FOUR PEOPLE OVERBOARD
(Dennis Twp., ON) – On May 18, 2012 at approximately 7:20 pm Sault Ste.Marie OPP officers and Marine Unit received a call from a female advising that four people canoeing in front of their residence on Lake Superior (Gros Cap area) were now in the water and their canoe appeared swamped.
Mr. Patrick Leonard (a retired OPP officer) and his niece, Leanna Frappier grabbed their 12 foot aluminum boat and life jackets and headed out onto Lake Superior.
The engine of their aluminums boat was down, so they paddled out towards the distressed canoeists.
Christine Michaud, who initially saw the canoeists in the water, remained on the phone keeping the OPP Communication Centre abreast of what was happening.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Leonard came upon a 16 foot swamped canoe, with two males (ages 20 and 21) and two females (both age 17) in the water.
It is estimated that the canoeists were in the frigid 50 degree water for more than half an hour.
The two females were lifted into the boat. The two males hung on to the rear of the boat as Mr. Leonard and Ms. Frappier paddled back to shore.
While returning to shore the two males could not hold on any longer and they too had to be lifted into the 16 foot aluminum boat.
All six returned to shore safely.
The canoeists suffered mild hypothermia and were attended to by paramedics at the scene.
There were no life jackets on board the canoe.
If not for the efforts of Christine Michaud observing the distressed canoeists and the quick action of Patrick Leonard and Leanna Frappier, this incident would have had a tragic ending.
The OPP commend these citizens for saving the lives of these four people.
BREAK AND ENTER AND MISCHIEFS TO DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES
(THESSALON, ON) –In the early morning hours on Monday May 21, 2012, 2 local downtown businesses sustained damage and 1 business was broken into. At approximately 3:20 am Thessalon Pizza and Bakery was entered by unknown suspect(s) where 2 surveillance cameras were taken along with some food items from the bakery display case. Approximate value of items taken is $520.00. While East Algoma Thessalon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were investigating the break and enter a check of local businesses was conducted. Thessalon OPP officers found that the front deck to Thessalon Insurance had been removed from the building and was lying in the middle Main Street, Thessalon. Approximate value to replace the deck is $1,000.00. East Algoma Thessalon OPP officers also located damage at Jones Valu-Mart. OPP officers noted that a palate of manure and topsoil had been knocked over and bags were opened and the contents had been thrown around in the parking lot and on Main Street, Thessalon. Approximate value of bags of manure and topsoil was $60.00.
Anyone with any information is requested to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.
“If you have any information regarding any criminal activity, call 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS); submit an e-tip from The Crime Stopper’s web-site at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or send a text to keyword SSM to the short code number 274637.
MALE CHARGED WITH STUNT DRIVING
(Thessalon, ON) –On Saturday May 19, 2012 East Algoma OPP were patrolling Highway 17 in Johnson Township. An eastbound vehicle bearing Alberta licence plates was noted travelling at a high rate of speed and as a result was stopped by Thessalon OPP. As a result of the traffic stop Jeremy WHITE age 30 of Edmonton, Alberta has been charged with “Stunt Driving” contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. His Alberta Drivers Licence has been suspended for 7 days and the vehicle he was operating was also seized for 7 days.
The defendant will appear in Sault Ste. Marie Provincial Offences Court on July 9, 2012.
IMPAIRED DRIVER ARRESTED
(Menard Twp., ON) - On May 20th, 2012 at approximately 12:45 am a pick up truck was pulled over by MNR officers on Laughing Lake Road.
There was open beer in the truck.
The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was transported to the Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment for a breathalyzer test.
Forty-seven year old John Edward TRUMBLE of 6 Nebenaigoching St. on the Batchewana First Nation was arrested and charged with Impaired Driving and Drive with over 80 milligrams of Alcohol contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
The accused was later released on a Promise to Appear for Provincial court in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on June 25th, 2012.
BREAK AND ENTER REPORTED
(Macdonald Twp., ON) - On May 20th, 2012 at 2:30 pm a break-in was reported to the Elks Hall on Church St. in Echo Bay.
The break in occurred sometime between May 19th, 2012 and May 20th, 2012.
Entry was gained by prying the rear exit door open.
A small amount of cash and alcohol were taken.
JOINT OPP/MNR PATROL RESULT IN DRUG SEIZURE
(Havilland Twp., ON) - On May 20th, 2012 at approximately 5:30 pm OPP and MNR officers on joint patrol observed a car on the beach area at Havilland Shores Drive.
It appeared the vehicle might have been stuck so the officers attended to assist the driver.
Upon arrival, four persons were observed sitting in the brush area of the shoreline.
One male was in possession of what appeared to be a black plastic bowl containing a small amount of cannabis marihuana.
Twenty-five year old Harlie James HARTMAN of 1008 Queen St. E, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cannabis Marihuana) contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.
The accused was released on a Promise to Appear for Provincial Court in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on June 11, 2012.
CAMP ENTERED
(Wishart Twp, ON) - On May 20th, 2012 OPP received a report of a break in to a camp on Tilley Lake.
The owner had last attended the camp on May 13th, 2012.
While in the camp, culprits used the camp furniture to light a large campfire on the eastside of the camp property.
The culprits had further attempted to cut down the main cottage support beam inside the camp.
Several empty beer bottles were located on the property and it appears the culprits had used the camp for a few days.
Missing items included two lanterns and a fishing tackle box containing a large assortment of lures.