Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Technology can be a Good Thing!

(Spragge, ON.) – A lost snowmobiler was located on the trail with the assistance of her cell phone and GPS technology.

On 22 January 2009 at approximately 1:30 a.m. the East Algoma O.P.P. received a call for assistance in locating a snowmobiler who had got lost on a trail near Spragge. The person had left Spragge thinking she was en route to Blind River and became confused.

She did the right thing by stopping remaining stationary and then called the OPP on her cell phone. The O.P.P. communications centre used the GPS feature in her cell phone to triangulate where she was located.
Two Emergency Repose Team members from East Algoma O.P.P. and two civilians located the person a short time later. Her cell phone was almost out of power.

Police are reminding snowmobilers, hikers Skiers and anyone venturing into the wilderness to use precautions when travelling. Never travel alone, bring appropriate safety gear, dress for the weather and bring a GPS unit and or Cell phone to assist if needed. When you think you are lost remain stationary so that the rescuers can locate you without having to track all over the country side to accomplish the rescue.

- UPDATE - POLICE INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE IN WIKWEMIKONG

Police Make Arrests

(WIKWEMIKONG, ON) – Police have arrested three men from Wikwemikong in connection with the murder of a local man.

On January 25, 2009 at approximately 2:01 PM. Wikwemikong Tribal Police received a 911 call of a male found dead inside a residence on Wikwemikong Way on the Wikwemikong Reserve.

Officers from Wikwemikong Tribal Police, and Sudbury Area Ambulance medics responded to the residence. An intensive investigation into this occurrence led police to determine that the victim had been murdered. Three local men were identified as suspects in this homicide and were subsequently arrested.

On January 26, 2009 Travis ESQUIMAUX, 22 years, of Wikwemikong was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. Later that day, police arrested the two other suspects in connection with this investigation. These suspects will be identified once formal charges have been laid.

The police would like to advise the community that, although the investigation is still ongoing, it is believed that all the persons responsible for this murder have been apprehended.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending a positive identification of the victim. An autopsy on the victim has been scheduled for Tuesday January 27 at Sudbury Regional Hospital.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Northeast Region Crime Unit and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) under the direction of Detective Inspector Bernie Murphy of CIB are assisting with the investigation at the request of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police

Police are asking anyone that may have information in relation to this investigation to call police at 1-888-310-1122.

The investigation is continuing and further information will be released as it becomes available.

Shoplifting is a Crime

(Elliot Lake, Ontario) Police received a call on January 23, 2009 at approximately 1:54 p.m. to attend a local corner store on Paris Drive in Elliot Lake. The call received was regarding a possible theft.

On scene police learned that the suspect had allegedly attended the store and purchased some items but left the store without paying for an extra item.

Charged with theft under is Jonathan GRANT (21) of Elliot Lake. GRANT is scheduled to appear in Elliot Lake court on March 3, 2009.

DON’T FORGET TO LOCK YOUR VEHICLES

(Elliot Lake, Ontario) The East Algoma OPP is currently investigating several reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles.

Police would like to remind everyone that a professional could steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds. A vehicle with an unlocked door or an open window is an easy target. Protect your vehicle from theft.

- Always roll up your vehicle’s windows
- Lock the doors and pocket your keys when you park your vehicle
- Park in a well lit area
- Never leave valuables in plain view
- Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running