RENFREW COUNTY – It was a dangerous week for Renfrew County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) as a family dispute call led to an assault on a constable from a man charged with two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Between March 1 and March 7, the OPP investigated 184 calls for service. Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated eight domestic disputes during the past week.

“One accused was charged with mischief, and eight counts of uttering threats and assault,” OPP media relations officer Amanda Carruthers released in a statement today (March 8). “If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available.” 

Contact Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930. The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060. You could also attend the emergency department of any hospital in Renfrew County and ask to speak to a member of the Assault Response Team. Victim Services of Renfrew County is also available to provide emotional and practical assistance to people who have experienced domestic violence. They can be reached at 613-649-2852 or toll free at 1-877-568-5730. In emergencies call 9-1-1.

On March 3, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Renfrew OPP responded to a family dispute at a residence on Highway 17 in Whitewater Township. 

“As a result of the investigation, Timothy Hubert, 60 of Whitewater Township was charged with assault police, assault, two counts of careless storage of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm and failure to comply with undertaking. The accused was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody.”

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice today (March 8) for a bail hearing via video link.

“During the month of March, the OPP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and the Competition Bureau of Canada are joining police services across the country to promote public awareness to help prevent all Canadians from becoming victims of fraud,” Carruthers said.

This year, the OPP’s Fraud Prevention Month campaign will highlight five important topics pertaining to online safety, security and fraud prevention:

• Buying and Selling Online
• Online Financial Scams
• Securing Your Accounts and Your Identity
• Email Scams
• Online Scams

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Canadians shop, conduct business, learn and interact with each other,” Carruthers said. “As a result, a significant shift has been made to utilize technology, which has resulted in considerable positive changes. However, this has not come without a cost. This past year, numerous Canadian businesses and organizations have fallen victim to the destructive toll of cyber enabled crimes.”

On March 1, Renfrew OPP received a report a suspect was in Montreal using the complaint’s personal information to obtain a mortgage. On March 2, Renfrew OPP were notified a victim received a call from Bell that someone had tried to purchase a new cell phone with their personal details.

“In both cases, the suspects were stopped before any loss occurred,” Carruthers said. “On March 6, Renfrew OPP were advised that a victim lost $1,000 when they provided the fraudster with Google Play cards.”

As a reminder, here are some red flags to identify frauds and scams:

• Request for gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Urgent request for action or information
• Request for banking information
• Unsolicited attempts at selling products or services

“Legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money immediately,” Carruthers said. “If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, individuals are urged to contact their local police service and the CAFC by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.”

For more fraud facts and figures and a downloadable booklet (PDF), visit The Competition Bureau of Canada website at https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home or by visiting http://www.opp.ca.

On March 3, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a Renfrew OPP officer initiated a traffic stop on Highway 417 in McNab-Braeside Township. 

“As a result of the investigation, Shawn Menard, 59 of Pembroke was charged with impaired driving and driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80,” Carruthers said.

The accused was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on April 7.

On March 6, at approximately 2:10 a.m., a Renfrew OPP officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 in Horton Township. 

“As a result of the investigation, Veronica Docken, 42 of Petawawa was charged with impaired driving,” Carruthers said. “The accused was also charged with offences under the Liquor Licence Act and the Highway Traffic Act.”

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on April 7.

On March 7, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a Renfrew OPP officer conducted a traffic stop on O’Brien Road in Renfrew. 

“As a result of the investigation, Raymond Blckburn, 32 of Denbigh was charged with impaired driving,” Carruthers said.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on April 7.

On March 2, at approximately 3:10 p.m., a member of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in McNab-Braeside Township. The officer initiated a traffic stop and a 48-yea- old was charged with speeding and stunt driving resulting in a seven-day vehicle impoundment and a seven-day licence suspension.

Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 613-735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day.  Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.