A traffic stop in Hawkesbury has resulted in criminal charges against a Quebec man and two teenagers following the seizure of equipment police say could be used to gain unauthorized access to vehicles.
The Hawkesbury detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says officers stopped a vehicle on John Street shortly after midnight on October 31, 2026.
During the investigation, police seized a laptop connected to an onboard diagnostic device capable of programming replacement vehicle keys, several blank key fobs and various tools commonly associated with unauthorized vehicle access.
Michael Gelinas, 32, of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, Quebec, faces five charges, including possession of break-in instruments, possession of a master key for a motor vehicle, possession of a device for committing theft, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and driving with readily accessible cannabis.
Two teenagers were also charged with possession of break-in instruments, possession of a master key for a motor vehicle, possession of a device for committing theft, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and disguise with intent.
All three accused were held in custody and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on November 1.
The identities of the two teenagers cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hawkesbury OPP at 1-888-310-1122.