On the 12^th of February 2026, at approximately 8:59 p.m., officers from the Haliburton Highlands OPP conducted a traffic stop in Haliburton that led to an investigation into an assault that had taken place in Haliburton that day. The victim was taken to a local hospital to be treated and was later transported by Ornge air ambulance to a Toronto hospital with serious injuries.

Members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP Crime Unit began an investigation into the matter with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Services (FIS) and the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police.

As a result of the investigation, three persons have been identified and are facing charges.

Cody Purtell, a 32-year-old of the Municipality of Dysart et Al, has been charged with the following:

·        Assault causing bodily harm

Tyler Purtell, a 28-year-old of the Municipality of Dysart et Al has been charged with the following:

·        Assault causing bodily harm

Both accused have been held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay for bail hearings.

Laura Golightly, a 33-year-old of Kingston has been charged with the following:

·        Assault causing bodily harm

The accused was released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden at a later date.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety and crime prevention. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.khcrimestoppers.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. 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 Three Charged In Connection To An Assault In Haliburton appeared first on Muskoka411.

On April 30, 2026, just before 10:00pm, officers responded to a call where a vehicle struck a pedestrian who was sitting on the roadway beside his bicycle. Oro-Medonte Fire and Emergency Services along with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services attended the scene to treat and assess the injuries. The pedestrian was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital and was then airlifted to a Toronto Hospital. The pedestrian has suffered life-threatening injuries.

Ridge Road at the above location was closed from 10:10pm till just after 3:00am while the collision was investigated.

The investigation is ongoing and charges have not been laid at this time.

Members of the Orillia OPP are committed to public safety and to delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with the community. Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1 800 222 TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The post Pedestrian Fighting For Their Life After Being Struck By Vehicle In Oro-Medonte appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday April 28, 2026 at 8:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report from a member of the public that people were trespassing on the former Muskoka Centre property located at the end of Muskoka Road North in Gravenhurst. This property is fenced and there are several ‘No Trespassing’ signs posted, furthermore, the buildings that are still standing on the property are not considered safe to enter.

Officers attended and searched the property and a located a nearby involved vehicle. Police subsequently arrested and charged 58-year-old William Bridgman of Vaughan, ON with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Break In Instruments
• Break, Enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

Police also charged 38-year-old Dale Mcrea of Haliburton, ON with:

• Break, Enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Break In Instruments.

Both accused parties will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 21, 2026 to answer to their charges.

The post Two People Charged With Break And Enter In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Monday April 27, 2026 at 6:45 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were alerted by a member of the public to a possibly impaired driver who was operating a large commercial vehicle in Gravenhurst. Officers located the vehicle on Muskoka Road North and subsequently arrested and charged 54-year-old Kenneth Jobin of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation – Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 2, 2026 to answer to his charge.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator From Bracebridge Charged With Impaired Driving appeared first on Muskoka411.

On April 28, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded after receiving information regarding a suspected impaired driver observed leaving a convenience store on Main Street in Penetanguishene. The vehicle was further observed being operated in a reckless manner at a high rate of speed.

Police located the involved vehicle at a residence on Edward Street in Penetanguishene. Officers spoke with the driver, who displayed signs of alcohol impairment. The driver was arrested at the scene. Breath testing later confirmed impairment by alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, Todd MARKHAM, 46 years, of Penetanguishene, has been charged with:

• Operation Over 80 Milligrams of Alcohol

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on June 11, 2026.

In a separate incident yesterday afternoon, officers were conducting traffic enforcement on Vasey Road in Tay Township when a vehicle was observed travelling at a speed of 156 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone (see photo). The vehicle was stopped by police.

As a result of the investigation, the driver was charged with stunt driving. The vehicle was impounded for 14 days, and the driver’s licence was suspended.

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired and aggressive driving behaviours place everyone at risk and remain leading contributors to serious injuries and fatalities on Ontario roadways. Members of the public are encouraged to call 911 if they observe dangerous or impaired driving.

The post Driver Charged For Going 156 km/h In A 80 km/h Zone On Vasey Road appeared first on Muskoka411.

Secondary Collision, Additional Information on Sergeant Malcolm

(COBOURG, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a secondary collision involving two police vehicles in connection with the on-duty death of an OPP officer in Cobourg.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., members of the Northumberland OPP responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 eastbound near Burnham Street North. OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm was pronounced deceased at the scene.

While officers were responding to the initial incident, two OPP cruisers were involved in a secondary collision with a stopped passenger vehicle on Highway 401 westbound near the primary collision scene. Three OPP officers were transported to a local hospital as a precaution and have since been released. No other injuries were reported.

Highway 401 was closed in both directions between County Road 28 and Burnham Street for the initial investigation and has since reopened.

The investigation continues into the secondary collision and the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, which is being investigated in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Traffic Management and Enforcement Team, as well as OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with any information or video footage in relation to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

ABOUT SERGEANT BRANDON MALCOLM

OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm joined the OPP in June 2020 and served his entire career with the Northumberland Detachment. The 33-year-old was an accomplished and proud member of the OPP Golden Helmets. He was highly respected and trusted as a leader who fostered a supportive environment. His quiet confidence, professionalism and strong work ethic made him an integral part of the OPP.

The OPP is assisting Sergeant Malcolm’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge the impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and community members for the compassion and support you have demonstrated to the OPP during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements are still in the early stages. More information will be released as it becomes available

– – –

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is releasing the identity of the officer who died in the line of duty in Cobourg Monday afternoon.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., members of the Northumberland OPP responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 near Burnham Street North. A member of the OPP was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The officer has been identified as Sergeant Brandon Malcolm, who joined the OPP in June 2020 and served his entire career with the Northumberland Detachment.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Traffic Management and Enforcement Team, as well as OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Highway 401 remains closed in both directions between County Road 28 and Burnham Street in Cobourg.

Anyone with any information or video footage in relation to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

A video recording of OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique’s statements from this evening from Northumberland Detachment are available on OPP Central Region’s X and Facebook pages. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The post Officer Identified After Fatal Collision, Witnesses Sought As Investigation Continues appeared first on Muskoka411.

Turnaround times for Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) online police record checks have significantly improved, following the implementation of new efficiencies.

In the summer and fall of 2025, the OPP experienced a significant backlog in processing police record checks, with turnaround times reaching 12 to 14 weeks. We heard the concerns from community members and organizations who rely on timely results, and we took immediate steps to address the issue.

Over the past several months, the OPP conducted a full review of the Online Police Record Checks Unit (OPRCU), including an internal audit, updates to policies and procedures, and the allocation of additional resources to meet the increased demand.

These efforts have resulted in substantial improvements. While the OPP’s service standard is to complete all levels of record checks within 30 days, current turnaround times are averaging approximately 10 days.

While processing times may extend closer to the 30‑day standard during periods of peak demand, the OPRCU remains committed to maintaining timely and reliable service. Current turnaround times are published weekly on the application website.

For those living in OPP jurisdiction who require a record check, please visit the OPP online police record check process webpage. Please note that detachment staff are unable to process any applications locally.

If you have questions about your record check, please contact 1-833-909-0057 or opp.virtualdesk@tritoncanada.ca. We ask that members of the public use this line rather than calling the OPP’s non-emergency line (1-888-310-1122) to ensure those who require an immediate police response due to an ongoing crime or threat to public safety are able to access the critical support and resources they need.

The OPP will continue to monitor demand, adjust resources as needed, and refine processes to ensure the public receives efficient, responsive support moving forward.

“We recognize the impacts delays can have on those we serve. The OPP is committed to providing effective, professional service to our communities, and I am pleased with the great work of the Online Police Records Check Unit to improve turnaround times for police record checks.”

– Chief Superintendent Brad McCallum

Commander, Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau

The post Online Police Record Check Timelines Continue To Improve, OPP Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

On April 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45hrs, officers observed individuals exiting a parked vehicle at a business on Quarry Road. During investigative contact, officers confirmed that one individual was wanted on an outstanding warrant. While speaking with the occupants, officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle that was unsecured and readily accessible. The firearm was seized and three individuals were arrested and transported to detachment.

As a result of the investigation:

CHRISTOPHER Leduc, 48‑years‑old, of Georgian Bay Township, has been charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or Ammunition
• Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

This individual was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 19, 2026.

RICKEY Leduc, 43‑years‑old, of Georgian Bay Township, has been charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or Ammunition
• Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner

TYLER Everingham, 32‑years‑old, of Georgian Bay Township, has been charged with:

• Careless storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or ammunition
• Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner

These accused parties are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on July 16, 2026.

The OPP reminds the public that the safe storage of firearms is essential to public safety. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is urged to contact police. Members of the community can report information to the OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ca.

The post Three People From Georgian Bay Township Face Firearm Related Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Friday April 24, 2026, at approximately 5:45 pm, a blue sedan, struck a youth at a crosswalk at the intersection of Highway 12 West and Monarch Drive in the City of Orillia. The driver of the vehicle is described as a older male, Bald, wearing sunglasses with a large grey beard. The driver exited the vehicle then re-entered it and left the scene.

Members of Orillia OPP are involved in this investigation. If you have information or video camera footage, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com, reference E260551508. The OPP is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

The post Orillia OPP Looking For Driver After Fail To Remain Collision appeared first on Muskoka411.

Officers have received multiple reports of counterfeit Canadian currency being passed at local businesses. Members of the public and local business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant when handling cash and to watch for signs of counterfeit currency, including irregular texture, print quality, or missing security features.

Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit money or has information related to these incidents is asked to contact the OPP. To remain anonymous, tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

For more information on how to identify counterfeit Canadian bank notes and the security features found on legitimate currency, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Bank of Canada’s website at bankofcanada.ca. The site provides clear tips on what to look for, how to check bank notes, and what to do if counterfeit money is suspected.

The post Fake Money Is Being Passed Around In Midland And Penetanguishene appeared first on Muskoka411.