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Published February 20, 2026

Eighth suspect arrested after Muskoka home invasion, highway closure

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An eighth person has been arrested and charged by OPP in connection with a violent home invasion in the Hillside area, east of Huntsville on July 1.

Just before 5:00 a.m., officers from the Huntsville detachment responded to reports of an armed home invasion at a private residence.

What began as a single-location incident quickly escalated into a multi-agency operation, prompting the closure of a major section of Highway 11 for several hours. The closure affected traffic in both directions between Severn River Road and Coopers Falls Road, as well as from Canning Road to Graham Road.

Several specialized units were deployed—including the Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Canine Unit. Aviation Services provided aerial support, while crisis negotiators and crime units coordinated efforts on the ground. Additional collaboration with CN Police, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and emergency medical teams ensured both public safety and operational effectiveness throughout the response.

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A “hold and secure” advisory issued early in the day was lifted along with the full reopening of Highway 11.

Six individuals were taken into custody on the day of the crime, with the additional suspect, a 25-year-old from Toronto, arrested and charged on Dec. 17.

The accused from that arrest was booked on 14 charges, including multiple regarding the use and possession of a firearm, assault, theft, and more.

On Tuesday, OPP made an eighth arrest in connection with the incident, a 32-year-old from Brampton who is facing 12 criminal charges. They remain in custody for a bail hearing in Bracebridge on Wednesday.

Those charges include three counts of robbery using firearm, kidnapping while using a firearm, two counts of forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, using a firearm while committing an offense, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, vehicle theft, and conspiracy.

Investigators believe additional suspects, who may be armed and dangerous, remain at-large.

The OPP urges the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to police. Huntsville OPP's Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch. 

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