Dryden, ON – A routine call to a local business on Highway 17 in Machin Township has resulted in numerous charges for two Kenora residents.
On November 12, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Dryden OPP officers responded to a call that escalated into a situation involving multiple OPP units, including the Northwest Region Crime Unit, Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, and officers from Red Lake and Kenora detachments.
Following the incident, 36-year-old Joey Cook of Kenora faces a slew of charges, including:
- Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order: This charge indicates that Cook was previously prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Penalties upon conviction can range from fines to imprisonment.
- Failure to Comply with Release Order (four counts): This suggests Cook violated conditions of a previous release order, potentially including bail conditions. Each count could lead to further imprisonment.
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm: Possessing a firearm without a valid license carries serious penalties, including potential jail time.
- Resist Peace Officer: Obstructing or resisting a police officer in the execution of their duties is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm: This charge implies Cook was aware of another individual’s illegal possession of a firearm.
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000: This relates to possessing stolen goods with a value less than $5000. Penalties vary depending on the nature and value of the stolen property.
36-year-old Dawn Duchene of Kenora also faces multiple charges:
- Operation While Prohibited: Driving while under a driving prohibition order can result in fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
- Flight from Peace Officer: Failing to stop for police when instructed is a serious offense with potential consequences including fines, license suspension, and jail time.
- Failure to Comply with Release Order (two counts): Similar to Cook’s charges, this suggests Duchene violated conditions of a previous release order.
- Resist Peace Officer: This charge carries the same potential penalties as for Cook.
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm: As mentioned earlier, this charge can lead to significant penalties.
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm: Similar to Cook’s charge.
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000: This charge is the same as Cook’s, relating to possessing stolen goods.
Both Cook and Duchene have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on November 20, 2024.
Police Seek Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, the OPP urges residents in the Gordon Lake area to check their properties for any signs of disturbance or missing items. Anyone with information about this incident or missing property is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.tipshelp.com.
Reminder: All accused individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
