NIPIGON – The Ontario Provincial Police in Nipigon have had a busy few days.
On Tuesday September 19, 2017 at approximately 7:36pm, Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a possible impaired driver operating a black SUV in Red Rock Township. The suspect vehicle was quickly located by officers and stopped on Hwy 11/17 just west of Nipigon. OPP officers had a brief verbal interaction with the male driver who appeared to be confused regarding his whereabouts. While police were still talking with the suspect driver, he left the scene and proceeded westbound on Hwy 11/17.
The OPP subsequently deployed a spike belt and the vehicle came to a stop on Hwy 11/17 approximately 6 km west of Hwy 628. Officers approached the vehicle but the suspect driver failed to follow commands to unlock the door. After the driver’s side window was broken and a controlled energy weapon (CEW) was deployed the suspect was taken into custody. There were no injuries.
Demetrios Joshua GALANIS, 19, of Stouffville, Ontario is charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code:
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Flight while Pursued by Peace Officer and
- Assault a Peace Officer
The accused was released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on December 5, 2017.
In addition, on Tuesday September 19, 2017 at approximately 5:30am, Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received reports regarding the theft of three pickup trucks and one minivan. One vehicle was stolen from the Township of Nipigon while the remaining three were taken from Red Rock Township.
Police investigation revealed that in all cases, keys had been left in the vehicles. All vehicles were eventually recovered in close proximity to where they were stolen, with little to no damage.
A canine unit, helicopter and Scenes of Crime (SOCO) officer were dispatched to the scene to process evidence and search the area for suspects. Vehicle patrols were also conducted.
The investigation is continuing.
If anyone has any information regarding the thefts, please contact the Nipigon OPP at (807) 887-2637, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or the Provincial Communications Center at 1-888-310-1122.
