Man wanted in Ottawa carjacking investigation accused of ramming OPP cruiser
Ontario Provincial Police say the driver of a vehicle rammed a police cruiser during a traffic stop on Highway 401 about 30 km west of Kingston, Ont. on Sunday, July 4, 2021. No one was injured. (Photo: Ontario Provincial Police)
OTTAWA -
Ontario Provincial Police say a 30-year-old Gatineau, Que. man has been charged after being arrested earlier this week in a dramatic traffic stop on Highway 401.
Police say a driver was spotted speeding and passing other vehicles on the shoulder of the westbound 401 at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Officers attempted to stop the driver on the highway about 30 km west of Kingston, but police allege the driver rammed the police cruiser. OPP used several cruisers to box the car in and arrest the suspect.
OPP confirm the suspect was wanted earlier in the day by the Ottawa Police Service. Ottawa police confirmed to CTV News that the suspect was wanted in connection with two west end carjackings.
Andre Merilainen-Cayen, 30, of Gatineau, Que. is facing charges of dangerous driving, fleeing police, impaired driving, weapon possession and possession of property obtained by crime, according to the OPP.
Ottawa police also confirmed their own charges of armed robbery, weapon possession, and dangerous driving.
The accused was scheduled to appear in court in Napanee on Tuesday.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Driver rams New Year's revellers in New Orleans, killing 10; FBI doesn't believe he acted alone
A driver armed wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing 10 people as he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police, authorities said.
Watch
Watch The next big thing in AI in 2025, according to one tech analyst
Artificial intelligence isn't done disrupting our lives and compromising online safety, tech analyst Carmi Levy says.
Missing hiker with arrest warrant found after friends delay police report: B.C. RCMP
Mounties in British Columbia are warning the public to be honest after a missing hiker's friends delayed reporting her disappearance to police.
Parts of the U.K. are flooded by heavy rain as wild weather continues to disrupt New Year's events
Parts of the United Kingdom were flooded Wednesday as heavy rains and powerful winds continued to disrupt New Year’s celebrations.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard gives birth to her first baby
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who became infamous due to her role in the killing of her abusive mother, has given birth to her first child.
Manhunt underway in Sask. after inmate escapes federal prison
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating an inmate who escaped from the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert.
Financial changes in Canada you should know about this year
There are a few changes in federal policies that could affect Canadians' finances in the new year.
A fireworks explosion in the Honolulu area has killed 3 people and injured at least 20
A New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in a Honolulu-area neighborhood killed at least three people and critically injured 20 others , authorities said.
Here are some of the new laws and rules coming into effect in Canada in 2025
From boosting child and disability benefits to increasing protections for workers, here’s a look at new measures coming into effect in 2025.
Atlantic
-
Police investigate suspicious deaths in Halifax
Police are investigating a pair of suspicious deaths that took place on New Year’s Eve in Halifax.
-
Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., offers a unique home for pets and a unique experience for visitors
Rick & Joy’s Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., shares the joy of animals with the community around them.
-
Here's your 2025 guide to the night sky and other celestial wow moments
The new year will bring a pair of lunar eclipses, but don't expect any sun-disappearing acts like the one that mesmerized North America last spring.
Toronto
-
Toronto-area hospitals welcome first babies of 2025
One of the first babies born in 2025 was delivered just four seconds after midnight at Mississauga Hospital.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Driver rams New Year's revellers in New Orleans, killing 10; FBI doesn't believe he acted alone
A driver armed wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing 10 people as he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police, authorities said.
-
'It's frustrating not playing': Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews to miss another game with injury
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews skated with his teammates, but will not play Thursday against the New York Islanders.
Montreal
-
Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025
With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025.
-
Quebec City boy born exactly at midnight Jan. 1
Quebec City's first baby of the year 2025 was born at exactly midnight on Wednesday, announced the CHU de Québec-Université Laval.
-
Police investigate suspicious death after body found in Chicoutimi
Saguenay police have launched an investigation into a suspicious death after the body of a man in his thirties was discovered on Wednesday morning in Chicoutimi.
Northern Ontario
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Driver rams New Year's revellers in New Orleans, killing 10; FBI doesn't believe he acted alone
A driver armed wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing 10 people as he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police, authorities said.
-
Charges after transport driver in northern Ont. fixed window with duct tape
A transport truck driver has been charged after a motorist alerted police about a commercial motor vehicle that had duct tape covering the driver's side window.
-
One arrested following terrifying road rage incident on Hwy. 11 in northern Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help in investigating a road rage incident Monday on Highway 11 near Temiskaming Shores.
Windsor
-
WRH announces 'out of this world' arrival as 2025 New Year’s baby
Windsor Regional Hospital announced the first baby of 2025 arrived just over an hour past midnight.
-
Recognize her? Woman wanted for alleged retail and grocery thefts
Windsor police officers are asking for the public’s identifying a suspect wanted after thefts from a retail store and grocery store.
-
What’s open/closed on New Year’s Day 2025 in Windsor-Essex
As residents and businesses welcome a new year, here’s a look at what’s open and closed in Windsor-Essex on Jan.1, 2025.
London
-
32-year-old Central Huron resident dies in crash
OPP say a 32-year-old Central Huron resident has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Huron East.
-
'Lock windows and doors': overnight shelter in place warning lifted by OPP in West Lorne
A man is in custody, and there is a no longer a “threat to public safety” for residents in West Lorne, Ont. according to provincial police.
-
First baby of 2025 revealed by London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) announced the first baby of the New Year was born at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday.
Kitchener
-
Heavy snow and snow squall warnings for parts of southwestern Ontario
After a weekend of mild and wet weather, winter is making its return to southwestern Ontario, with Environment Canada issuing heavy snow and snow squall warnings for Waterloo Region, Stratford, Wellington County and Brant County.
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day.
-
Two suffering serious injuries following assault in Cambridge
Officers responded to the area of Water Street North and Dickson Street around 2 a.m. Sunday after a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were assaulted.
Barrie
-
Motorists passing collision charged with distracted driving
Several motorists face charges after a pickup truck rolled into a ditch in Collingwood on Tuesday, including two drivers who weren’t involved in the crash.
-
Here's what OPP wants you to know about a new scam targeting drivers
Provincial police say there is a growing trend of fraudsters attempting to cash in on municipalities using automated photo radar programs to scam drivers through text messages.
-
Midland man accused of attempted murder, fleeing R.I.D.E. program denied bail
A 25-year-old Midland man accused of attempted murder related to an alleged hit-and-run over the summer is back behind bars after being arrested over the holidays while out on bail.
Winnipeg
-
Maternity unit at Brandon hospital to close for 24 hours due to 'unexpected absence'
Maternity services at Brandon Regional Health Centre will be temporarily unavailable starting tomorrow at 8 a.m.
-
Winnipeg welcomes first baby of 2025
On Wednesday, just two minutes after the clock struck midnight, Winnipeg welcomed its first bundle of joy of the new year.
-
Winnipeg crews fight flames in two structure fires
As Winnipeg entered a new year, emergency crews were called to the scene of two fires late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning.
Calgary
-
2 charged with first degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
-
Female victim in Calgary double homicide identified as elementary school teacher
Rocky View School Division (RVSD) on Tuesday identified the woman who was murdered Sunday night in Calgary as Ania Kaminski, an elementary school teacher in Cochrane, west of the city.
-
New year brings new Alberta taxes, electricity 'rate of last resort'
Alberta’s electricity “rate of last resort” starts Wednesday, replacing the province’s previous default rate for consumers who don't have a contract.
Edmonton
-
How this St. Albert family of 7 spends $700 a month on groceries and gas
The high cost of food can be highly demanding on a family's monthly budget. However, a St. Albert family of seven has found a way to reduce their spending.
-
New year brings new Alberta taxes, electricity 'rate of last resort'
Alberta’s electricity “rate of last resort” starts Wednesday, replacing the province’s previous default rate for consumers who don't have a contract.
-
'You feel pretty badass': 3 fitness trends to make good on your 2025 fitness goals
If you're looking to bring the spark back into your active life, here are some of last year's popular workouts and why you may want to add them to this year's routine.
Regina
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
-
Regina welcomes first baby of 2025
Regina’s first baby of 2025 is a girl.
-
Regina butcher shop celebrates 100 years as meat staple in community
For 100 years, a Regina butcher shop has been a reliable source of meat for generations of families.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon mayor optimistic about what's to come, despite challenges
As Saskatoon welcomes 2025, Mayor Cynthia Block begins the year with optimism, reflecting on 2024's accomplishments.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
-
Manhunt underway in Sask. after inmate escapes federal prison
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating an inmate who escaped from the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert.
Vancouver
-
BC Ferries cancels 6 New Year's Day sailings due to 'mechanical difficulty'
For the second day in a row, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings to and from Horseshoe Bay due to a "mechanical difficulty."
-
Gun and IEDs seized after armed robbery at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, police say
An armed robbery at a Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver ended with police arresting a 66-year-old man and seizing several weapons, including a pair of improvised explosive devices, according to authorities.
-
Kamloops couple delivers B.C.'s first baby of 2025
B.C.'s first baby of 2025 was born just after midnight at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
Vancouver Island
-
BC Ferries cancels 6 New Year's Day sailings due to 'mechanical difficulty'
For the second day in a row, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings to and from Horseshoe Bay due to a "mechanical difficulty."
-
Kamloops couple delivers B.C.'s first baby of 2025
B.C.'s first baby of 2025 was born just after midnight at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
-
Telegraph Cove, B.C., fire takes out beloved businesses, parts of boardwalk
The most iconic portion of a picturesque boardwalk in Telegraph Cove, B.C. was destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning.
Kelowna
-
Kamloops couple delivers B.C.'s first baby of 2025
B.C.'s first baby of 2025 was born just after midnight at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
-
B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
-
B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
