Mystery surrounds Alliston man's disappearance as family seeks answers
The family of an Alliston man missing for nearly a week is appealing to the public for help in their search to find him.
According to loved ones, William Schernhammer, 24, was captured on surveillance video at the Pioneer gas station on Victoria Street in Alliston Friday night after heading out to pick up cigarettes.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
His family said he then got into a car with his friend, and they parted ways when Schernhammer got out at the Albert and Ontario Streets intersection to walk home.
Provincial police say he was last seen around 12:30 a.m. wearing a light brown jacket, dark-coloured sweater, and blue jeans.
Schernhammer is five feet 11 inches tall with a thin build, light brown hair and blue eyes.
Police say they have no reason to suspect foul play, but an investigation is underway.
His family noted his social media has been inactive, adding to their mounting concern.
"The not knowing is very difficult," said Rachelle Schernhammer, William's mother. "I just want William home."
Family and friends hit the streets, putting up posters to get the word out in hopes someone has seen Schernhammer or knows his whereabouts.
"This could be your son, anyone's son or daughter. This can happen to anyone," said Katie O'Leary, a family friend.
"You assume the worst, but you're trying to combat that with the best, so it's difficult, very difficult," Rachelle added.
The family is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can provide information.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. in Alliston to "brighten William's walk home." Participants will gather at the Pioneer gas station on Victoria Street East and walk to the intersection where Schernhammer was last seen.
Police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts or video surveillance from the Albert and Ontario streets area after midnight on January 12 to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments
Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state.
Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital
A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
B.C. man who flipped 14 homes in four years is fined $2M for tax evasion
A serial property flipper in British Columbia has been convicted of tax evasion and fined more than $2 million for failing to report nearly $7.5 million in earnings.
Missing dog returned to family home and rang the doorbell
After a nearly weeklong search, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way home to her Florida family in time for Christmas Eve and even rang the doorbell.
'Home Alone' director Chris Columbus explains how the McCallisters were able to afford that house
Audiences have wondered for years how the family in 'Home Alone' was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know.
'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash
A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash.
Scheffler to miss tournament after injuring hand making Christmas dinner
Scottie Scheffler will miss The Sentry tournament next month after the world number one suffered an accidental puncture wound to his right hand preparing Christmas dinner and had to have surgery, the PGA Tour said on Friday.
Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit
A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.
Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
Kitchener
-
Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge
Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company.
-
Influx of dogs in need, Waterloo Region dog rescue says
A not-for-profit dog rescue in Waterloo Region is putting out a call for help around the holidays.
-
Chicopee Ski Resort opens, celebrates 90th anniversary
The slopes are officially open for the season at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener.
London
-
Wortley Village business pillar to rise again as 'homage to what it was'
Residents and merchants are hopeful 2025 will bring good fortune to Wortley Village in the wake of two devastating fires.
-
'I really hope that our connection is not complete': Could South Bruce be home to a different nuclear waste project?
The NWMO needs to find a permanent home for 50 thousand cubic metres of intermediate level nuclear waste, and after being a strong contender for a deep geological repository, could that home be in South Bruce?
-
Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP
On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield.
Windsor
-
VIDEOVIDEO Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision
A dramatic collision on Windsor's west side left one van overturned on its roof earlier this afternoon.
-
Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP
On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield.
-
Identity of 'suspected prowler' wanted
The Windsor Police Service is looking for help identifying a suspect involved in a prowler incident.
Northern Ontario
-
Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
-
Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit
A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.
-
Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard
A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Man shot by officer after firing at police car near Thunder Bay: SIU
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing a shooting near Thunder Bay in which a man was shot and wounded by a police officer on Boxing Day.
-
Alleged impaired driver crashes into police cruiser on Boxing Day
While on general patrol in northwestern Ontario on Boxing Day, an Ontario Provincial Police officer’s vehicle was struck.
-
Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
Ottawa
-
FREEZING RAIN WARNINGFREEZING RAIN WARNING Freezing rain expected in Ottawa Saturday morning ahead of warm spell
After some cold days and nights this past week, warmer weather is on the way.
-
Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after an Ottawa police officer shot a crowd control gun at a man, 43, Tuesday in Nepean.
-
Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa
Rideau Street was once the heart of the capital's shopping district. For decades, people came from all over the region to shop, but with changing habits and the recent revolution in online shopping, many no longer head downtown to find that special item.
Toronto
-
Toronto's New Year's Eve festivities: Road closures and Union Station access restrictions to manage crowds
The City of Toronto is taking steps to ensure New Year’s Eve revelers enjoy the festivities and get home safely.
-
1 arrested, 1 outstanding after armed robbery at Ancaster cannabis dispensary
Police in Hamilton are looking for a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a cannabis dispensary in Ancaster.
-
Pedestrian taken to the hospital after being struck by TTC bus driver at Islington Station
A female pedestrian was taken to the hospital after being hit by the driver of a TTC bus on Friday afternoon, say paramedics.
Montreal
-
Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025
With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025.
-
Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders
The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity.
-
Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal
A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve.
Atlantic
-
One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B.
One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday.
-
'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash
A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash.
-
Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating
Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S.
Winnipeg
-
Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada
High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine.
-
Thousands of hockey players descend on Winnipeg for annual holiday competition
Around 2,500 players, 170 teams, and a few Winnipeg Jets have taken over the Hockey for All Centre to mark an annual tournament over the holidays.
-
Duck Pond, rink at The Forks closed with warm temperatures to blame
If you were planning to go skating this weekend at The Forks or the Assiniboine Park Duck Pond, you will need to change your plans.
Calgary
-
Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital
A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
-
Albertans watching closely as Ottawa tries to talk down Trump tariffs
Alberta's politicians and business community will have eyes on Florida this weekend, following a federal government outreach trip.
-
'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze
As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow.
Edmonton
-
'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze
As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow.
-
Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS
Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000.
-
2 teens hospitalized in Christmas Day fire
Two teens were hospitalized after a fire broke out at an apartment building in west Edmonton Christmas Day.
Regina
-
Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025
Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025.
-
'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game
For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game.
-
Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene
Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening.
Saskatoon
-
The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say
Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene.
-
Saskatoon sees return of normal winter conditions
Despite a strong start to winter with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, December saw not much snow and mild temperatures into the Christmas holiday.
-
Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash
A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve.
Vancouver
-
'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism
Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it.
-
Drivers appeal for road marking visibility improvements on Sea to Sky Highway
Those living along the Sea to Sky corridor are appealing to the provincial government to improve the visibility of road markings along the key highway.
-
Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment
A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client.
Vancouver Island
-
'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism
Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it.
-
Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment
A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client.
-
2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day.
