Driver of farm tractor to be charged
The operator of a farm tractor being driven at night with no lights is going to be charged by the police.
On July 21 the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) received a call of a farm tractor being driven on a roadway within the main village area on the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT). The tractor was reported to be operating with no lights.
At approximately 12:30 am, officers located the vehicle and a male driver was observed seated in the driver’s position.
The male driver departed the scene after police directed the subject to stop. Police did not pursue the vehicle at that time.
Through investigation, police were able to determine the identity of the driver and found that the driver was prohibited and had an arrest warrant originating from the Manitoulin/Espanola detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The vehicle was later located on Linda Street in the main village of Wiikwemkoong, but the driver was not present. The vehicle was removed from the property and impounded.
The incident is actively being investigated.
Police are asking that anyone with information on this incident or any other investigation to please contact the WTPS at (705) 370-3141 or through the OPP communications centre 1-888-310-1122, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
RIDE program yields drug charges
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP has arrested and charged multiple individuals for drug-related offences after stopping a vehicle at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program.
On July 19, shortly after 11 pm, the Manitoulin OPP was conducting a RIDE program on Highway 6 near Old Webbwood Road in Espanola. A vehicle was stopped at the RIDE program as it was determined one of the vehicle passengers was wanted. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located a large quantity of Canadian currency, along with large quantities of suspected fentanyl, suspected cocaine and suspected methamphetamine. The remainder of vehicle occupants were also arrested and transported to the OPP detachment.
As a result of the investigation, Misty Plume, 45, from WUT has been charged with obstruct peace officer, two counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of a schedule 1 substance, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Sudbury bail court on August 1.
Dante Recollet, 22, and Sabrina Trudeau, 26, from Wiikwemkoong have been charged with two counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of a schedule one substance, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The accused persons were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on September 9.
Adam Shawana, 46, from WUT has been charged with two counts possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of a schedule one substance, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and fail to comply with probation order.
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Sudbury bail court on August 1.
Motor vehicle collision leads to impaired driving charges
One individual has been arrested and charged with impaired driving following a motor vehicle collision.
On July 20 shortly after 6 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP responded to a single vehicle collision on Arthur Street in Assiginack Township. Upon arrival, police learned that the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Police attended the hospital and upon speaking with the driver, determined the driver had consumed alcohol. The driver was subsequently arrested for impaired driving.
As a result of the investigation, Chase Becks, 18, from Providence Bay has been charged with operation while impaired alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired, blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on August 27.
The driver was issued a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension, as well as an additional three-day suspension. The vehicle was also impounded for seven days.
Traffic stop results in charges
On July 20 at approximately 8:35 pm, officers with the WTPS observed a vehicle being operated by a suspected suspended driver.
Officers initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle and the female driver was identified. The driver was found to be suspended and was subsequently charged with driving while under suspension, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
Police would like to remind the community that all drivers must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and all vehicle documents should be in order. The WTPS will continue to strive to make our roadways safe for all drivers and pedestrians.
