Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

It is a sad day for all of us in blue as the Calgary Police Service lay Sgt. Andrew Harnett to rest. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, community he served and of course his colleagues at CPS. Your death was tragic & senseless but your dedication to your community will live on. #heroesinlife Your watch has ended, rest easy brother!

Update: Albert Street West Investigation Officers successfully cleared the scene in the 600 block of Albert Street West. Two people were arrested on outstanding warrants. Officers remain in the area as the investigation is ongoing. Traffic is now flowing normally in the area.... Further information will be released as it becomes available. Original Release: On January 1, 2021 at 5:30 a.m. police responded to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of Albert Street West. Upon arrival officers located a victim with non-life threatening injuries. This is believed to be an isolated incident and not a random act of violence. Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service are currently on scene as this is an active investigation. We urge members of the community to avoid the area. Further details will be released as they become available.

Bear Sighting Near Hub Trail On December 30, 2020 around 2:00 p.m. police received a call regarding an aggressive bear near the Hub Trail in the area between Northern Avenue and Finn Hill. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry MNRF) has been notified about this incident. Anyone who frequents this area should be mindful there may be a bear in the area.... If you encounter a bear and are concerned for your safety call 911 immediately. If you encounter a nuisance bear that doesn’t present a safety concern please call the MNRF’s toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641). For more information on bear safety please visit the MNRF’s Bear Wise website here www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise

UPDATE - LOCATED - MISSING 16-year old Kaylee Hodgson UPDATE Kaylee Hodgson has been located in good health.... We would like to thank everyone for your assistance with this matter. ORIGINAL We are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year old Kaylee Hodgson. Kaylee was last seen in the New Sudbury area on December 12th, 2020 at 2:10 p.m. Kaylee is described as Indigenous, 5’4 tall, 100 lbs, with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes; wearing white track pants with a black stripe down the side, black running shoes, a black winter jacket with fur on the hood; carrying a white Adidas duffel bag with small black dots and pink zippers, as well as a black and grey backpack. Kaylee is believed to be in Sault Ste. Marie at this time. There is concern for Kaylee’s well-being. Anyone with information as to Kaylee’s whereabouts is urged to contact police at 705-675-9171.

We wish all of you a safe, healthy & happy holiday season! To our officers, civilians and all first responders, thank you for working over the holidays so many of us can enjoy them with loved ones. Stay safe.

December is Impaired Driving Awareness month for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. Our Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative also takes place in December. Traditionally there are many gatherings and family get togethers at this time of year so extra emphasis is placed on our R.I.D.E. programs. We've put together this video to provide a bit of awareness, not only on drinking and driving, but also using drugs and driving.... Remember, if you choose to drink or use drugs DO NOT drive.

Today is an exciting day as we welcome our three newest officers. Congratulations Cst. Alex Fronzi, Cst. Jaimie Peace & Cst. Ryan Vendramin! We are thrilled to have you as part of the team and thank you for your commitment to the people of The City of Sault Ste. Marie & Prince Township.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Algoma Public Health want you to be safe this holiday season and consider how your plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Learn more: https://bit.ly/38enmen

Over the weekend officers held a Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative. On Friday 334 vehicles were stopped and two roadside tests were conducted. On Saturday 337 vehicles were stopped and two roadside tests were conducted. ... No charges were laid.

The Soo Greyhounds extend our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the McAuley family along with all Jim’s friends. Today, we have lost an instrumental figure in our organization’s history and the community of Sault Ste. Marie.

Since March 16, 2020 criminal case management court matters for accused individuals who are not in custody have been automatically adjourned to another court date. This process was put in place by the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ), using a bench warrant with discretion for the accused individuals who were absent from the initial court date. The automatic adjournment of court dates has ended. As of November 30, 2020, accused people are required to attend their scheduled crimi...nal case management court appearance, by having counsel appear on their behalf or by appearing via audio or video. If you do not attend a scheduled criminal case management appearance on or after Monday November 30, 2020, the Court may: issue a bench summons requiring you to attend court on a specified date; or issue a warrant for your arrest, if the presiding judicial officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe it is necessary in the public interest to do so. If you have a lawyer, please contact your lawyer before your scheduled court date. If you do not know when that appearance is you are urged to contact: The Criminal Court Office at 705-945-8000 ext. 565 or the Algoma Crown Attorney’s Office at 705-945-8001. Your lawyer, the Criminal Court Office and/or the Algoma Crown Attorney’s Office will provide you with the details you need to attend your scheduled court date via video or phone. For Youth Matters details please call the Court Office at 705-945-8000 ext. 565 Please note, if you have missed the date you were to attend for fingerprints (between March 2020 and now), you can attend at the Courthouse at 426 Queen Street East, front entrance during regular business hours. Officers will arrange for you to have your fingerprints taken and you will not be charged with fail to appear for fingerprints. However, from this point forward, if you fail to attend for fingerprints, an additional criminal charge of fail to appear for fingerprints may be laid and a summons or bench warrant may be issued for you.

This weekend officers conducted Festive RIDE initiatives. On Friday officers checked 180 vehicles and administered one roadside test. On Saturday officers checked 295 vehicles and administered two roadside tests.... No charges were laid. Remember, if you choose to drink or use drugs, DO NOT drive.

We send love and condolences to PC Marc Hovingh’s family, friends, colleagues and the community he served so bravely. Seeing the outpouring of support it is evident he served with integrity, compassion and professionalism. #HeroesInLife RIP brother

With the starting to fall, the City would like to provide reminders and messages that when followed assist with winter operations. Learn more at: http://saultstemarie.ca/WinterReminders

Over a three week period, beginning October 13, 2020 and ending November 5, 2020, Sault Ste. Marie Police conducted Traffic Enforcement Initiatives in various areas of Sault Ste. Marie. On 25 occasions officers focused on areas of interest, including Peoples Road, Black Road, Second Line West, Fourth Line West and Fifth Line, determined through concerns raised by community members. During the initiative officers checked 150 vehicles and issued 101 Provincial Offence Notices..., including 93 speeding tickets. Warnings were issued to 160 others. In addition, on Saturday, November 14, 2020 officers conducted a RIDE initiative in several areas of Sault Ste. Marie. Officers checked 285 vehicles with no charges or tickets issued. Information on further enforcement initiatives will be released as it becomes available.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is advising the public that 22-year-old Jacques Roy is currently wanted in connection with a shooting incident that took place on November 30 or December 1, 2020. It’s alleged an argument took place between Mr. Roy and the victim in a residence in the 0-100 block of Boston Avenue. The argument escalated and Mr. Roy shot the victim in the leg. The victim was later transported to hospital with serious injuries. The accused and the victim are ...known to each other. Mr. Roy is wanted for; Using a Firearm while committing an Offence Careless use of a Firearm, weapon and/or Ammunition Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose Pointing a Firearm Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm or Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order x2 Uttering Threats Aggravated Assault Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Breach of Probation Mr. Roy should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Mr. Roy, do not approach him, call 911 immediately. If anyone has information about this incident or the location of Mr. Roy they are urged to contact police at 705-949-6300. You can provide information anonymously by calling Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. You can also go here https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=173# to submit a web-tip or download the P3 app. Your tip to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and protected by case law, for more information visit https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/information

To keep each other safe we are unable to gather traditionally for Remembrance Day but members of Sault Police honour those who have and continue to serve our country to preserve our freedoms. Thank you for the sacrifice you make for us all. #LestWeForget

Protecting your property is important to us all. There are some solutions that can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of property crime. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proven method of reducing that risk. Having proper lighting, reducing obstructions such as unkept trees and shrubs, not leaving valuables in plain site and quality locks are proven ways to secure your property. For more information visit www.saultpolice.ca/home-safety. Installing security cameras are another CPTED method. For tips on how to install cameras in order to provide the most effective view of your property please watch this video.

Winter may have been slow to arrive this year but we want to remind drivers in The City of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township to prepare for winter driving conditions. We have had some mornings with frost on our windshields and some snow on the ground. Winter like weather leads to slippery conditions, and we all know winter driving can be tricky at times. November is winter driving safety month and we have some tips we’d like to share to help you and your loved ones travel ...safely this winter. We urge everyone to prepare their vehicle for the change of the season. Installing winter tires on your vehicle will allow you to navigate area roadways more easily than all-season tires. Having winter tool accessories in your vehicle; snow brush, ice scraper, lightweight shovel and booster cables, can help you through a tough situation. If you have frost or snow on your windows, please take a few minutes to clear all windows so your visibility is unobstructed. Taking that time will make your trip safer, not only for you but everyone on the road. Arriving at your destination safely should be the number one priority. With winter road conditions, please adjust your driving habits accordingly. Leave for your destination a few minutes earlier than in warmer seasons Drive smoothly and slowly to allow for less traction due to winter conditions Do not tailgate, breaking is more unpredictable in the winter Make sure to turn on your headlights at all times PAY ATTENTION, you will have less time to react with frost, snow and ice on area roads We understand there will be collisions during the winter so it is important you know how the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) is operating at this time. If you are in a collision where there are no injuries, and medical or fire attention is not required, call the CRC directly, 705-253-1600, not 9-1-1. At the scene, collect driver’s license information, license plate, insurance and phone numbers of all involved parties. If you do not have something to write with you can use a smartphone to take pictures of the required documentation. Phone the CRC or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. CRC hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Access to the Police Services Building is currently restricted, so when you arrive for your appointment, use the new phone in the lobby to connect with the CRC directly. We want everyone to travel safely in and around the community, so please follow these safety tips to increase the odds of arriving to your destination safely

Missing Person: Public Assistance Requested The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is requesting public assistance to locate 16-year-old Kaitana Biron. Ms. Biron was last seen today in the 100 block of Queensgate Boulevard. She is described as 5'3" tall with a thin build, brown hair and brown eyes.... She is known to frequent the downtown area. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Marc Dubie at 705-949-6300 ext. 114.

Wednesday was a proud day for us as we honoured our 2020 Officer of the Year Detective Constable Derek Belanger. His commitment & advocacy for a vulnerable young person in The City of Sault Ste. Marie allowed them to get the help they needed during difficult times. Your passion for our community is inspiring, thank you for all that you do. Enjoy the honour, it is well deserved.