(ORILLIA, ON.) – The Orillia Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a weapons call from the weekend on the waterway in the area of Big Chief Island.
On July 4, 2015 at approximately 10:10 p.m., the Orillia OPP Marine Unit received a call for a missing person on the waterway in the area of Victoria Park. The missing male was last seen on a Sea Doo that had struck a floating dock and he was ejected from the vessel.
Police received updated information that the male got back onto his sea doo and left in the direction of Big Chief Island. The complainant had concerns for the health and welfare of the male due to the impact of the collision.
Marine officers patrolled Big Chief Island Bay and located the missing male. The missing male was located in good health.
During the investigation while marine officers were attempting to locate the missing male at Big Chief Island, officers were called names, sworn at and disrespected from moored boaters. A flare gun was shot in the air in the direction of the OPP marine boat, landing approximately 15 feet from the vessel.
The Orillia Crime Unit is investigating this incident.
Inspector Pat Morris of the Orillia OPP detachment would like the public to know that the Orillia OPP is committed to delivering professional policing. His main concern in this instance is to maintain public safety in the marine environment and to ensure the safety of his officers and all emergency responders in their actions to ensure public safety.
The Orillia OPP marine officers have seen an increase in traffic and infractions at the Island of Big Chief. Inspector Morris will be taking a proactive approach with respect to education and enforcement levels concerning the Orillia waterways in order to impact public behavior in a manner consistent with public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS. (1-800-222-8477) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or others. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00