OPP pushes back against criticism during Highway 11 manhunt: ‘It didn’t meet criteria for emergency alert’

A former police officer caught in the Highway 11 closure on Canada Day as police conducted a manhunt says the situation was unnerving.

Ontario Provincial Police are pushing back against criticism about a lack of information for stranded motorists during an incident that forced the closure of Highway 11 on Tuesday.

Officers responded to reports about an armed home invasion near Huntsville involving several suspects that led to a manhunt and ultimately six arrests.

During the investigation, police initiated a hold and secure, requiring residents to shelter in place and motorists along Highway 11 between the Washago and Gravenhurst area to remain in their vehicles with the doors locked.

A former Toronto police officer, who was stuck in her vehicle for four hours that day, called the situation unnerving, adding communication was seriously lacking.

“Nobody from the OPP gave anybody any information, and we just sat there wondering what was going on - other than a message to shelter in place in our cars with the doors locked, which was a little bit ominous on a hot summer morning,” Nancy Turley said in a Thursday interview with CTV News.

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• Six in custody after police lift shelter-in-place advisory on Highway 11 in Huntsville, Ont.
• Former cop stuck on Hwy 11 for hours during home invasion manhunt says motorists were ‘left in the dark’

On Friday, Ontario police responded to the negativity, stating the temporary closure of Highway 11 did not meet the criteria for a broadcast intrusive emergency alert.

The statement noted, “The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recognizes that major police operations—such as the one that occurred on Highway 11 on July 1st—can be concerning for those who live, work, or travel in the area. We understand the importance of keeping the public informed about police activity in their communities."

The OPP emphasized it has delegated authority from the Ministry of the Solicitor General to issue emergency alerts related to policing.

“These alerts are reserved for situations involving an ongoing, urgent, and significant threat to life that is neither isolated nor contained,” the statement continued, adding, “The July 1st incident began at a private residence east of Huntsville and led to a police response in that area, including a section of Highway 11.

Specialized units quickly responded and established containment, which required the temporary closure of the highway in both directions. Although the operation was active, it remained confined to a specific area under police control."

Provincial police highlighted that while they weren’t authorized to broadcast an alert, the service shared “timely updates with the public through social media.”

The six suspects from Tuesday face several charges, including home invasion, armed robbery and kidnapping. Police believe additional suspects who could be armed and dangerous remain at large. No update was provided on Friday regarding the investigation.