Truck taken for ‘test drive’, never returned
A brazen truck theft at a Sturgeon Falls dealership is being investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police, who are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. On January 13, a man attended the local Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership by foot and provided stolen identity documents before taking the vehicle for a test drive. The man did not return to the dealership, making off with the white 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali crew cab pickup truck with a black cover on the grill. The suspect was described as having a heavy build, approximately 250-280 lbs, 6’0” tall and wearing a dark sweater and toque, with an orange construction coat and dark construction pants and boots.
According to staff at Tremblay Chevrolet, nothing seemed out of the ordinary that would indicate the individual was there to commit a crime. “He came in like nothing was wrong, he came in on foot from the Comfort Inn, and that’s where he said he was staying. Everything I asked him, he answered just fine, he didn’t sound anxious or anything,” says one employee. Staff also assure that this is a very rare thing. “In the 30 years we’ve been selling cars, this is the first time it’s ever happened,” says another staff member, assuring that they don’t expect this to be a regular thing that would require drastic changes in how they handle test drives.
The OPP has released surveillance camera images of the suspect and the stolen truck and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual and anyone else involved in the theft or possession of this truck. If anyone has any information regarding this investigation, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. Ref.# E250050946.
Impaired driver lands in ditch
Police arrested and charged one person with impaired driving offences, after an investigation involving a motor vehicle in a ditch. On January 11, at approximately 10:40 p.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP responded to a single motor vehicle in a ditch on Leclair Road, West Nipissing. No injuries were reported and as a result of the investigation, Camille Dubuc Tremblay, 30 years-of-age, from Cache Bay, was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and failure or refusal to comply with demand. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on February 6, 2025, in North Bay. The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Drugs, weapons found in Sturgeon Falls home
An intimate partner investigation led to police finding weapons and drugs and arresting a Sturgeon Falls resident.
On January 22, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP responded to an intimate partner disturbance at a residence on John Street. The investigation led to the seizure of two air guns and drugs suspected to be fentanyl, with an estimated street value of over $27,000.
A 29-year-old-person, from West Nipissing, was arrested and charged with two counts of failure to comply with probation order; possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
The accused was held for bail court and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in January 2025, in North Bay. The OPP will not release names to protect the identity of the victims.
