(MATHESON, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged five people following a traffic stop.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, shortly before midnight, the Iroquois Falls OPP conducted a traffic stop on Highway 101, east of Matheson. During the course of the investigation, police located a loaded firearm.

As a result, five people have been arrested and charged.

Samuel ETIENNE, 19 years-old of Laval, Quebec has been charged with the following:

• Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• Obstruct peace officer
• Failure to comply with release order - three counts

Ricardo FRANCOIS, 20 years-old, of Laval, Quebec has been charged with the following:

• Forgery
• Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
• Possession of a Schedule I substance - cocaine
• Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice
• Drive motor vehicle with cannabis readily available
• Obstruct peace officer
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order
• Speeding

Chioma OSUALA, 30 years-old, of Lasalle, Quebec has been charged with the following:

• Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm

Kincaid ST-HILAIRE, 22 years-old, of Beaconsfield, Quebec has been charged with the following:

• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon

A 17-year-old person of Ste-Julienne, Quebec, who will not be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been charged with the following:

• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon

All the accused remain in custody pending a bail hearing.