Ontario Provincial Police say additional suspects may still be at large and could be armed and dangerous, as investigators continue to search for a stolen vehicle connected to the case.

Syrus Hamilton, 25, of Toronto, appeared in bail court in Bracebridge Thursday after being arrested Wednesday and charged with a series of serious Criminal Code offences, including robbery with a firearm, kidnapping and forcible confinement. Six others were arrested and in court the following day. See original story below.

His arrest follows a major closure of Highway 11 in Gravenhurst July 1, when police shut down the highway in both directions between Severn River Road and Coopers Falls Road, and between Canning Road and Graham Road. And armed officers were seen along the highway chasing the suspects and as a hold-and-secure order was also issued, instructing residents to shelter in place.

According to OPP, the investigation stems from events early that day as the country woke up to celebrate the 158th anniversary of its inception.

“On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, shortly before 5 a.m., officers from the Huntsville OPP detachment responded to reports of an armed home invasion at a private residence in the Hillside area,” police said in a release issued Wednesday, Dec. 18.

“As the situation developed, the investigation extended beyond the original location,” OPP said, prompting the temporary closure of Highway 11 and the hold-and-secure order.

Police have not confirmed details circulating in the community that the incident involved bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, but say the investigation remains active and complex.

Hamilton remained in custody pending his bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge yesterday.

Police are also asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen Honda vehicle believed to be connected to the incident.

“If seen, do not approach,” OPP said. “Call 9-1-1 immediately.”

The Huntsville OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

What police say

“Investigators believe additional suspects remain outstanding and may be armed and dangerous,” OPP said in a release.

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

FACT BOX

Case: Canada Day armed home invasion and kidnapping
Location: Hillside area, east of Huntsville
Date of incident: July 1, 2025, shortly before 5 a.m.
Latest arrest: Syrus Hamilton, 25, Toronto
Court: Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge

Charges include:

• Robbery using a firearm

• Kidnapping while using a firearm

• Forcible confinement (two counts)

• Assault with a weapon

• Pointing a firearm

• Break and enter

• Theft of a motor vehicle

• Uttering threats

• Conspiracy

• Failure to comply with a release order

Police seeking:

• Stolen silver Honda CR-V

• Ontario licence plate: CZFE 895

Public advisory:
If the vehicle or suspects are seen, do not approach. Call 9-1-1.

Tips:

• Huntsville OPP: 1-888-310-1122

• Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca (reward up to $2,000)

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