NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
************************
The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested three people in a stolen pickup truck in Elliot Lake.
On March 2, 2025, at approximately 6:15 a.m., police located a stolen pickup truck in a parking lot at an apartment complex on Hillside Drive North. The pickup truck attempted to leave the area but was stopped and the driver and two occupants were arrested. Additionally, the driver had a bag of pills and brass knuckles in their possession. They also exhibited signs of impairment by drug.
Lee Westley, 36-years-old, of Elliot Lake was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - Drugs
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than heroin)
Curtis Bowles, 33-years-old, of Elliot Lake, was charged with - Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
Larissa Richer, 30-years-old, of Elliot Lake was charged with - Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
All three accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 10, 2025.
The OPP would like to remind the motoring public that impaired is impaired. Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code and drivers are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. A charge of impairment by drugs involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter and those that are illegal.
The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
************************