POLICE BRIEFS: SUSPECT SOUGHT IN 2015 SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
HUNTSVILLE — The Muskoka Crime Unit is asking for the public’s help with identifying a suspect in relation to a historical investigation.
They are conducting an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in July 2015 in Huntsville after the victim came forward in October of 2023.
An OPP sketch artist assisted the investigation by working with the victim and created a likeness of the suspect and police are asking for the publics help.
Anyone who may recognize this person is asked to call Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You may also submit a tip online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.
R.I.D.E. CHARGE LAID LAST NIGHT IN BALA
MUSKOKA LAKES — A Gravenhurst man faces impaired driving charges after a RIDE stop in Bala last night.
Police say that on Thursday, April 4, at 11 p.m. officers were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala when their interaction with one driver raised a concern about the presence of alcohol.
They continued their investigation and subsequently arrested and charged 30-year-old Shane Hill with Impaired Operation-Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b).
Hill is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 7, 2024.
The consequences for impaired driving in the province of Ontario, beyond the criminal charge, includes a 90-day drivers license suspension and a seven0day vehicle impound.
MISSING MAN LAST SEEN MARCH 29 IN BRACEBRIDGE
BRACEBRIDGE — Police are asking the public and our media partners for assistance in locating a missing person.
On March 29, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., the Bracebridge OPP received a report of an individual considered missing after becoming unreachable and not returning to their residence.
The missing male is Chance and he is 35 years old.
Chance is described as 5-foot-8, with a slim build, long auburn hair, brown eyes, and several face tattoos.
He was wearing a black Adidas hoodie and green track pants.
South Muskoka OPP with the assistance of Central Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit (K9), and Aviation Services have continued to search the individual’s last known locations in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.
Investigators are asking that anyone with information in relation to the missing person are urged to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference E240379418.
IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGE IN BRACEBRIDGE
BRACEBRIDGE — A Huntsville driver has been charged with impaired vehicle operation after police were flagged down in a parking lot here.
Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a local person with impaired driving in Bracebridge, ON.
On April 1, at 7 p.m., officers were flagged down by a member of the public in a parking lot on Wellington Street near Monck Road in Bracebridge.
The witness described their concerns about the driving and then later behaviour of the driver of a vehicle in the parking lot.
Police located the driver, arresting and charging 21-year-old Douglas Merritt with Impaired Operation by Drug CC 320.14(1)(a). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 30, 2024 to answer to his charge.
NOISE COMPLAINT LEADS TO ARREST AT MOTEL
BRACEBRIDGE —A Bracebridge man has been charged after a reported disruption at main street motel here early Thursday morning.
On April 4, at 12:20 a.m., officers were dispatched to a disturbance at a motel located on Manitoba Street.
Officers conducted an investigation into the cause of the noise and subsequently arrested and charged 45-year-old Jason Groves of Bracebridge with the following:
- Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm CC 264.1(1)(a)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon CC 91(2)
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order CC117.01(1) X 2
Groves was held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge for a bail hearing on April 4, 2024.
2 CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING AT HOME DEPOT
BRACEBRIDGE — Stolen goods were retrieved and two Mississauga residents charged Wednesday afternoon at Home Depot.
On April 3, at 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a home improvement store located on Depot Drive after an off-duty officer became aware of the suspicious behaviour of two men in the store.
The suspects eventually made their way out of the store with a considerable amount of stolen goods and were soon located by responding officers.
Store employees were able to retrieve the stolen items and return them to the store.
Police have charged 52-year-old Marek Branicki and 20-year-old Dariusz Pawlowski with Theft Under $5000 CC 334(b). They will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 30, 2024 to answer to their charges.
