Category: Area OPP

(TOWNSHIP OF MAPLETON, ON) – On March 29, 2021, members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received reports of stolen catalytic converters from pick-up trucks that were parked at two businesses on Peel Street in Alma.

It was reported that sometime between March 28, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. and March 29, 2021 at 7:00 a.m., unknown suspect/s removed four catalytic converters from pick-up trucks that were parked at the two businesses.

On March 30, 2021 Wellington County OPP also received a complaint of an attempted theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle that was parked at an address on Clyde Street in Mount Forest. It’s believed that this incident occurred during the same time frame as the previous thefts.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for

a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

(NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On March 31, 2021 at 1:28 a.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a firearm incident on Head Street, in the Village of Tobermory, in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.

Police were advised that a motor vehicle drove past a residence and the driver fired several bullets at the residence.

A witness followed the accused’s vehicle and as they approached this suspect vehicle, the accused fired several shotgun rounds at the victim’s vehicle, narrowly missing the occupants, before fleeing the area.

There were no injuries.

OPP officers located the accused in a motor vehicle on March 31 and they were arrested and taken into custody without further incident.

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged David HILLYER, 39 years-of-age, from Northern Bruce Peninsula, with the following offences:

• Two counts of attempt to commit murder using a firearm, section 239(1)(a.1) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Discharge a firearm into a place in a reckless manner, section 244.2(1)(a) CCC
• Uttering threats – to cause death or bodily harm, section 264.1(1)(a) CCC
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine, section 4(1) Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA)
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – methamphetamine, section 4(1) CDSA

The accused was held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 1, 2021.

(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – On April 2, 2021 at approximately 12:00 p.m.,  members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a robbery on Marden Road near Highway 6 north of Guelph.

It was reported that a suspect flagged down a motorist while brandishing a weapon and forcing the victim out of the vehicle. As the suspect fled northbound on Highway 6, they collided with another vehicle. The suspect did not stop at the scene of the accident.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., the same suspect attended a residence in Rothsay.   Another victim was forced out of their vehicle after being threatened with a weapon.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., the suspect entered a residence on Wellington Road 7 near Ponsonby. It was here where the suspect confronted the homeowners and demanded that they turn over their vehicle keys. When they refused, the suspect left the residence and approached a vehicle that was stopped on Wellington Road 7. Again, the suspect threatened a motorist with a weapon and forced the victim out of their vehicle.

Police arrived on scene and arrested the suspect as they attempted to flee. The suspect assaulted an OPP officer during a brief struggle. The officer received minor injuries.

None of the victims sustained injuries.

Frank DAWES, 42-years-old of no fixed address has been charged with;

•  Robbery (2 counts)
•  Attempted Robbery
•  Dangerous Driving
•  Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident
•  Unlawfully in a Dwelling House
•  Flight From Police
•  Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest
•  Obstruct Peace Officer
•  Drive While Disqualified

 The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph.

(MIDDLESEX, ON) – The investigation into the death of an individual at an address in Southwest Middlesex is now under the direction of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

On April 1, 2021 at 2:23 p.m, members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police, along with Middlesex-London EMS, Southwest Middlesex Fire Department, Oneida Nation Paramedic Services and Air Ornge responded to a report of a death at a residence on Gentleman Drive.

Megan FISHER, 17-years-old from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A post-mortem examination has determined the victim died as a result of injuries sustained from three dogs on the property.

The dogs are currently in a shelter under a public health quarantine order.

The investigation remains ongoing and further updates will be provided when available.

(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) – On March 31, 2021 at approximately 9:20 p.m., a Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was monitoring traffic and conducting radar on Trafalgar Road in Hillsburgh. The officer observed a pick-up truck travelling at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 40 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 100 km/h.

While speaking with the driver, officers formed the opinion formed the opinion that they were under the influence of alcohol. A Roadside Screening test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP Operations Centre for further testing.

As a result, Donald HOUSTOUN, 62-years-old of Erin, has been charged with  Impaired Operation – 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood) and Stunt Driving-Excessive Speed contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 20, 2021 to answer to the charges.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

(ESSEX, ON) – On March 30, 2021, approximately 8:00 a.m., Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Essex Fire Department, and the Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a two vehicle collision at County Road 15 and County Road 18, in the Town of Essex.

The preliminary investigation has indicated that a minivan and transport truck collided which resulted in both vehicles leaving the roadway.

The driver of the minivan was transported to hospital but later died and has been identified as Eunice MILLER, 46-years-old, of Harrow.

The investigation is continuing and the road the road has since reopened.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(PERTH EAST, ON) – One person has been airlifted after an accident at a construction site in the Township of Perth East.

On March 30 2021, just after 10:00 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Perth County Paramedic Services responded to an address on Line 52, in the Township of Perth East after it was reported that a person was injured. The person has since been airlifted by Ornge Air Ambulance with life-threatening injuries.

The Ministry of Labour has been notified, and is assisting with the investigation.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On March 27, 2021, at approximately 5:00 a.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a vehicle that had collided with a pole near the intersection of Highway 7 and Wellington Road 29 west of Rockwood.  

It was reported that the driver fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival. Police located the driver a short time later.

After speaking with the driver, police determined that their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and they were placed under arrest. The driver was transported from the scene and later underwent further testing.

Aiden James WIGFIELD, 21-years-old of Guelph has been charged with Operation While Impaired -Alcohol, Operation While Impaired – 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood), and Failing to Remain at the Scene of Accident.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 16, 2021 to answer to the charge.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On March 25, 2021 at approximately 7:40 p.m. members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint involving a red passenger vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on a walking trail near Schuett Road and Wellington Road 86 in Guelph-Eramosa Township. 

It was reported that the vehicle continued driving aggressively through a farm field which caused property damage.

At approximately 8:15 p.m., police located the vehicle on Highway 6 near Fergus. While speaking with the driver, officers formed the opinion formed the opinion that they were under the influence of alcohol. A Roadside Screening test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP Operations Centre for further testing.

Colin Michael FISCHER, 33-years-old of Fergus has been charged with Impaired Operation – 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood), Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Mischief-Destroy or Damage Property.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 13, 2021 to answer to the charges.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

(HOWICK, ON) – A recent theft investigation conducted by Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has resulted in a Theft charge being laid against a North Perth resident. 

On January 16, 2021 Huron County OPP was contacted by management of a Fordwich nursing home in relation to some Fentanyl patches that had been taken from a secure area within the facility.

A comprehensive investigation conducted by members of the Huron County OPP Crime Unit determined the theft to be an internal theft. 

Casey MORLEY, 30 years of age, from North Perth has been charged with one count of Theft Over $5,000. 

The accused has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for May 17, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

If you have any information about this theft please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com , where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. 

(BRANT COUNTY, ON – On Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 2:03 a.m., members of the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Mount Pleasant Road in the County of Brant.

During the interaction with the officer, the driver fled the scene on foot. Later in the day, the driver attended Brant OPP detachment.

Police have charged Zenon Gerard LAFLEUR, 20 years-of-age of Brantford, with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol or drug,
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand and
• Flight from peace officer.

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Brantford Ontario Court of Justice at a later date to speak to the charges.

The Brant County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.crimestoppersbb.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.   

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On March 25, 2021 at 8:08 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a rental truck on William Street in Wiarton, in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

Officers arrested the driver, who was currently a prohibited driver, from previous incidents and they also had outstanding warrants.                                                                                            

After further investigation, the passenger was also arrested for trafficking drugs.

Grey Bruce OPP have charged Jordan GIRARD, 32 years-of-age, from South Bruce Peninsula, with the following offences:

• Two (2) counts of operation while prohibited, section 320.18(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada CCC
• Traffick in Schedule I substance – opiod, (fentanyl) section 5(1) Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA)
• Traffick in Schedule I substance – methamphetamine (crystal meth), section 5(1) CDSA
• Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88 CCC
• Possessing counterfeit money, section 450(b) CCC

Grey Bruce OPP have also charged Brandon BELL, 26 years-of-age, from Wiarton, with the following offences:

• Traffick in Schedule I substance – opiod, (fentanyl) section 5(1) Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA)
• Traffick in Schedule I substance – methamphetamine (crystal meth), section 5(1) CDSA
• Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88 CCC
• Possessing counterfeit money, section 450(b) CCC

Both accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 29, 2021.

(HURON EAST, ON) – A Huron County resident is facing ten criminal charges following some harrowing moments that took place this weekend near Hensall. 

At approximately 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Huron County Paramedic Services received several calls about a possible impaired driver that just rolled a vehicle at the intersection of Walnut Road and Morrison Line. 

Following the crash the accused confronted a passerby that stopped at the crash scene. The accused brandished a weapon and attempted to steal the passerby’s vehicle. After his failed attempt the accused fled the scene on foot to a nearby farmhouse where he attempted to steal another vehicle. After this second failed carjacking the accused located and started up a farm tractor that was on the property.     

The tractor owner attempted to stop the accused however the accused set the tractor in motion and began driving dangerously around the property. The owner clung onto the side of the tractor as he tried to gain control of the machine. The owner was able to veer the tractor away from the residence however the tractor collided with a large tree on the property. Ultimately the owner gained control of the tractor and got it stopped.  Upon doing so the accused exited the machine and once again took off running.

Moments later police arrived on scene whereupon they located the accused running in a nearby field.  A conducted energy weapon was utilized by officers to gain control of the out of control subject.

Justin FIELD, 30 years of age from Central Huron has been charged with:

• Robbery with Intent
• Robbery with a Weapon
• Dangerous Operation
• Resist a Peace Officer
• Operation While Prohibited
• Theft Over $5,000 of a Motor Vehicle
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order – Two Counts
• Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Prohibition Order
• Operation While Impaired

The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 31, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

(MEAFORD, ON) On March 25, 2021 at 11:05 a.m. Grey Bruce OPP responded to a disturbance on Victoria Street, in the Town of Meaford, in the Municipality of Meaford.

Officers were advised that a suspect with a weapon was outside a residence screaming and yelling and being confrontational with other residents in the area.

Officers attended and spoke with all of the involved parties. The suspect was arrested for uttering threats and several other criminal charges.

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Justin NEUMANN, 31 years-of-age, from Meaford, ON with the following offences:

• Assault a Peace Officer, section 270(1) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Forcible confinement, section 279(2) CCC
• Three (3) counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, section 264.1(1)(a) CCC
• Three (3) counts of failing to comply with release order, section 145(5)(a) CCC

The accused was held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on March 29, 2021.