OPP execute search warrants in relation to motorcycle clubs investigations
After violent incidents involving two motorcycle clubs occurred in the areas of Brockville and Cornwall, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a handful of search warrants in both cities.
The search warrants were executed by the OPP’s Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU) in the morning today, Friday, Jul. 14, 2023, according to a press release from the OPP. This comes after an incident involving the Loners Motorcycle Club and the Outlaws Motorcycle Club on Saturday, Jul. 8, and a subsequent fire, which police suspect to have been arson, on Monday, Jul. 10, 2023. The investigations into both of those incidents remain ongoing.
As such, search warrants were executed at five locations in Cornwall and one location in Brockville, the OPP said. The search warrants were executed with assistance from the Cornwall Police Service, the Brockville Police Service, the Kingston Police Service, and the Ottawa Police Service. Supports were provided by the OPP Community Street Crime Unit, the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, and the OPP Emergency Response Team. Kingstonist has reached out to Kingston Police to ask about their involvement in these activities. No response was immediately received.
Apart from noting that the warrants were executed as part of ongoing investigations in Brockville and Cornwall, the OPP did not disclose any information on the results of those searches, or if any arrests were made.
“Further updates will be provided when available. Members of the public are reminded not to approach Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members, and of the dangers of wearing gang-related clothing or paraphernalia. In addition to supporting illegal activities by purchasing these items, you may also put yourself at risk of being targeted by rival OMGs,” the OPP said.
“The BEU continues to tackle the criminal activities of OMGs through an integrated, intelligence-led approach, which has resulted in numerous successful investigations. The BEU monitors and provides support to frontline police officers at most large public events where OMGs are present.”
Anyone who is in immediate danger is reminded to call 911. Those wanting to report suspicious or illegal activity can call the OPP’s “Outlaw Biker Hotline” at 1-877-660-4321. Those wanting to report information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
This article will be updated if/when more information regarding the involvement of Kingston Police becomes available.