Friday, January 27, 2006

SERIOUS HEAD ON COLLISION CLOSES HIGHWAY ON MANITOULIN

(Sheguiandah Township, Ont.) – On Thursday 26th January 2006 at 5:45 pm the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police were called to a report of a two vehicle collision which occurred on Hwy 6 just south of the Sheguiandah First Nation near Batman’s Trailer Park.

Officers arrived on scene to find a White Plymouth Voyager Van and a Blue Dodge Caravan in the east ditch. Through preliminary investigation it appears that Plymouth Van was southbound on Hwy 6, then crossed the centerline and hit the Dodge Caravan head on which was northbound.

Both vehicles were completely destroyed. Both drivers of the motor vehicles were alone and as a result of this collision they were both trapped in their vehicles.

The Northeast Manitoulin and Islands (NEMI) and Assiginack Fire Departments were called to the scene to extricate both drivers using the Jaws of Life. Due to the extensive damage of the vehicles it took firefighters over and hour and a half to remove the injured parties. Both drivers received very serious injuries with multiple fractures and internal injuries. Both were rushed to the Manitoulin Health Centre by ambulances and later transferred to Sudbury General Hospital where they remain in hospital.

SAULT STE MARIE MAN DIED OF HYPOTHERMIA

Ranger Lake, Ont., The investigation into the death of 68 year old Robert LAPOSSIE of Sault Ste Marie is continuing. On Thursday 26 Jan 2006 at about 7:30 a.m., Mr. Lapossie was found dead lying on Ranger Lake Road near his snow machine.

The investigation has indicated that Mr. Lapossie died of hypothermia. An examination of the snow machine, done in coordination with the scene, indicates that no collision took place. Police suspect that alcohol consumption contributed to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lapossie’s death. Samples from the autopsy have been submitted to the Northern Ontario Forensic Laboratory, in Sault Ste Marie, for analysis.

CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED FOR ST. JOSEPH ISLAND TEEN

(Hilton Township, St. Joseph Island, Ontario) On Saturday January 7, 2006 at approximately 6:00 pm the East Algoma OPP were advised of a sudden death in Hilton Township, St. Joseph Island, Ontario.

Kelly LAROCQUE (18) of Hilton Township, St. Joseph Island, Ontario was located deceased in his residence.

The cause of death has been determined to be accidental asphyxiation. Foul play has been ruled out.

This concludes the investigation by the OPP.

SPREE OF BREAK AND ENTERS

(Huron Shores Township, east of Thessalon, Ontario) On January 20, 2006 the East Algoma OPP were advised of 5 break and enters that occurred on Cemetery Road, in Huron Shores Township.

Suspects walked along an unplowed road to where the cottages were located. The suspects then entered the cottages, stealing items and damaging the interiors. To date a list of items stolen has not been complied.

Earlier that day, the OPP were also advised of another break and enter that occurred on Biish Road, Thessalon First Nation Territory. Five guns were stolen in this break and enter.

If you have any information regarding these break and enters, contact the East Algoma OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-705-942-7867.

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO RANGER LAKE DEATH

Ranger Lake, Ont., The investigation continues into the death of a Sault Ste Marie man found dead on Ranger Lake Road yesterday.

At about 7:30 a.m. yesterday three fishermen traveling on Ranger Lake Road found the body of 68 year old Robert Lapossie lying on Ranger Lake Road near his snow machine. Investigation has indicated that the man left a camp in the Ranger Lake area in the early morning hours and didn’t return.

An examination of his snow machine will be conducted today and an autopsy will be held to determine how he died.

Police would like to talk to anyone who may have been traveling on Ranger Lake Road late Wednesday night or early Thurday morning. There is little to no traffic on this roadway during those hours. If anyone was traveling in that area and remembers seeing anything, please call the Sault Ste Marie OPP at 1-888-310-1122.