The Ontario Provincial Police say six men have been arrested following an armed home invasion that shut down a major highway in Ontario’s cottage country on Tuesday.
The OPP said they were called to a home in the Hillside East area, east of Huntsville, Ont., at around 5 a.m. on Canada Day for reports of a home invasion.
“As the situation developed, the investigation extended beyond the original location, prompting the closure of Highway 11 in both directions,” police said.
The closure spanned the highway between Severn River Road and Coopers Falls Road, and between Canning Road and Graham Road.
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The highway has since reopened.
A hold and secure order was issued, asking people to avoid the area and stay indoors. Commuters stuck in the closed area were told to stay in their vehicles, OPP said.
Global News spoke to one resident, who came outside to see Highway 11 shut down.
“I just figured it was an accident, that’s quite frequent around here,” Scott Graves said.
He said he also got a knock on his door from police.
“He said that we need you to make sure to lock your doors,” Graves said. “There’s a shelter-in-place order. We have possibly four or five suspects, armed with handguns, in the area.”
“You start thinking, well are my windows and my basement secured. Your mind starts to go into that mode.”
The warning lasted for hours on Tuesday.
After the investigation, OPP said six men were taken into custody. OPP said investigators believe there are additional suspects who remain at large, along with a silver Honda CR-V with an Ontario licence plate of CZFE 895.
“The OPP urges the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to police,” the OPP said.
— with files from Global News’ Sean O’Shea
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