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Six suspects have been arrested and others may be at large following an armed home invasion that led to the closure of a major highway in Ontario’s cottage country on Canada Day, provincial police say.
Officers were called to a home in the Hillside East area near Huntsville, Ont., the morning of July 1 after receiving reports just before 5 a.m. of an armed home invasion, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Central Region said in a social media post that afternoon.
“As the situation developed, the investigation extended beyond the original location, prompting the closure of Highway 11 in both directions,” the police said, noting that the road is now fully reopened.
The OPP had issued a hold and secure order during the incident, advising the public to avoid the area and to remain indoors, and that was also lifted along with the reopening of the highway. The order asked commuters who were trapped in the restricted zone to stay in their vehicles and to keep their doors locked.
A number of specialized OPP units responded to the call, including the Tactics and Rescue Unit, the Emergency Response Team, and the Canine Unit. Aviation Services assisted with aerial support, and crisis negotiators and crime units were “actively” engaged in the response, police said.
The investigation brought officers near rail lines, resulting in collaboration with the CN Police Service, the Ministry of Transportation, and emergency medical services partners to ensure public safety and to “support operational needs,” the OPP added.
Police did not release any details about the home invasion and did not say if anyone was harmed as a result.
Investigation Continues
Six individuals have been taken into custody following the investigation, and police said investigators believe additional suspects remain at large. The OPP has yet to release the names, ages, or genders of the suspects arrested or a description of the additional suspects being sought.
Investigators are also on the look out for a silver Honda CRV with an Ontario plate of CZFE 895 in connection with the case.
In the meantime, the OPP is asking the public to “remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to police.”
“This investigation remains ongoing, and more information will be released when available,” the OPP said. “Residents of the area should expect to continue to see an increased police presence.”
Anyone with any information that may assist officers in their investigation is asked to contact the Huntsville OPP or Crime Stoppers, where they may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
