OPP continues investigation into fatal collision
The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing to investigate a four-vehicle collision that occurred in the area of Highway 540 and Concession road 8 in the Township of Billings.
On Thursday, November 18, at approximately 5:30 pm, members of the Manitoulin OPP, the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM Police), paramedics, Billings and M’Chigeeng volunteer fire departments responded to a four-vehicle collision involving three passenger vehicles and a commercial motor vehicle. A 33-year-old driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, a second driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital, and the two other involved drivers were confirmed to have no injuries.
Highway 540 was closed for approximately 14 hours as the on-scene investigation was being conducted.
Members of the OPP’s Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Unit and OPP’s technical collision investigator attended to assist with the investigation, which remains ongoing at this time.
The OPP reports there have been no charges laid in the incident at this time. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Wikwemikong Police reports two ATV-related incidents leading to multiple charges
On the evening of November 19, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) conducted two separate all-terrain vehicle (ATV) related investigations resulting in multiple criminal charges.
At 7:51 pm, WTPS officers conducted a traffic stop on an ATV operated by an adult female with a young passenger. During the investigation, officers determined the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle due to a prior criminal code conviction. The driver was arrested, and a subsequent search led to the seizure of fentanyl and cocaine, individually packaged for trafficking, along with Canadian currency.
A 31-year-old female for Wiikwemkoong has been charged with: drive disqualified, possession for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl and cocaine), possession of property obtained by crime.
She also received multiple provincial offence notices under the highway traffic act, compulsory motor vehicle act, and off-road vehicle act. The ATV was impounded for 45 days. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in January.
Later that evening, at approximately 10:27 pm, officers attempted a traffic stop on another ATV in the Rabbit Island Road area. The driver failed to stop and fled into a wooded area. With assistance from Wikwemikong Security, officers monitored the ATV until it came to rest at a residence. As officers approached, the male driver fled on foot.
With coordinated support for Wikwemikong Security, the OPP Emergency Response Team and OPP Crime Unit, the male was located in a bush area and taken into custody with minor injuries. He was transported to hospital, assessed and released.
A 27-year-old male from Wiikwemkoong has been charged with: flight from police, dangerous operation, mischief over $5,000, resist arrest.
He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in January.
“Community safety is our top priority, and we have zero tolerance for criminal activity that endangers lives,” said Ron Gignac, chief of police for WTPS. “The recent incidents highlight the serious risks associated with reckless ATV operation. These actions endanger not only the drivers but also passengers and the community. We urge everyone to prioritize safety and follow the laws to prevent tragedies and keep our roads and trails safe.”
The WTPS reminds the public that information can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers or submitted online through the WTPS online reporting system at wtps.ca.
