On March 15, Michael Vukmanovic of Keswick, Ontario was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to 16 charges under the Criminal Code for firearms manufacturing and possession. Following the Court’s assessment of this sentence, Vukmanovic will serve a total of seven years. This sentence is the result of an investigation led by the CBSA’s Intelligence and Investigations Operations Divisions in Toronto following a firearm seizure in Southern Ontario.

The CBSA launched its investigation in January 2022 when Border Services Officers in Windsor, Ontario intercepted firearm parts in courier parcels destined for Vukmanovic’s residence in Keswick. The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section executed a search warrant at the residence in February 2022, leading to the discovery and seizure of firearms (including 3D printed handguns, shotguns and semi-automatic rifles), ammunition, firearms parts and tools, a 3D printer used to manufacture firearms, fully loaded over-capacity magazines, and various weapons (including a crossbow with arrows, a machete and a switchblade) posted at each entry point inside the home.

With the assistance of law enforcement partners, including the Ontario Provincial Police – Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, York Regional Police, and Ottawa Police Service, Vukmanovic was located and arrested in Ottawa and transported back to Toronto to be placed in CBSA custody. The CBSA charged him with several offences under the Criminal Code and Customs Act.

In November 2023, he pled guilty to 16 charges under the Criminal Code:

• 4 counts of Firearms trafficking/manufacturing under S. 99
• 1 count of Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition under S. 95(1)
• 5 counts of Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized under S. 92(1)
• 1 count of Possession of prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized under S. 92(2)
• 5 counts of Possession Contrary to Order under S. 117.01

Vukmanovic has remained in custody since his initial arrest and began his prison sentence immediately.

“This sentencing sends a strong signal about the seriousness of firearms smuggling offences. I want to thank our Intelligence and Investigations teams as well as our front-line border officers for their relentless work to keep firearms and dangerous weapons out of our communities.” – Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Greater Toronto Area Region

The post CBSA Firearms Investigation Leads To Prison Time For Keswick Man appeared first on Muskoka411.

At approximately 2:30pm on October 13, 2023, members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received reports of a dispute occurring outdoors in the area of Bay Street and Second Avenue in the Town of Midland. On arrival, officers learned that a male involved in the dispute was observed carrying a firearm before leaving the area in a vehicle.

A short time later, investigation led officers to a residential complex on William Street in the Town of Midland where the male suspect and an accompanied female barricaded themselves. The area was secured and residents in the vicinity were advised to evacuate or take shelter in place for public safety while officers continued the investigation. OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), OPP Central Region canine unit (K9) and the Crisis Negotiator were deployed to assist members of the OPP Southern Georgian Bay Detachment.

After several hours, the female exited the residential complex and was taken into custody. Later in the evening, the male suspect was taken into custody then taken to the hospital for minor injuries in relation to the arrest involving K9. The male suspect awaits charges.

OPP resources have now cleared the area around William Street in the Town of Midland.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Alternatively, should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The post Barricaded Persons In Midland In Custody After Several Hour Incident appeared first on Muskoka411.

On May 10, 2023, at 10:20 a.m., police received a call from a member of the public reporting that an individual was standing on the sidewalk at the intersection of Manitoba Street and Taylor Road while holding what appeared to be a handgun. Police responded within minutes due to public safety concerns and were able to take control of the individual and place them under arrest. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was a replica.

As a result of the investigation, John Mckeen, age 54, of Bracebridge has been charged with:

• Possession of a Weapon\Imitation for a Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Pointing a Firearm
• Imitation Firearm – Use While Committing an Offence
• Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order

The accused will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge for a bail hearing on May 12, 2023.

Members of the public are reminded that every firearm must be treated seriously as though it is real until proven otherwise to ensure everyone’s safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

The post Bracebridge OPP Release Name And Charges After Firearm Incident appeared first on Muskoka411.