Current News Releases

July 29th, 2020

On July 29th, the Gananoque Police Service received a report of thefts from a King Street East business. Video surveillance and further investigation resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old male who was charged with Theft Under x 2 and Breach of Probation. The male was released on conditions, to be seen in court at a later date.

July 29th, 2020

On July 29th, officers responded to a report of an assault at a Gananoque public park. After conducting witness statements, a youth was arrested and charged with one count of Assault. The youth was released with conditions and will be seen in court at a later date.

July 14th, 2020

On July 14th 2020, Gananoque Police Service responded to a call of a disturbance at Joel Stone Park – also known as “the Berm”. Upon arrival, police spoke with dozens of beach goers and were advised there had been a physical altercation between a group of teens and a pair of adults. It was alleged that an adult male had assaulted a 13-year-old youth. It was also alleged that the adult male was then assaulted by an older teenager and other adults stepped in to break up the fight.

Further investigation including statements from independent witnesses and video collected from involved parties revealed the group of teens were causing a disturbance by swearing loudly. When parents/adults politely asked the teens to take their antics elsewhere or simply stop swearing in front of the other young children in the area, their pleas were met by insults and more foul language. The group of teens then confronted the two adults that had confronted them, and things quickly became heated.

As a result, a 33 years old male from Gananoque has been charged with Assault. A 16 years old youth has been charged with Assault and Fail to Comply with Conditions of an Undertaking. Two 13 years old youths, were processed for Causing a Disturbance and referred to the Extrajudicial Measures Program.

Police are still seeking the public’s assistance in relation to this matter. Anyone that was present at the time of the incident is asked to contact Gananoque Police Service at 613-382-4422.

July 15th, 2020

On July 15th, 2020 at approximately 2009hrs the Gananoque Police Service attended Joel Stone Park “The Berm” regarding an intoxicated adult male touching kids, grabbing kids and throwing objects at various persons at the park. Police attended and located the male. As a result of the investigation it was determined that the male was intoxicated by alcohol. The male was swearing and shouting at people within the park and throwing food and other items at people. The accused was arrested for several offences. A 42 years old male from Gananoque was charged with assault, causing a disturbance, being intoxicated in a public place, failure to comply with condition from previous charges: where he was prohibited from consuming alcohol and was on house arrest, as well as, resist arrest. The accused was held in custody pending a show cause bail hearing.

July 18th, 2020

On Saturday July 18th, 2020 at approximately 04:56 hrs Officers received a call to attend at the intersection of King Street at Main Street in the Town of Gananoque regarding a single motor vehicle accident that had just occurred. As a result of the investigation a 45 years old male from Odessa was charged with Impaired Operation related offences. The accused is scheduled to appear in Brockville Court at a later date.

July 20th, 2020

On July 20th, 2020 officers attended private property at the request of the vacant lot owner for a male who was attempting to set up a temporary camping location on their property. Officers spoke with the 54 years old male from Montreal Quebec and advised him he needed to vacate the property. The male was provided time to vacate. Officers re-attended on July 21, 2020 and the male refused to remove his belongings and vacate the property. The male then lifted a folding stool above his head and threatened officers. The male was re-strained and arrested. The male was also breaching several release conditions for non-related matters for charges from Montreal. The male was charged with trespassing, assault police, resist arrest, and failing to comply with his release conditions. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

July 21st, 2020

On July 21st, 2020 Officers were dispatched to a mid town residence regarding a male threatening his wife and other family members with a machete. Officers attend and made contact with the male and he was taken into custody without incident. Officers seized a 2 ft machete, and as a result of the investigation an 83 years old male from Gananoque is charged with weapons dangerous, assault with a weapon, and utter death threats. The male is held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Joel Stone Park - "The Berm"

Gananoque Police would like to address the ongoing, inappropriate, behavior at Joel Stone Park. It has been identified as an area of concern by numerous members of the public and community stakeholders. As such, over the past 10 days, and continuing throughout the summer, steps have been implemented to increase dedicated police presence in this area. This includes increased foot patrols, scheduled staffed shifts at the park, and utilizing Special Constables and Community Volunteers to assist in carrying out some of these duties. Gananoque Police Service management has been involved in continuous dialogue and engagement with Town Officials and community members in an effort to suitably address the ongoing concerns.

Gananoque Police Service and community stakeholders are continuing to work together to ensure the park is a safe environment that can be enjoyed by families, youth, adults, locals and tourists alike. Gananoque Police Service strongly encourages reporting any inappropriate behavior that requires police assistance and to contact our service at 613-382-4422.

July 13th, 2020

In the early morning hours of July 13th, the Gananoque Police responded to a domestic dispute at a King Street East residence. Officers responded and determined that male and female within the residence had become involved in a dispute resulting in the male punching the female in the face. As a result, a 57-year-old Gananoque man was arrested for one count of assault. He was released from custody following a bail hearing.

July 14th, 2020

The Gananoque Police conducted a traffic stop at the west end of town. The male driver and female passenger were identified and found to each be on conditions not to communicate with the other. A 21-year-old Trenton woman was arrested for failing to comply with a condition of her undertaking and obstruct peace officer for lying about her identity. A 26-year-old Trenton man was arrested for failing to comply with a condition of his undertaking and obstruct peace officer. Both parties were released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

July 14th, 2020 -Disturbance at Waterfront-

The Gananoque Police are investigating a disturbance that occurred at Joel Stone Park (Berm Park) on July 14th, 2020 at approximately 5:00 pm. Any witnesses willing to come forward are asked to contact the investigator, Constable Peter Lorenz at 613-382-4509.

July 2nd, 2020
In the early morning hours of June 27, 2020, the Gananoque Police Service responded to a complaint of a serious assault in the area of The Gananoque Recreation Centre. Multiple suspects were identified by the complainant, and their identity was reported to police as unknown.
Over the proceeding 4 days several police and community resources were deployed to assist in the investigation. As a result of the in-depth investigation it was determined the offences reported to the police had not occurred and the allegations were false.
As a result, an 18-year-old from Gananoque was charged with Public Mischief and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

July 1st, 2020
On July 1, 2020, the Gananoque Police conducted a routine traffic stop after observing a vehicle driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Further investigation revealed that the male driver, from Westport, was failing to comply with the conditions of an Undertaking for other criminal charges before the courts. A search incident to arrest uncovered close to 50 grams of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $5000 along with a small quantity of Xanax. The driver was arrested and held for a bail hearing on both criminal and drug related charges.

June 23rd, 2020
Gananoque Police have received several calls from the public regarding the latest twist on an old scam.

A robodialer machine calls using the Service number (382-4422) as it's caller ID. The scam caller identifies themselves as a member of the Gananoque Police Service, usually with a fictitious badge number, and threatens to arrest whoever answers the call. The caller may request personal information such as Social Insurance Number or banking information. The caller then demands that a payment be made for various reasons including an arrest warrant, a payment to Revenue Canada, pay an outstanding fine, etc.

If you receive one of these calls, the best course of action is to simply hang up. Always remember to never provide any personal information over the phone.

June 9th, 2020
On June 9th, 2020 in the early evening hours Officers attended a residence in response to a report of a male in crisis. During police interaction the male made several threats towards police and himself. Due to the nature of the incident a perimeter was established, no overt force was used, and the male was contained to his residence. Officers with the Gananoque Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police subsequently negotiated the incident to a safe resolution. The male was transported to hospital for medical assessment. The investigation is continuing.

The Gananoque Police Service would like to thank all residents for avoiding the area during the on-going incident.

June 8th, 2020
On May 26, 2020 in the early morning hours, as a result of an on-going police investigation, officers arrested 43-year-old male from Gananoque for several drug related offences. On the night of incident, a female passenger was also in the vehicle with a young child. With the best interest of the young child paramount, the female and child left the scene. As a result of the ongoing investigation the female passenger was identified, and a warrant was sought for her arrest. On June 8, 2020 the 31 year old female was located in Gananoque and arrested and charged with 3 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking under the controlled drugs and substances act. Officers seized 50g of suspected Purple Fentanyl, 36.5g of Crystal Methamphetamine, 8 Tablets MDMA, 6g cannabis, and $1515.00 cash during the investigation.

Substances seized amount to an approximate street value of over $35,000.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

May 27th, 2020

On May 27th 2020, a routine traffic stop was conducted and revealed the plates were not associated to the vehicle. The male driving the vehicle was also a suspended driver. He was also wanted by Kingston Police for Fraud and Failing to Comply with conditions of his release order. The male was subsequently arrested and returned to Gananoque Police Service. He was served with several Provincial driving related offences. At the request of Kingston Police, the male was served a new release order in relation to their charges.

May 28th, 2020

On May 28th, 2020 Gananoque Police responded to a disturbance at a local hotel. The hotel owner reported that a male staying at the establishment was due to leave on this date, however he was refusing to do so and was causing a disturbance. Police spoke to the male who advised that he intended on leaving but felt that the hotel somehow owed him money. In speaking with the male, police discovered he was wanted by Kingston Police for breaching conditions of his probation order. He was arrested without incident and held until Kingston Police could attend to retrieve him.

May 28th, 2020

On May 28th of 2020, Gananoque Police attended the Town of Long Sault in relation to an ongoing investigation into a theft of a skid steer valued at approximately $60000. It was stolen from a local business in January.

The machine was recovered days later in South Dundas by OPP after executing a search warrant at a residence.

After a lengthy investigation, Gananoque Police were able to identify a 40-year-old male from the North Dundas area as the thief. He was arrested and charged with Theft of Property Over $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, and 2 counts of breaching conditions of his probation order. He was released on several conditions.

May 26th, 2020
On May 26, 2020, in the early morning hours as a result of an on-going police investigation, officers conducted a traffic stop on a 43-year-old male from Gananoque. As a result of the investigation the male was arrested and charged with 3 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking under the controlled drugs and substances act, weapons dangerous, and drive while suspended. Officers seized 50g of suspected Purple Fentanyl, 36.5g of Crystal Methamphetamine, 8 Tablets MDMA, 6g cannabis, and $1515.00 cash.

Substances seized amount to an approximate street value of over $35,000.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

May 22nd, 2020

On May 22nd, 2020 Gananoque Police responded to a suicidal teenager. Upon arrival, police found the young male upset but calm. After speaking with witnesses and the male, police determined that there were no grounds for an apprehension under the Mental Health Act.

It was determined, however, that there were grounds for several charges as a result of the young male’s behaviour. The male was arrested and charged for Uttering Death Threats, Mischief to Property, and Assault with a Weapon. The male was later released on several conditions with a future court date.

May 23rd, 2020

On May 23rd, 2020 Enbridge Gas workers were alerted by neighbours to a local home that smelled of gas. After arriving on scene and taking initial measurements, Gananoque Police and Gananoque Fire Services were dispatched to assist Enbridge by setting up a perimeter. Gas and Power lines to the home were shut down. As an additional safety measure Police and Fire asked residents of several surrounding homes to evacuate the area.

Gananoque Fire Fighters eventually entered the home with Enbridge. Fortunately, the home was vacant at the time. It is believed that a small leak caused levels to build up inside the house overnight to a dangerous level – high enough that the odour could be detected outside.

If you smell gas in your home, you should go outside immediately. Do not flip any switches or use any electronics, including your phone. Once outside, call your local utility provider and/or 911.

May 24th, 2020

On May 24th, 2020 Gananoque Police Service arrested a 67-year-old male for one count of Criminal Harassment. While investigating a separate occurrence, police learned of an incident that occurred approximately 1 year ago. A young male was standing outside a business waiting for a ride when the Accused walked by and made a very inappropriate comment, while making a disturbing gesture to him. The Accused was released on conditions with a future court date.

May 11th, 2020

On May 11, 2020 a 38-year-old male from Kingston was arrested on the strength of an outstanding arrest warrant. The male had been previously arrested by the Gananoque Police Service and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle from an accident on August 7, 2019. As a result of further investigation, the accused’s vehicle was found to have several cheques, not in his name, inside. The owners were located, and they were deemed stolen. The male was charged with several theft/possession related offences and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

May 14th, 2020

In the early morning hours of May 14, 2020 officers responded to a report of a verbal dispute at a local motel. Upon attending officers determined the dispute was not criminal in nature, but the female caller was wanted by Cornwall Police Service for several outstanding criminal charges. The 26-year-old female, a resident Brockville with no fixed address, was arrested and returned to Cornwall to answer to the charges.

May 14th, 2020

On May 14, 2020 a 28-year-old Prescott female who was before the courts on drug possession and theft charges was arrested as a result of her current bail surety revoking their surety duties, and a warrant being issued. The female was transported to Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre and appeared in Brockville court the following day via video link.

May 15th, 2020

On May 15, 2020 officers responded to a Gananoque residence for a domestic dispute in progress. Upon the female’s contact with police, the male fled the residence to return to his residence which was not in the area. As a result of the investigation, and with the assistance of the Petawawa Military Police a 31-year-old from Petawawa was located, arrested and charged with 2 counts of assault and 1 count of failing to comply with probation for the consumption of alcohol.

May 17th, 2020

In the early morning hours of May 17, 2020 officers, while on routine patrol, observed a male walking along King St. The male was unsteady on his feet, requiring holding onto storefronts to hold himself in an upright position, and further took a seated position numerous times while speaking with police. The male was determined to be intoxicated by alcohol and was arrested for public intoxication for his own personal safety. The male was held in custody until sobered and released. The male was also in possession of a quantity of numerous cannabis products that he obtained by unlawful means in Ontario. The 54-year-old from Gananoque was charged with public intoxication under the Liquor License Act and Unlawful Purchase of Cannabis under the Cannabis Control Act.

May 6th, 2020

On May 6, 2020 Officers while on routine patrol observed a known 29 years old Gananoque male who was wanted on outstanding charges departing a residence in Gananoque. The male was attempting to enter a vehicle to evade police. Officers approached the male, but prior to the arrest the male attempted to conceal items within the car that were on his person. Subsequent investigation resulted in officers locating substances believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

The male was arrested, charged and held in custody pending a show cause bail hearing. Total value of the Crystal Methamphetamine and Fentanyl was $1060.00.

April 27th, 2020

On April 27, 2020, several alert community members of Gananoque informed the police of two youths walking along the Gananoque Walking Trail carrying two guns described as rifles. Police were able to locate the youths in question, and after having them drop the guns, identified both as pellet guns. Investigation revealed, the youths had been shooting the pellet guns in close proximity to the Gananoque Walking Trail that was occupied by members of the community. As a result, a youth was charged by police for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose as well as failing to comply with his release order. The pellet guns, pellets and a knife were seized, and the youth held in custody and attended a bail hearing.

May 01st, 2020

On May 1, 2020, the Gananoque Police conducted a traffic stop on King Street East with a 37-year-old female driver from Delta, Ontario with a suspended license. The vehicle she was driving had been rented by a friend and it was not allowed to be driven by anyone other than the person renting the vehicle. This same female had been charged by the O.P.P the previous night driving the same vehicle while suspended. As a result - the female was given her second Provincial Summons for driving while suspended with a court date scheduled for late summer. The vehicle was returned to the rental company.

May 02nd, 2020

On May 2, 2020, the Gananoque Police attended a Garden Street address to assist the landlord in the removal of multiple trespassers. The trespassers had taken advantage of the recent Emergency Pandemic with the landlord socially distancing in their home out of town. The trespassers had illegally entered the home sometime in March. All parties were identified and removed from the residence without incident.

April 23rd, 2020

The Gananoque Police received a call for an unwanted male at a residence. Police attended and determined that the complainant was the surety for the accused, who had been previously charged with numerous offences and was out on bail. The complainant reported that there had been an escalation in the behavior of the accused and as a result she no longer wanted him to reside at the residence.

The accused, who is a 24-year-old Gananoque man, was arrested for failing to comply with the residency condition of his release and he was held for a bail hearing.

April 25th, 2020

Gananoque Police Service responded to a call of an ongoing domestic incident at a residence. Officers attended and spoke at length with both parties. The male left the residence willfully to seek alternative living arrangements.

After composing herself, the female victim later attended Gananoque Police and provided a detailed account of several assaults she has endured over the course of their year long relationship.

The accused male was later located, arrested on several counts of Assault and Choking to Overcome Resistance. He was held in custody for a bail hearing.

April 25th, 2020

Gananoque Police Service responded to a theft of gas complaint at a local gas station. The owner of the business grew suspicious of a male customer and asked him to enter the store to pay his $30 bill. The male attempted to pay with 2 credit cards, however both were declined. When the male was overheard begging the owner not to call the police, another customer called 911. The male fled the scene in his vehicle. Thanks to the quick-thinking and observations of multiple witnesses, the vehicle was confirmed stolen and Gananoque Police were able to pass on a bulletin to partnering agencies to watch for it. OPP located and arrested the male driving at excessive speed on the highway 401 in Napanee. He was held in custody for a bail hearing on several property related offences.

April 25th, 2020

On April 4th, 2020, the Gananoque Police received a report of a missing youth. The youth was bound by several release orders and several probation orders at the time. Prior to leaving the residence the youth stole a phone belonging to another resident of the house. Accordingly, a warrant was sought to arrest the youth on charges of theft under $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with a condition of his release order and three counts of failing to comply with a condition of his probation order.

On April 25th, 2020, the accused youth was arrested in Trenton, Ontario and returned to the Gananoque Police Service. The youth was held for a bail hearing.

April 22nd, 2020

On the afternoon of April 22nd, officers responded to a traffic complaint of a vehicle driving erratically. The vehicle was located, and a traffic stop was conducted. All occupants were found to be suspended drivers, with open alcohol in the vehicle. A further search was conducted resulting in the seizure of a firearm and a quantity of methamphetamine. Two males were arrested, the vehicle was impounded, and plates were removed for improper use.

As a result of the investigation, they were charged as follows:

A 38-year-old male from Springbrook, Ontario charged with:
CC 92(1) Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
CC 91(1) Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
CC 86(1) Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
CDSA 4(1) Poss of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
CC 94 Occupant of Motor Vehicle knowing there was Firearm
CC 320.18(1)(a) Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code x2
LLA 32(1) Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
CAIA 3(1) Fail to surrender insurance card
HTA 12(1)(d) Use plate not authorized for vehicle

A 47-year-old male from Brockville, Ontario charged with:
CC 92(1) Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
CC 91(1) Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
CC 86(1) Transport firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
CDSA 4(1) Poss of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
CC 94 Occupant of Motor Vehicle knowing there was Firearm

Both were released with conditions, to be seen in court at a later date.

April 23rd, 2020

Early on the 23rd of April, 2020 officers received a request for assistance from a local taxi company who had a male individual unable to pay his previous and current fares totaling approximately $93.00. The 35-year-old Gananoque male was arrested and charged with three counts of Transportation Fraud and one count of Fail to Comply with Probation Order. He was released on conditions, to be seen in court at a later date.

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.