6 SUSPECTS ARRESTED — OTHERS AT LARGE — AFTER ARMED HOME INVASION IN HUNTSVILLE ENDS IN GRAVENHURST AFTER POLICE CHASE CANADA DAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — An armed home invasion east of Huntsville early Canada Day led to the arrest of six people following a chases down Highway 11 — with additional suspects at large in a silver Honda CRV with an Ontario plate of CZFE 895.

The OPP urges the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to police.

Traffic was backed up and re-routed around the Severn River crossing, forcing some to miss morning Canada Day events.

On July 1, shortly before 5 a.m., officers received reports of the home invasion at a private residence in the Hillside area, east of Huntsville.

Late Tuesday afternoon police report that following their investigation, six individuals have been taken into custody with other suspects still at large.

Armed police and one of their dogs were seen searching in one social media post. PHOTO social media

As the situation developed this morning, police chased the suspects down Highway 11, prompting the closure of the highway in both directions in Gravenhurst — between Severn River Road and Cooper’s Falls Road. And between Canning Road and Graham Road.

Police also ordered a hold and secure for drivers stopped on the road who were told to remain in their vehicles.

Witness reports, online, claimed to see “three to five armed males walking around with guns after crashing during police chase.”

Police issued several updates throughout the day online.

Including: “Please continue to shelter in place and avoid the area.

“Vehicles are being removed from the closure area, starting with the northbound lanes. Southbound lanes will follow shortly.

“If you are caught in traffic, please remain in your vehicle and keep your doors locked. If you notice anything suspicious, call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.”

Residents near K.P. Manson School reportedly said they heard sounds of gun shots near the elementary school, which is closed for summer holidays.

The hold and secure was lifted late in the morning.

And highway traffic was also fully reopened around noon.

Police closed Highway 11 north- and southbound Tuesday after they chases suspects from east of Huntsville down to Severn Bridge in Gravenhurst, before apprehending six people. They are still looking for others who may have been involved.

Police deployed a massive number of officers, with several of their specialized units responding, including the OPP’s Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine Unit. Aviation Services also assisted with aerial support, while crisis negotiators and crime units were actively engaged in the response.

The OPP also worked closely with CN Police due to the proximity of rail lines, and with Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and emergency medical services partners to ensure public safety and support operational needs.

This investigation remains ongoing, and more information will be released when available. Residents of the area should expect to continue to see an increased police presence.

Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

 

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