Tuesday, April 21, 2009

LOCAL RESTAURANT VICTIM OF BREAK, ENTER AND THEFT

(Elliot Lake, Ontario) While on general patrol, an officer of the East Algoma OPP observed a backdoor of the Rocky’s Restaurant insecure. Upon checking the premises it was found to be a break and enter.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect(s) had removed approximately 50 lbs of frozen foods and a small amount of cash.

Anyone with information regarding the above break enter and theft is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Investigation continuing.

BLACK BEARS AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

(Elliot Lake, Ont.) The East Algoma OPP in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources would like remind all citizens that the bears have awaken from hibernation and have been spotted in the area.

Residents are reminded to keep all garbage containers in a lock garage or shed. Containers should be placed for garbage pick up in the morning only, not the evening prior.

Also attached are a few pointers to assist you when out enjoying the trails and scenery.

Bears usually avoid humans. Generally you won’t see a bear even if one is close by. Remember, you are a visitor in the bear’s home range, so do all you can to avoid encounters.
- Make noise as you move through wooded areas. Singing, whistling or talking will alert bears to your presence, giving them a chance to avoid you
- Carry a whistle or air horn
- Travel with others if possible
- Be aware of your surroundings by keeping your eyes and ears open
- Keep an eye out for signs of bears, such as tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings
- Avoid strong fragrances that may cause a bear to be curious: put any food you are carrying in sealed containers in your pack
- If you are out with a dog, control it. Uncontrolled, untrained dogs may actually lead a bear to you

If you encounter a bear:

- If the bear is not paying attention to you, slowly and quietly back away while watching the bear to make sure it isn’t following you
- Do not approach the bear to get a better look
- If the bear obviously knows you are there, raise your arms to let the bear know you are human. Make yourself look as big as possible. Speak in a firm but non-threatening voice while looking at the bear and backing away
- Watch the bear to gauge its reaction to you. Generally, the nosier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, providing you don’t approach the bear. If a bear huffs, pops its jaw or stomps its paws on the ground, it wants you to back away and give it space
- If a bear closely approaches you, drop any food you are carrying and continue backing up
- If the bear continues to try to approach, stand your ground and be aggressive – use your whistle or air horn, yell, stand tall, wave your arms and throw objects.
- If a bear keeps advancing and is getting close, continue to stand your ground. Use your bear pepper spray and anything else to threaten or distract the bear – bears will often first test to see if it is safe to approach you
- Do not run or climb a tree. Bears can run faster and climb better than you
- If the bear makes contact, fight back with everything you have

If you are concerned, contact the local Ministry of Natural Resources office in the area you are going to visit to determine whether there have been any reports of bear encounters or conflicts.

To report bear problems please call 1-866-514-2327.

BREACH OF PROBATION

(White River) – On April 17, 2009 at 8:30 pm the OPP were called to a local Corner Store in White River regarding a complaint of youths causing a disturbance. Upon arrival OPP located a male youth who had allegedly been causing a disturbance near the store. Further investigation revealed the male had also been consuming an alcoholic beverage. As a result a male youth, who can not be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with two counts of Failing to Comply with Probation Order. He will appear in Wawa Criminal Court on July 6, 2009 to answer to the charges.

ASSAULT, MISCHIEF

(Chapleau) – On April 17 at approximately 3:15 am police on routine patrol observed a male subject who appeared to be intoxicated on Pine Street. When police approached the male he attempted to flee but was immediately apprehended. The subject then became quite violent and had to be restrained by the officers and placed in the rear of the police cruiser. As a result of this incident, Clayton QUACKEGESIC stands charged with the following;
1) Mischief Under $5000.00 x2 – Criminal Code
2) Assault Peace Officer – Criminal Code
3) Common Assault – Criminal Code
4) Breach of Probation – Criminal Code
5) Being Intoxicated in a Public Place under the Liquor Licence Act.
He will appear in Chapleau Criminal Court at a later date to answer to the charges.

R.I.D.E.

The OPP conducted several RIDE and Seat Belt checks throughout the Superior East patrol area resulting in 554 vehicles being checked with 2 seatbelt charges being laid as well as other Highway Traffic Act infractions noted. No other driving infractions were reported.