Current News Releases

February 13th, 2020

On February 13, 2020, the Ontario Provincial Police dealt with a 28-year-old female and a 42-year-old male in the Town of Prescott. Both had multiple active warrants with Gananoque Police Service for missing their last court appearances with multiple charges before the Courts. The Gananoque Police Service returned the male and female to Gananoque where they were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

February 14th, 2020

On February 14, 2020, the Gananoque Police Service, in collaboration with the Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Unit (ROPE), located and arrested a 28-year-old male in the City of Kingston. The male was wanted on a Committal Warrant with multiple outstanding charges before the Court. Officers were able to effect the arrest without incident and he was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

February 12th, 2020

On January 22nd, 2020 the Gananoque Police received a report of a green haired male who had made an inappropriate proposition to a 13 year old male.

On February 11th, 2020 police received information identifying the male suspect in front of a King Street business. As a result, a 67 year old Gananoque male was arrested and charged with Invitation to Sexual Touching (under 16 years of age) and Criminal Harassment.

The accused was held in custody for a show cause bail hearing.

February 6th, 2020

The Municipal Drug Strategy of the Town of Gananoque, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and the Township of Rideau Lakes is moving forward in 2020 with youth representatives leading the process. The Strategy’s focus on youth and substance use will include community action and advocacy for safe spaces and youth voice.

Police Chief Garry Hull remarks “as the Chief of Police in Gananoque I am very proud of the work that has been completed and continues to be done by the members of the Municipal Drug Strategy in our community. Their investment into the fabric of the well-being for those who struggle with addictions in our community has been commendable. I look forward to the continued support of the Gananoque Police Service in providing assistance to the MDS. You have the ability to make positive changes in peoples’ lives.”

On October 2, 2019, the Municipal Drug Strategy hosted a Community Conversation. This meeting highlighted the work of the Strategy with respect to the four pillars – Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Enforcement. Dr. Paula Stewart, Police Chief Garry Hull, Debbie Blair (LLGMHA), and Jessica Mackenzie (LGLDHU) spoke to the past MDS successes, future plans and best practices of community substance use and misuse.

The four recommendations from this meeting were:

• Increase public education and awareness of substance use and misuse
• Increasing access and awareness to recreational and extra-curricular opportunities for youth and their families
• Increase ways to communicate and bring awareness of the Municipal Drug Strategy efforts
• Find opportunities to more effectively integrate and connect with the 4-pillar work currently being done in the community.

The focus on safe youth spaces at our January meeting included the voice of stakeholders from the three municipalities as well as lessons learned about safe youth spaces from neighboring communities. We will continue to move this conversation forward at the upcoming March 5th meeting.

For more information or to participate in this important work, please email MDSGananoqueTLTI@gmail.com or call your local municipality for more information.

February 3rd, 2020

On February 3rd, 2020, officers on patrol observed a male known to them and believed to have a warrant. The warrant for Failing to Re-Attend Court was confirmed and the 29 year old Lansdowne male was placed under arrest and transported to the station. The male was held for a show cause bail hearing.

February 4th, 2020

On February 4th, 2020 officers on patrol conducted a traffic stop on King Street West on a vehicle bearing stolen licence plates. During the course of the investigation, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine and Ecstasy were located inside the vehicle.

As a result, 31 year old Gananoque male has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property and 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance. The male was later released on an Undertaking with conditions and a court date in the future to answer the charges.

A 28 year old female from Lansdowne was also charged with Drive Motor Vehicle No Insurance and released by a summons to attend court.

February 2nd, 2020

The Gananoque Police responded to a report of a missing youth. Further investigation revealed that the youth was on conditions to be amenable to the rules and discipline of the home and left without permission. The youth was later located and arrested without incident. The youth was charged with two counts of failing to comply with the conditions of his undertaking, and he was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

February 2nd, 2020

The Gananoque Police received a complaint relating to domestic assault. Further investigation determined that the accused had assaulted his partner numerous times over the course of several weeks. Police located and arrested the male at his residence. The man was searched following his arrest and police seized a quantity of crystal methamphetamine. A 51-year-old Gananoque man faces charges of assault, overcome resistance by choking, fail to comply with his probation order and possession of a schedule 1 substance. The man was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

January 30th, 2020

On January 30th, 2020 Gananoque Police Service assisted OPP in responding to a large house party east of Gananoque. Upon arriving, police observed damage to the property and were advised that several unwelcomed males were to blame and that they had since left in a dark truck. Gananoque Police soon after received a call regarding a dark truck that had followed a male home from the party into town. The complainant observed the truck idling outside their residence and did not feel safe.

While searching for the truck, a concerned citizen approached officers and advised that two of the suspects were inside a local business and threatening to return to the party to do harm.

Officers located and arrested the males. One of the males was co-operative while the other provided a false identity. As a result, he was charged with Uttering Death Threats, Mischief to Property, and Obstructing a Police investigation. The 18-year-old Kingston man was held in custody for a show cause hearing. He was later released at court on conditions to a surety.

January 30th, 2020

On January 30th, 2020 Gananoque Police received information from an off-duty officer that a wanted male had been observed in town. Officers were able to locate the wanted male in a vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted. The 35-year-old male ran from the vehicle and a brief foot pursuit ensued. The male was arrested, held in custody and later escorted to bail court.

January 31st, 2020

On January 31st, 2020 Gananoque Police Service responded to a call of an elderly female acting strange at a local business. The complainant was familiar with the female and described her behaviour as bizarre. He advised that she had driven her car towards him several times in what he perceived as a threatening manner.

Officers were also familiar with the female. Given her deteriorating mental health and her squalid living conditions, the female was apprehended pursuant to the Mental Health Act. She was transported to the hospital where she was admitted and held for a psychiatric assessment.

Gananoque Police work in partnership with Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health services, the John Howard Society, and Victim Services. Anyone having concerns regarding the mental health and wellbeing of a friend or family member are encouraged to contact GPS’ Community Outreach Program.

January 22nd, 2020

On Wednesday January 22, Gananoque Police spoke with a concerned father who reported an incident involving his 13-year-old son. At approximately 2:40pm, his son was walking westbound at the end of Pine Street when he encountered a male estimated to be 50. He described the male as being medium build, wearing blue jeans, dark blue shoes and a black winter jacket. The male had green curly hair, a green goatee and was not wearing glasses. The unknown male made an inappropriate proposition to the boy, who then ran off.

Police are looking to locate and identify this male. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Gananoque Police.

January 23rd, 2020

The Gananoque Police have arrested and charged a 24-year-old Gananoque man following a traffic investigation. Police conducted a traffic stop on King Street East and subsequent investigation revealed the driver had been driving with a suspended licence. The male was arrested, and a search of the male resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine.

The male was charged with one count of possession of a Schedule 1 Substance, Drive while suspended, Drive – no insurance and using plates not authorized for vehicle. The male was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

January 4th, 2020

On Saturday January 4th, the Gananoque Police Service received a complaint of a domestic altercation that had just occurred. Officers attended and spoke to all involved parties. As a result, a 52-year-old male was arrested for the incident. The male suspect is also currently wanted in relation to a province wide arrest warrant in British Columbia.

During the course of the investigation, police also learned of a previous assault that occurred while the couple were living in Gananoque. The male was subsequently charged with 2 counts of Domestic Assault and failing to comply with a release condition. He was held in custody for a bail hearing.

December 19th, 2019

The Kingston Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and officers with the Gananoque Police Service executed a search warrant on a Gananoque residence on December 19, 2019.

On June 30, 2019, a computer connected to a file-sharing network was matched to an IP address, and suspected child pornography digital files were captured from the computer. Further investigation resulted in identifying the location and address of the IP address as Gananoque.

On December 19, 2019, as a result of the ongoing investigation a search warrant was executed at the residence located in Gananoque. Multiple digital devices and data storage media were seized. A forensic examination revealed evidence of digital files believed to meet the Criminal Code definition of child pornography.

The accused was located in Kingston and was subsequently arrested and transported to Gananoque police headquarters where he was held to attend a bail hearing.

A 36-year-old local man is charged with possess child pornography, and access child pornography. Forensic examination of the accused's devices continues and further charges are pending.

"This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General."

December 18th, 2019

On December 18, 2019 the Gananoque Police Service were contacted by school administration from Gananoque Intermediate and Secondary School regarding concerning comments that were made by a member of the school community. The school immediately initiated a hold and secure as a precautionary measure to allow police to investigate the comments, locate all involved persons and to determine the validity of the comments. The person was located and it was determined that no immediate threat to staff and students was present and the hold and secure was lifted by school administration.

The Gananoque Police Service would like to thank the staff and students of GISS for their cooperation while this matter was investigated.

November 29th, 2019

Just before midnight on November 29, 2019, the Gananoque Police responded to the downtown area of King Street East, where there had been a report of an unknown male passed out in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle. Police located the vehicle and found that the male driver was showing signs of impairment. Police attempted to conduct Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) on the male who refused and became aggressive towards the police. As a result, the 26-year-old male, from Gananoque, Ontario, was charged for having care and or control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drug, failure to comply with police demand for sobriety testing, as well as two counts of resisting a peace officer. The male was released by police once sober, on a Promise to Appear and Undertaking with his court date scheduled in the new year.

December 4th, 2019

Just before midnight on December 4, 2019, police were on routine patrol when they observed a 28-year-old female and 42-year-old male, wanted for the theft. Both were arrested and held for a bail hearing with the 28-year-old female also being charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, for the possession of a schedule I substance.

December 9th, 2019

In early June, 2019, The Gananoque Police Service responded to a break and enter of a local apartment building where there had been property damaged and items stolen. Upon the completion of the investigation, a 26-year-old female from Beamesville, Ontario was charged with breaking and entering, theft under $5000, mischief under $5000, uttering in a forged document, and fraud with a court date scheduled in the new year.

December 10th, 2019

On the afternoon of December 10, 2019, the Gananoque Police attended the No Frills grocery store, located on King Street East, to investigate a fail to remain motor vehicle collision. After collecting witness statements and surveillance video, police completed their investigation ultimately charging a 22-year-old male from Brockville, Ontario, with driving while prohibited, failing to remain at the scene of an accident as well as breaching his probation. Any other witnesses of this incident are encouraged to contact the investigating officer. Cst. Watson, at 613-382-4509

December 13th, 2019

On the afternoon of December 13, 2019, the Gananoque Police were on routine patrol when they observed a 23-year-old male from Gananoque, driving a motor vehicle on a highway while his driver’s licence was suspended. As a result, police conducted a traffic stop and the male was charged under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act for driving while under suspension and given a court date in the new year to answer to the charge.

December 14th, 2019

In the early hours of December 14, 2019, police responded to a call of two males breaking and entering the Canadian Tire retail store located on King Street East. Police attended the scene resulting in the arrest of a 49-year-old male as well as a 42-year-old-male, both residents of Gananoque, Ontario. Both men were charged with breaking and entering as well as theft under $5000 with a court date scheduled in the new year.

November 28th, 2019

On November 28th, 2019 a victim came forward to police to report escalating violence in a relationship. The following investigation resulted in a 28-year-old male from Gananoque being arrested and charged with: Sexual Assault, Assault, Utter Death Threats, Overcoming Resistance – Choking, Fail to Comply with Probation x2, Fail to Comply – Recognizance x2, Fail to Comply – Undertaking. He was held for a show cause hearing.

November 29th, 2019

Late on November 29th, 2019, the Gananoque Police Service received a report of a male sitting unconscious in a running vehicle. Upon arrival, male was woken by police, and found to be impaired and combative. The 26-year-old Gananoque male was apprehended and provided medical care for his impairment. He was charged with the following: Operation while Impaired, Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand, Resist Peace Officer x2. He was released on conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

November 19th, 2019

Police were called to an east end business relating to a theft of clothing. The complainant provided police with a description of the clothing item and of the suspect. Police located the suspect not far from the scene and she was arrested without incident. The female had the stolen item in her possession upon arrest. The 36-year-old Kingston female was charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and was released to appear in court at a later date.

November 20th, 2019

Police arrested a 28-year-old Gananoque man on the strength of an outstanding warrant. The male was charged with failing to appear for court and was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

November 21st, 2019

The Gananoque Police were called to a local construction site relating to a report of an assault. Police attended and determined that a dispute arose between two co-workers resulting in the accused punching the victim in the head area several times. The victim received minor injuries. A 29-year-old Kingston man was arrested for assault and was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

October 30th, 2019

The Gananoque Police are investigating a disturbance involving a firearm. The incident occurred on Wednesday October 30th, 2019 between 9:30am – 10:30am near the intersection of William Street North and Cooper Alley in Gananoque.

Police are interested in speaking with anyone who may have information relating to the above noted incident. Witnesses can contact the investigator, Sergeant Rich Swann at 613-382-4509 or can provide anonymous information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

October 2nd, 2019

The Gananoque Police were called to a local Group Home to a report that one of the youth residents assaulted staff. Officers attended and determined that a dispute broke out in the home resulting in the youth biting one staff member and attempting to punch another staff member. The 16-year-old youth was charged with two counts of assault and will appear in court at a later date.

October 4th, 2019

In early September the Gananoque Police received a complaint of a sexual assault that had been committed on a person under 16 years old. Following an investigation, a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with one count each of sexual assault, criminal harassment and failing to comply with a condition of his undertaking. The youth was released and will appear in court at a later date.

October 13th, 2019

The Gananoque Police received a complaint of a suspicious male who was attempting to trade tools that he had in his possession for a ride to Kingston. Shortly after receiving the initial complaint, a second complaint was received reporting a break in and theft of tools. Police were able to locate the male and link the tools he had in his possession back to the break and enter. As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old Kingston man was charged with one count each of break and enter, theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. The male was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

October 13th, 2019

Gananoque Police arrested a 76-year-old man from New York for Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance and Mischief under $5,000. The man attended at the Gananoque Police station and drove his vehicle through one of the garage doors located at the rear of the building. When questioned by police the man stated that he was homeless and wanted to go to jail. The man was charged accordingly and held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Telephone Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls asking for funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

Credit Card Fraud Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding the public to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls advising a credit or debit card has been compromised and requests personal information, credit card information or banking information. This can be done by calling the credit card company or banking institution directly.

Canada Revenue Agency Phone Calls

The Gananoque Police have received several complaints from concerned citizens who have been receiving calls from individuals who claim to work for Revenue Canada. The caller demands payment for money owed from past income tax years, sometimes using aggressive tactics and ultimatums. Citizens are reminded that these types of calls are fraudulent and should be ignored. Additionally, citizens should never give financial or personal information out over the phone to non-trusted sources. For more information, the CRA has issues an advisory on this matter, or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcentre.ca to learn more about this and other popular scams.

Door-to-Door Solicitors

Recently many Gananoque residents have again been the target of door-to-door solicitors using questionable tactics.
The Gananoque Police Service reminds citizens to be cautious when it comes to allowing strangers into their homes. Although many door-to-door sales campaigns involve legitimate companies the tactics used by some canvassers cause concern for some residents.
Please remember that you are not obligated to allow anyone into your home. Legitimate door-to-door canvassers usually have identification cards and literature explaining who they are and the products and services they are offering. Don’t allow the canvassers to pressure you into completing a transaction with claims such as "this is a one-time only deal" or "after today the price goes up". Take the time to research the product or service and "read the fine print" before making a financial commitment.
Residents are also encouraged to report the negative experience to the company that the solicitors are representing. Most companies welcome such feedback as they do not want their corporate image affected negatively by such behaviour from their employees. If, however, you feel you have been the target of a scam, fraud or aggressive tactics, please report the incident to police. Additionally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted at 1-888-495-8501 to report a fraud and to receive more information about frauds and scams. For further information visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

OPPA not soliciting funds for its Community Bear Program

The Gananoque Police Service has received a number of inquiries from Gananoque residents asking about telephone calls they have received soliciting funds for teddy bears for The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). The Gananoque Police Service is advising that the OPPA has confirmed that they do not solicit the public for its Community Bear Program and this is a confirmed scam.
The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

The Gananoque Police Service has received several complaints of vehicles failing to stop for local school buses which have their flashing lights activated and children boarding the bus.
We would like to remind drivers to remain vigilant when on the roads during the morning and afternoon hours.


When driving on a road WITHOUT a median:

• drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.
• when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.
• when approaching from the rear, drivers should maintain an approximate 20 metre space.
• do not move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.

Drivers can be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing:

• First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
• Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).
• Vehicle owners can also be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren't driving.
• If the vehicle owner does not pay the fine, they will not be able to renew the vehicle's permit.

Today, with all the shopping transactions that take place daily online, the Gananoque Police Service understands that you may feel uncomfortable meeting a stranger to complete an internet transaction. This Service encourages individuals to use the Gananoque Emergency Services parking lot as a "Safe Exchange Spot" for your internet purchases. Our station is under video surveillance and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.