Ontario Provincial Police say a seventh person has been arrested and charged in connection with an armed home invasion that prompted major highway closures and a hold-and-secure order east of Huntsville in July. According to the OPP, the investigation stems from an incident reported shortly before 5 a.m. on July 1, when officers from the Huntsville OPP detachment responded to a call about an armed home invasion at a private residence in the Hillside area. Police say the situation quickly expanded beyond the initial location as officers worked to track those involved. As a result, Highway 11 was closed in both directions between Severn River Road and Coopers Falls Road, as well as between Canning Road and Graham Road. A hold-and-secure order was also issued, advising residents and motorists in the area to remain indoors with doors locked while police carried out their response. OPP say the investigation has remained active since the incident, leading to multiple arrests over several months. Police say they made the seventh arrest on Wednesday this week. A 25-year-old from Toronto is facing numerous charges related to robbery, kidnapping, forcible confinement, assault, firearms offences, uttering threats, break and enter, motor vehicle theft and conspiracy, as well as an alleged failure to comply with a release order. Police say the accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Investigators continue to believe there are additional suspects involved who have not yet been located. OPP say those individuals may be armed and dangerous. Police are also continuing to search for a stolen vehicle believed to be connected to the incident. The OPP describe it as a silver Honda CR-V with Ontario licence plate CZFE 895. Members of the public are advised not to approach the vehicle if it is seen and to call 911 immediately. “The OPP urges the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to police,” police stated. The OPP say a number of specialized units were involved in the original response, including tactical, emergency response and canine teams, with aviation services and crisis negotiators also assisting as the situation unfolded. Anyone with additional information on the case is encouraged to contact the authorities.
