Provincial police report that they arrested six suspects and others could be at large following an armed invasion in Central Ontario early Tuesday morning.
According to OPP Central Region, officers received reports just before 5 a.m. of an armed home invasion just east of Huntsville, Ont. in the Hillside area.
OPP say that the situation then evolved beyond the location of the incident. The ensuing investigation led to the closure of Highway 11 in both directions from Severn River Road to Coopers Falls Road and between Canning Road and Graham Road.
The arrests
Six suspects were arrested and charged as a result of the investigation; a 22-year-old Mississauga man, a 27-year-old Oshawa man, a 20-year-old from Ajax, a 20-year-old from Brampton, a 26-year-old from North York and a 16-year-old of Toronto.
Investigators say they believe others remain at large.
OPP say they are also searching for a suspect vehicle, a silver Honda CRV with an Ontario licence plate of CZFE 895.
A number of specialized OPP units were involved in the response, including the Tactics and Response Unit, Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit. Aviation services also provided aerial support and crisis negotiators were ‘actively’ involved in the response.
OPP add that the investigation led them near rail lines, and they are working with the CN Police Service, the Ministry of Transportation and emergency medical partners to ensure public safety.
Highway 11
The major gateway to Ontario cottage country was fully re-opened Tuesday afternoon after the multiple closures due to the investigation.
Ontario Provincial Police also lifted the ‘hold and secure’ order they had issued to the public, which advised locals and drivers to stay put with their doors locked.
At around noon, CTV News observed one car getting towed from a ditch in the southbound direction in Gravenhurst, Ont. near kilometre 156.
The heavy police presence thinned out in the area Tuesday afternoon, but they are expected to remain present as they investigate the incident.
The Investigation
As the investigation remains ongoing, anyone with additional information is asked to contact Huntsville OPP or Crime Stoppers.
OPP are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police.
With files from The Canadian Press
