West Nipissing Ouest – Sturgeon Falls, Verner, St Charles, Field and Area News On August 28, 2023, shortly before 9:00 p.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle fire on a property on Highway 539, West Nipissing.
While investigating the fire, police observed numerous recently stolen items on the property and arrested two people.
Members from the Nipissing West OPP Crime Unit executed two search warrants at properties on Highway 539 and Forget Avenue, West Nipissing.
A search of the two properties led to the seizure of stolen off-road vehicles, motorcycles, various hand/power tools, generators, chainsaws, outboard motors, firearms, vehicle batteries, propane tanks, and other outdoor items.
As a result of the investigation,
Paul DESCOTEAUX, 37-years-of-age, from West Nipissing was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – in Canada
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – in Canada – four counts
- Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
- Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Breach of firearms regulation-store firearm or restricted weapon
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
The accused was held for Bail Court and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on September 1, 2023, in North Bay.
Christy PETRELLA, 46-years-of-age, from Simcoe was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – in Canada
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – in Canada
The accused was release and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on October 5, 2023, in North Bay.
Police have seized numerous unclaimed items, believed to be stolen from the River Valley and surrounding area, and are asking the public to contact the Nipissing West OPP at 1-888-310-1122, if there is any property missing or stolen that has not been reported to police.