OPP investigating death of Espanola man in motorcycle crash
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating the death of an Espanola man in a motorcycle crash May 18.
Constable Rob Lewis of the OPP reported that on the evening of Saturday, May 18, at about 5 pm, first responders attended a two-vehicle collision, involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle on Highway 144 and Lavallee Road in Sudbury.
The driver of the motorcycle, 33-year-old Mathieu Clement of Espanola, was transported to the local hospital by ambulance, with serious life-threatening injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The highway was closed for under three hours in both directions, and the investigation is ongoing.
A Go Fund Me has been set up to assist Mr. Clement’s family, www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-mathieu-clement.
Fatal car crash at Nairn Centre
One person was killed in a fatal car crash on Highway 17, east of Espanola in Nairn Centre on Sunday, May 19. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report that two vehicles had collided and one of the drivers was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.
The OPP identified the deceased person as Fern Belanger, age 66, of Nairn Centre. A passenger in Mr. Belanger’s vehicle was also transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash.
The OPP report that Highway 17 was closed for a significant amount of time while police investigated the crash. The OPP is continuing its investigation into the accident.
RIDE checks to continue
With the start of the summer months, the WTPS conducted many reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) checks over the May long weekend. Approximately 69 vehicles were checked. The WTPS takes a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving in our community.
By calling 911 and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police, everyone can assist in keeping our roads, trails, and waterways safe by reducing impaired driving collisions, injuries and potential deaths.
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service responded to 190 calls for service for the week of May 13-20.
Wikwemikong Tribal Police respond to assault with weapon call
On Thursday, May 16, officers with the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) received a report of an assault with a weapon incident that was in progress at a residence in the main village area of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT).
At approximately 9:10 am, officers arrived at the apartment complex and spoke to witnesses. They stated a male person had been attacked by two suspects, one male and one female, who were brandishing a baseball bat and a crowbar.
Witnesses stated that the victim managed to flee the assailants and left driving a motor vehicle in an unknown direction.
The two suspects then proceeded back to a nearby residence. Police attended the residence and observed the two suspects inside.
As a result of the investigation, a male and female resident of Wiikwemkoong were placed under arrest and charged with assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) and weapons dangerous contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC).
Both accused were set to appear in Wikwemikong Court (provincial division) to answer to the charges.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other investigation can contact the Wikwemkoong Tribal Police Service at (705) 370-3141, through the communications centre at 1-888-310-1122, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Wiikwemkoong resident charged with impaired driving
On Saturday, May 18, officers with the WTPS received a call of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Genevieve Street in the main village area on the WUT.
At approximately 6:30 pm officers arrived at the scene and located a single motor vehicle in the ditch. The vehicle airbags were deployed, and witnesses observed the female driver leave the scene and enter a nearby residence.
Officers attended the residence to check on the driver and found the female to be unwanted at the residence. Officers detected obvious signs of impairment by alcohol as well. The female refused medical treatment and officers placed her under arrest for impaired driving.
The driver was escorted back to the Wikwemikong police office for breath tests with two suitable samples being obtained.
The accused vehicle was impounded, and her licence suspended.
As a result of the investigation, a 28-year-old female resident of Wiikwemkoong has been charged with impaired operation over 80 milligrams (mgs) contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the CCC over 80 mgs contrary to second 320.14 (1) (b).
The accused is set to appear in Wikwemikong Court (provincial division) on June 25 at 10 am to answer to the charge.
School lockdown leads to charges for four
Four people have been charged and arrested with weapons and drug charges after an incident in Wiikemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) last week.
On Tuesday, May 14, the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) received information from the Wikwemikong Surveillance Team about an armed person in the community.
The WTPS responded and conducted a detailed investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). As a precaution, Wasse Abin Pontiac School was placed on hold and secured to ensure everyone’s safety.
As a result of this incident, the WTPS executed a search warrant on a residence on North Corbiere Lane in Wiikwemkoong. The warrant resulted in the seizure of a pellet gun, an airsoft gun and a quantity of drugs.
Jarvis Shawana, a 36-year-old male from Wiikwemkoong, has been charged and arrested with two counts of possession of a controlled substance under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act 4(1) and possession of a weapon for a dangerous person in contravention of the Criminal Code 88.
A male and female, Theo Green and Alexandra Gayle, both 19 years old and both from Ajax, Ontario, have been charged and arrested with two counts of possession of a controlled substance CDSA 4(1), while a 40-year-old female, Kayla Manitowabi, from Wiikwemkoong, has been charged and arrested on two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
The foursome of accused are slated to appear in court on June 25.
“Drug enforcement remains a top priority for the WTPS,” said Sergeant Jamie Peltier in a release.
“Police are requesting anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact police at (705) 370-3141. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (800- 222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.”
