Column: Law & Order

The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking the public’s assistance in an investigation involving fireworks being discharged in the direction of pedestrians in Little Current.

On Sunday, August 2, at approximately 10 pm, Manitoulin OPP officers conducting foot patrol along the Water Street boardwalk in Little Current observed fireworks being set off in the direction of pedestrians. When officers got to the area, they located an individual nearby who was subsequently arrested for being intoxicated in a public place.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Manitoulin OPP is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, had fireworks directed toward them, captured any photos or video, or have any information relating to this incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The Manitoulin OPP thanks the public for their assistance as the investigation continues.

Four individuals charged following B and E and assault investigation

On Thursday, August 13, members of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and Manitoulin OPP responded to a reported break and enter and assault at a residence in Aundeck Omni Kaning 91��˵�� (AOK).

Police received information that multiple individuals had attended the residence, forced entry and damaged the home. During the incident, an occupant of the residence was assaulted.

Officers attended the residence, ensured the safety of the occupants and immediately began an investigation. Emergency Medical Services attended and assessed those involved.

As a result of the investigation the following parties were arrested and charged with the following offences:

Francis Hore, 43 of Manitoulin District, Matthew Stokes, 42 of Burpee and Mills township and Reuben Negannegijig, 23, of Manitoulin District are all charged with break and enter a dwelling house with intent to commit an indictable offence, mischief under $5,000 and assault with a weapon.

Caitlyn Baker, 35, of Burpee and Mills township is charged with break and enter a dwelling house with intent to commit an indictable offence, mischief under $5,000, assault with a weapon and possession of weapon for dangerous purpose.

The accused parties remain in custody and were scheduled to appear in bail court on August 14.

Community safety is a shared responsibility. UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service reminds the public that protecting the health, safety and well-being of our communities requires ongoing collaboration between police and community members. UCCM APS is committed to providing safety to the communities we serve, and information provided by the public plays a critical role in disrupting criminal activity and making our communities safer.

Person charged following fraud investigation involving shipping containers

A person has been arrested following a fraud investigation.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a call from a business in the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) reporting the non-delivery of shipping containers valued at approximately $61,000 after paying the full amount.

The Manitoulin OPP initiated an investigation with assistance from the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit. As a result of the investigation, one person was arrested on July 31, 2026.

Micheal St. Amand, 49, whose last known address was M’Chigeeng 91��˵��, was charged with fraud over $5,000.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on Tuesday, August 25.

WTPS seize drugs, currency and replica firearms

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) conducted a targeted drug trafficking investigation that resulted in four arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, numerous replica firearms, Canadian currency, and prescription medication.

On the afternoon of August 11, 2026, WTPS officers conducted a traffic stop on Arthur Street in Manitowaning. Four individuals were arrested during the stop, and officers seized a quantity of illegal narcotics, prescription medication and Canadian currency.

Following the traffic stop, WTPS executed a search warrant at a residence on Hills Trail in Wiikwemkoong, with assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit and the UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service Canine Unit.

The execution of the search warrant resulted in the arrest of a fifth individual. Officers also seized a quantity of cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and numerous replica handguns.

“This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing drug-related crime and enhancing public safety in Wiikwemkoong through proactive, intelligence-led policing and strong partnerships with neighbouring police services,” said Ron Gignac, WTPS chief of police. “As outlined in our strategic plan, we recognize that addressing drug trafficking requires both targeted enforcement and collaboration with community partners to reduce harm and improve safety outcomes. We remain committed to protecting our community, while supporting a safer, healthier, and stronger Wiikwemkoong for everyone.”

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been charged: Lawrence Norman Pittawanakwat, 49, of Wiikwemkoong with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; Isaiah Coombs-Campbell, 21, of Pickering, three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of property obtained by crime; a 54-year-old Wiikwemkoong male has been charged with operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, possession of a controlled substance, failure to comply with release order.

These three accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

A 55-year-old Wiikwemkoong female has been charged with possession of a controlled substance. She was released from custody with a future court date.

The fifth individual arrested during the investigation was released unconditionally and has not yet been charged.

The WTPS thanks the UCCM Police and OPP for their assistance during the response.

The WTPS encourages anyone with information about criminal activity to report it. Tips can be submitted through our website at wtps.ca or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Driver arrested after police search following fail-to-remain collision

One person has been charged following a single vehicle collision on Highway 540 in Billings Township.

On Thursday, July 30 at approximately 1:30 am, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a crash notification related to a single-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck that was later reported stolen. Officers from the Manitoulin OPP and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM Police) attended the scene and determined that the driver had fled prior to police arrival.

A search was initiated with assistance from the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the UCCM Police Canine Unit, and OPP Aviation Services. Later that morning, at approximately 7:30 am, UCCM Police officers located the suspect on a property off Highway 540 in M’Chigeeng 91��˵��.

As a result of the investigation, Alyssa Elliot, 33 years old from the municipality of Central Manitoulin was charged with: three counts of operation while prohibited, theft over $5,000 of a motor vehicle, fail to comply with probation order, driving while under suspension, drive motor vehicle-no licence, dangerous operation, fail to remain.

The accused was held before the Ontario Court of Justice bail court on July 31, 2026. They are scheduled to appear in court again on August 25.