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Belleville Police Service Police Press Releases

Belleville Police Report Strong Results During Canada Road Safety Week

Total calls for service – Belleville Police responded to 102 calls for service over a 24-hour period beginning at 5:00 am on May 21, 2026 to 5:00 am on May 22, 2026.

From May 12 to 18, the Belleville Police Service actively participated in Canada Road Safety Week, a national 7-day campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world. This year’s campaign theme, “Road Safety — Every Road. Every Day. Everyone,” reminds all road users that safety is a daily responsibility.

During the campaign, Belleville Police made a fulsome effort to promote safe driving, resulting in:

  • Charges laid: 166
  • Warnings issued: 40
  • Speeding: 77
  • Cell phone use: 17

Highlights of local enforcement activities include:

  • Speed Enforcement on Dundas Street: Officers dedicated four hours over two days focusing on high-speed.
  • Cell Phone Enforcement and Education: Officers spent four hours over two days educating and enforcing rules on handheld communication devices. In Ontario, it is an offence to have a handheld communication device in your hand while driving, regardless of the circumstances.  If you are stopped at a traffic light, you are still driving.  The penalties begin with a fine of $615, three demerit points and, upon conviction, an automatic driver’s licence suspension.
  • RIDE Programs with Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS): Officers conducted two RIDE programs targeting impaired driving. These checks led to two drivers facing criminal charges. The checkpoint on Saturday, May 16, found three drivers with positive alcohol readings in 31 vehicles checked.

The Belleville Police Service thanks the community for their ongoing support in making roads safer. Every time you obey traffic rules, you are protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road.

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Barrie Police Police Press Releases

59 Year Old Facing Arson Charge – 2 Escape

Barrie Police officers arrested and charged a 59-year-old woman less than an hour after a suspicious fire in the basement of a residence on Essa Road.

Emergency crews responded just after 4 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to reports of a structure fire at an address located between Burton Avenue and Innisfil Street.

The two occupants escaped the residence unharmed. The basement sustained moderate damage. Fire officials subsequently advised police the fire appeared to have been intentionally set.

An officer who had noticed a vehicle outside the address at the time of the fire then located the registered owner. The officer attended a residence in the area of Essa Road and Loggers Run where the woman answered the door with what appeared to be significant burn injuries to her hands.

She was taken into custody at 4:45 a.m. and transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Following her release from the hospital, she was brought to Barrie Police Headquarters and held for a bail hearing.

The accused is charged with:

  • Arson – Damage to Property
  • Arson – Disregard for Human Life (x2)

The Ontario Fire Marshal was notified about the suspected arson but is not attending.

The Barrie Police Criminal Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate.

BA26031565

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases

Pedestrian Seriously Injured In Listowel

One person is injured following a motor vehicle collision in the Municipality of North Perth.

On May 22, shortly after 9:00 a.m. the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Perth County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a collision involving a motor vehicle and pedestrian at the intersection of Wallace Avenue North and Elizabeth Street East in the Town of Listowel.

The pedestrian has been transported to a trauma centre with serious injuries.

The intersection of Wallace Avenue North and Elizabeth Street East will remain closed for several hours while police investigate the collision. Motorists should plan for alternative routes.

Updates will be provided.

The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has dashcam footage to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or hpcrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Area OPP Cambridge OPP Police Press Releases

Louis Dasilva – Drunk Driving

One person has been charged for driving while impaired following a traffic stop in the Township of Perth East.

On May 19, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed an individual standing on the shoulder of Perth Line 33 urinating near a parked motor vehicle. The individual was determined to be the driver of the motor vehicle and was displaying signs of impairment by alcohol.

The driver, 68-year-old Louis Dasilva of Cambridge, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation while Impaired – Blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol

Further, the accused was charged under the Liquor Licence Control Act (LLCA) for having care or control of a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor.

The accused was released from custody, scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on June 29, 2026. The accused is also facing a 90-day drivers licence suspension, 7-day motor vehicle impoundment, tow and impound fees as well as fines under the LLCA.

The Perth County OPP is committed to reducing impaired driving everywhere. If you drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be caught. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Your call could save a life.