Shelter-in-place in Severn lifted after police investigation leads to arrest

Police conduct an investigation in Severn, Ont. on Thurs., Nov. 13, 2025, prompting a shelter-in-place order for several hours.

A quiet Thursday night in Severn took a startling turn after provincial police received a call about a possibly armed person in the area, prompting an immediate shelter-in-place for residents.

The warning was first issued around 9:20 p.m. for anyone in the area of Maple Valley Road and Telford Line. Residents were told to stay inside, lock the doors and avoid windows while officers dealt with what police only described as an “active incident.”

Several hours later, just before 2 a.m., police lifted the shelter-in-place order, noting there was no threat to public safety.

A 29-year-old man from Gravenhurst was arrested on an outstanding warrant, police said. No weapons were located and no injuries sustained.

In a release Friday morning, OPP said it understands the toll a shelter-in-place advisory can have on residents.

“We understand that situations like these can be unsettling, and we appreciate the public’s trust as officers work to keep everyone safe,” the service stated.

The accused is in custody awaiting a bail hearing in Barrie on Friday.