Police have made an arrest in the City of Peterborough following a nearly year-long investigation.
On May 11, 2024, members of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation after receiving information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in New Brunswick.
On March 4, 2025, Caledon OPP members executed a search warrant at a property in the City of Peterborough with assistance from the OPP Explosives Disposal Unit and the 8th Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from the Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
As a result of the investigation, John BUTCHER, 83 years old of Peterborough, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
· Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, s. 355(b)
· Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, s. 354(1)a
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm, s. 91(1)
· Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, s. 91(1) – three counts)
· Explosives – making or possessing for unlawful purpose, s. 82(1) – two counts
The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on March 13, 2025.
The investigation continues by the Peterborough County OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch. Assistance was provided by the Grey Bruce OPP Crime Unit, Caledon OPP, Peterborough County OPP, OPP Community Street Crime Units from Caledon and City of Kawartha Lakes, OPP Emergency Response Team, and OPP Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
A publication ban has been issued and as a result, the OPP will not be able to provide further information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
