part of our ongoing strategy to eradicate drugs from our community,” said Chief Ron Gignac of the WTPS. “We continue to work in close partnership with other law enforcement agencies who share our commitment to community safety. Together, we are united in our goal to disrupt and suppress criminal activity and protect our people.”
Recidivist crime as it relates to trafficking in narcotics, possessing large quantities of hard drugs for the purpose of trafficking, along with unregistered smuggled and loaded handguns in these dangerous search warrants, speak to the immediate action required on bail reform and law modifications in the name of community safety.
This investigation remains active, and the possibility of further arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the WTPS or Crime Stoppers anonymously
Traffic stop results in drug and weapons charges
In the early morning hours of September 25, members of the WTPS conducted a reduced impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) initiative within the community.
During the stop, a 31-year-old male was investigated for driving while suspended. The individual was arrested, and a subsequent search led to the seizure of approximately $1,700 worth of cocaine and several prohibited weapons.
The accused has been charged with the following offences: possession for the purpose of trafficking, weapons dangerous, possession of a prohibited weapon, drive while suspended.
The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
This arrest is part of WTPS’s ongoing efforts to remove illegal drugs and weapons from Wiikwemkoong and to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our mission statement front and centre,” said Chief Ron Gignac of WTPS. “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all community members in Wiikwemkoong by working in partnership with the community through enhancing community policing, enforcing the law, preserving the peace, protecting lives and property, and reducing fear. Every operation we conduct is a step toward a safer, healthier community.”
WTPS encourages anyone with information related to drug or weapons activity to report it online at wtps.ca, call 705-370-3141, or to remain anonymous at Crime Stoppers 1-888-222-8477. Together, we can continue to build a stronger and safer Wiikwemkoong.
Motor home swerving on Highway 540 results in impaired arrest
One person is facing impaired related charges after police conducted a traffic stop.
On Monday, September 1 at approximately 4 pm, the Manitoulin OPP were patrolling on Highway 540 in Billings Township when officers observed a motor home swerving and driving on the shoulder of the road. A traffic stop was initiated to conduct a sobriety check, and as a result of further investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.
The driver, Darren Richard, 60 years old from Innisfil, was charged with operation while impaired, driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available, fail to have insurance card, fail to provide required document, drive motor vehicle no licence.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 9.
RIDE check on Highway 6 in Espanola results in impaired arrest
A driver is facing impaired-related charges after they were arrested at a reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) check.
On Thursday, September 4, at approximately 11 pm, the Manitoulin OPP was conducting a RIDE check on Highway 6 in Espanola. A vehicle came through and police initiated an investigation. As a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.
Phillip Spruce, 56 years old from Mindemoya, was charged with operation while impaired, drive vehicle with cannabis readily available, drive vehicle with liquor readily available.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on November 17.
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.
