A Port Hope, Ont., man is facing charges after allegedly impersonating a first responder during a medical emergency.
In mid-May 2026, the Cobourg Police Service opened an investigation after learning that a man, presenting as a first responder, allegedly entered a private residence without the homeowner’s permission and provided medical attention — without consent — to a person in medical distress.
The man left the home once paramedics arrived on scene, according to a police news release.
“It is believed the individual became aware of the emergency by monitoring first responder radio communications,” police stated.
The investigation led to a search of a residence in Port Hope on May 27 and the arrest of the suspect.
Jordan Stevenson-Smith, 28, of Port Hope, was charged with unlawfully entering a dwelling house and personating a peace officer.
Police noted Stevenson-Smith operates IHARC, the Integrated Homelessness and Addictions Response Centre. IHARC describes itself as a non-profit organization that provides street-level outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse.
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Stevenson-Smith is identified as IHARC’s executive director.
In a statement on IHARC’s Facebook page, Stevenson-Smith defended his actions, claiming he identified himself as an outreach worker and said he attended to help a person without vital signs until paramedics arrived.
“At all times, I identified myself as an outreach worker,” he stated. “IHARC is not a police service. IHARC is not security. IHARC does not enforce laws, investigate people, compel people, or represent itself as law enforcement. Our public materials, our outreach model, and our day-to-day work have always been clear on this point.
“IHARC exists because people in crisis often need practical, non-police support. That distinction matters deeply to the people we serve.”
He says as a result of the arrest, all IHARC services have been temporarily suspended. He alleges police seized “essential equipment” for IHARC’s services.
“The immediate impact is significant,” he said. “The seizure of IHARC’s operational equipment has directly affected our ability to respond to people who rely on us, including people experiencing homelessness, addiction, crisis, isolation, and system failure.
“We know this suspension will affect people who already have very few places to turn. That is not something we take lightly. We will provide further updates as soon as we are able to do so responsibly.”
Police said Stevenson-Smith was released with conditions and will appear in court in Cobourg at a later date.
“Cobourg Police would like to remind the public that entering a private residence without the homeowner’s consent and presenting as a first responder without authorization are both criminal offences,” police said.
“Residents are asked to allow emergency personnel to perform their duties and to report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to police.”
Sounds like the guy was trying to help someone in distress. Let’s arrest him! 🤦♂️
Chairman mao carney is impersonating a PM. How is this any different?