East Algoma OPP has arrested an Aweres Township man in connection with several stolen vehicles and break-ins over the last couple of months.
East Algoma OPP Constable Bev Gauthier says officers were on patrol in Thessalon on Monday afternoon when they spotted a wanted man.
A foot chase ensued, an arrest made, and 51 charges laid.
She says officers found a set of brass knuckles and small amounts of suspected Oxycodone, crystal meth, and Fentanyl in the man’s possession.
She adds the 30-year-old from Aweres Township was initially charged with seven charges and upon further investigation, an additional 44 charges were laid involving a suspected armed robbery, vehicular theft, break & enter, extortion, drug possession among others.
Gauthier says the man attended bail court, which was denied, and is being held until his next court appearance.
The charges are as follows …
Unauthorized Possession of Weapon, contrary to section 91(2) of the Criminal Code (CC)
Resist Peace Officer, contrary to section 129(a) of the CC
Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other Than To Attend Court), contrary to section 145(5) of the CC (two counts)
Possession of Schedule I Substance – Opioid (Other Than Heroin) contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) (two counts)
Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine, contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA
The East Algoma OPP Crime Unit, Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit, the OPP North East Crime Prevention Regional Operation Analyst and the OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) assisted with the investigations which resulted in an additional 44 charges. They are as follows:
On January 17, 2022, there was an armed robbery in Elliot Lake and the accused was charged with:
Robbery Using a Firearm, contrary to section 344(1)(a.1) of the CC
Break, Enter a Place – Commit Indictable Offence, contrary to section 348(1) of the CC
Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, contrary to section 91(1) of the CC
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm for Dangerous Purpose, contrary to section 92(1) of the CC
Possession of Weapon Dangerous Purpose, contrary to section 88 of the CC
Extortion While Using a Firearm, contrary to section 346(1.1)(a) of the CC
Disguise with Intent, contrary to section 351(2) of the CC
Mischief Under $5000, contrary to section 430(4) of the CC
Pointing a Firearm, contrary to section 87 of the CC
Possession Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Probation Order, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the CC
Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code, contrary to section 320.18(a) of the CC (five counts)
Possession Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to section 355(a) of the CC
Failure to Comply with Release Order-other than to attend court, contrary to section 145(5) of the CC (three counts)
Failure to Comply with Release Order, contrary to section 733.1 of the CC
On January 19, 2022, a vehicle was reported stolen from Goulais Bay Road in Sault Ste. Marie. On this same date the East Algoma OPP responded to a broken-down vehicle on Highway 108, south of Elliot Lake. The accused was charged with:
Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC
Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC
Obstruct Peace Officer, contrary to section 129(a) of the CC
Failure to Comply with Release Order, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC (two counts)
Fail to Comply Probation Order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the CC
On January 17 and 19, 2022 two Bench Warrants were issued for failing to attend court and in breach of release conditions. The accused was charged with:
Failure to Attend Court While On A Release Order, contrary to section 145(2)(a) of the CC
Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other Than To Attend Court, contrary to section 145(5(a) of the CC
On December 9, 2021 the Sault Ste. Marie OPP investigated a suspicious vehicle in the area of the Aweres Mini Mall, Aweres Township. The vehicle fled once police arrived and was located a short time later. Investigation revealed the vehicle had stolen licence plates attached and contained stolen property inside. The accused was also charged with:
Flight from Peace Officer, contrary to section 320.17 of the CC
Break, Enter a Place – Commit Indictable Offence, contrary to section 348(1)(a) of the CC
Possession of Break In Instruments, contrary to section 351(1)(a) of the CC
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC (four counts)
Operation While Prohibited Under the Criminal Code, contrary to section 320(1)(a) of the CC (five counts)
Fail to Comply with Probation Order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the CC
Driving While Under Suspension, contrary to section 53(1) of the Highway Traffic Act
Operate Motor Vehicle Without Insurance, contrary to section 2(1)(a) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
On December 12, 2021 a break and enter occurred in Laird Township. The property was recovered at the residence of the accused. The accused was also charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, contrary to section 354(1) of the CC.
