Category: Area OPP

(NORTH HURON, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation conducted in Wingham by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) has resulted in the seizure of Methamphetamine and the arrest of a Wingham resident.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2021 members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Units (CSCU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on Frances Street in Wingham. 

As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police seized a quantity of suspected Methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the seized controlled substances is $768.   

In addition to the seized controlled substances, police also seized offence related property consisting of drug trafficking paraphernalia consisting of packaging materials, digital scales, cell phone and an electronic device.     

Scott RICHARDSON, 41 years of age from Wingham has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking.

He has been released from custody with court date scheduled for March 15, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

Any person with information regarding this incident is asked to 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), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(COUNTY OF BRANT, ON) – The County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a vehicle while on patrol on Green Lane in Paris in The County of Brant on January 19, 2021 at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The vehicle was stopped and an investigation was conducted. The vehicle driver Roger BARNES 36 years-old of the City of Brantford was arrested and charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited contrary to Section 320.18(1) (a)
• Fail to comply with a probation order contrary to section 733.1(1)

They have also been charged with the following offences contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance methamphetamine contrary to Section 4(1)
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance opioid contrary to Section 4(1)

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

(COUNTY OF BRANT, ON) -Members of the County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to break and enter to a garage on German School Road in the County of Brant on January 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

County of Brant OPP attended the scene and found that unknown person(s) attended the detached garage on German School Road between January 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. and January 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and stole approximately $70,000 worth of tools including Makita, Rigid, Dewalt, Hilti brands. They also stole Kremlin spray paint equipment.

The OPP are looking for anyone who was in the area of German School Road and may have seen any suspicious people and or vehicles.

Anyone with information about any incident in the County of Brant can call the County of Brant OPP 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.crimestoppers-brant.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County) -The Elgin/Middlesex and Oxford/Brant Community Street Crimes Units have concluded a two-month investigation into a rash of property crimes and stolen vehicles throughout the OPP’s West Region area (Southwestern Ontario).

Since November 2020, police have been investigating a crime spree of vehicle thefts, pursuits, use of stolen credit cards and multiple property thefts including tools, electronics and other goods.

On January 8th, 2021, with the assistance of the London Police Service, OPP officers located the two suspects in a hotel room in the City of London and arrested them without incident. Investigators seized an estimated $70,000 worth of stolen property including two stolen vehicles, dozens of stolen pieces of identification, tools, wallets, 10 garage door openers and other miscellaneous items.

The following have been charged:

Dale Walter BROOKS, age 30 of Thames Centre, ON

Elgin County OPP Charges relating to five (5) incidents;

1. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 under the Criminal Code.
2. Theft Over $5000 from a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code.
3. Failing to comply with a release order under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Use of a Credit Card knowing it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
5. Trespassing at night under the Criminal Code.
6. Prohibited Driving under the Criminal Code.
7. Driving while under suspension under the Highway Traffic Act. (two counts)

Middlesex County OPP Charges relating to ten (10) incidents;

1. Possession of an identity document under the Criminal Code
2. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code.
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Failing to comply with a release order under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
5. Possession of a Credit Card know it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
6. Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order contrary to the Criminal Code.

Oxford County OPP charges relating to twelve (12) incidents;

1. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code. (four counts)
2. Theft of a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code. (three counts)
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (four counts)
4. Failing to comply with release order contrary to the Criminal Code. (three counts)
5. Prohibited Driving under the Criminal Code. (4 counts)
6. Theft under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code. (two counts)
7. Break and Enter contrary to the Criminal Code

BROOKS has been remanded into custody pending a future court date.

Shayla Nicole HANNA, age 24 of London, ON

Middlesex County OPP Charges relating to ten (10) incidents;

1. Possession of an identity document under the Criminal Code
2. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code.
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Possession of a Credit Card know it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
5. Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order contrary to the Criminal Code. (two counts)

HANNA has been released on a recognizance pending a future court date.

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation conducted in Exeter by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) has resulted in the seizure of various drugs and a total of 57 charges being laid against ten individuals.

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth & Elgin-Middlesex Community Street Crimes Units (CSCU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on Main Street South in Exeter. 

As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police seized quantities of suspected Methamphetamine, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), Fentanyl, Methylphenidate, Buprenorphine, Dextroamphetamine and Adderall. 

The combined estimated street value of the seized controlled substances is $3,519.   

In addition to the seized controlled substances, police also seized offence related property consisting of drug trafficking paraphernalia, $740 in Canadian currency, a cell phone and digital scales. Police also seized a pellet gun and prohibited weapons consisting of brass knuckles and push dagger style knives.    

William SNELL, 60 years of age from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.   

Michael PELLY, 39 years of age, from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

Rebecca BROWN, 32 years of age from Howick has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Everett CHISHOLM, 60 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Hydromorphone.

Michael GREER, 33 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Randall KOSTIUK, 52 years of age from St. Marys has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Fentanyl, Fail to Comply with Undertaking, Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon While on Prohibition Order – four counts. 

Christopher MURCH, 40 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Shannon ROMPHF, 49 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.   

Craig SNELL, 39 years of age from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Mary THAMMAVONGSA, 40 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

All accused have since been released from custody with court dates scheduled for March 8, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

Any person with information regarding this incident is asked to 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), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Methamphetamine is a poison, and it is hurting our communities. In an effort to bring awareness to the issue, Crime Stoppers Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and police services across Canada have launched a national public awareness campaign to help educate the public about the negative impacts of methamphetamine and how it poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. 

Did you know?

• Many Canadian law enforcement agencies have identified an increase in the use, trafficking, importation and production of methamphetamine.
• Methamphetamine has emerged as one of the most significant commodities within organized crime; entrenched from production, to importation and distribution.
• The production of one kilogram of methamphetamine produces about six kilograms of toxic waste. This waste is usually disposed of through illegal dumping resulting in environmental contamination and health hazards for the public.

For more than a decade, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been investigating methamphetamine in our community, and it is now currently one of the most prevalent substances in the Canadian illicit drug market.

Methamphetamine brings an increase in substance use disorders, violence, property crimes, and jeopardizes overall safety. The link between property crime and substance abuse is strong – police often seize drugs during property crime investigations, and recover stolen property during drug investigations.

Break and enters, stolen vehicles, and thefts are often committed by people desperate for money in order to buy more methamphetamine or other illegal substances. Stolen vehicles can be used to commit other crimes, including break and enters, or driving offences, such as impaired driving (by drugs and/or alcohol). Stolen vehicles also pose a risk to the public when drivers flee from police, driving in a dangerous manner in order to evade arrest.

The Perth County OPP is continuously collaborating with local health agencies and community partners in order to educate the public on the dangers associated to methamphetamine use. Over the past three years, Perth County OPP School Resource Officers and Choices for Change Youth Counsellors have delivered presentations to all Grade 9 classes at Listowel District Secondary School and Mitchell District High School on the impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

We need your help. If you see the signs, make the call. The Perth County OPP is appealing to the public to assist with these investigations. Citizens who have information are being asked to stand up, and speak out. Reporting is easy, and it could make the difference.

“Unfortunately, the prevalence of methamphetamine in our communities remains a cause for concern. Individuals with an addiction to methamphetamine are often engaged in criminal activity to sustain their level of dependence. Additionally, they often suffer from severe health implications, and strained family relationships. The Perth County OPP continues to investigate drug related offences, and requests the assistance of community members in immediately reporting any suspicious activity to police.” – A/Inspector Dave Sinko, Detachment Commander, Perth County OPP

For more information on this campaign, search the hashtag #MethHurtsCommunities on Twitter.

Anyone with information regarding methamphetamine distribution or production is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting. 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.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(HURON EAST, ON) – Two residents of Vanastra are facing several drug possession and related charges following an investigation conducted by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment.

The investigation commenced after police received a complaint about one of the accused persons pointing a firearm at a victim. On January 13, 2021 members from the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU), OPP West Region Tactics Rescue Unit (TRU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on 12^th Street in Vanastra. Upon execution of the warrant police seized small quantities of suspected methamphetamine, morphine, oxycodone and codeine. In addition, police also seized a replica firearm (BB gun).

As a result of the execution of the search warrant two accused were taken into custody and they are now facing charges.

Tara JESNEY, 36 years of age from Vanastra has been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Morphine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Oxycodone
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Codeine
• Possession of an Imitation Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

The accused has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 15, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Adam MOSHER, 29 years of age from Vanastra has been charged with: 

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Morphine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Oxycodone
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Codeine
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order – Two Counts

The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled 

(KINLOSS TWP, ON)  – A quantity of street drugs was seized after members of the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a late night traffic stop.

On January 15, 2021 at 12:23 a.m., the vehicle was stopped on Bruce County Road 1 in Kinloss Township. Officers seized a quantity of drugs at the roadside.

As a result of the investigation, Donald MCFARLAN, 52-years-old, of Huron-Kinloss Township was charged with 2 counts of Possessing a Controlled Substance and Fail to Comply with Probation. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on April 7, 2021 to answer to the charges.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

(NORTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is actively investigating a recent theft of a pickup truck and some subsequent unauthorized bank card transactions.

On January 10, 2021 Huron OPP officers receive a report from a Bluevale resident that reported a blue, 2014 Ford F-150 was stolen overnight out of his driveway located on George Street. Inside the stolen vehicle was a purse that contained various pieces of identification and bank cards.

The victim reported the bank cards were then utilized to make unauthorized purchases at three businesses located in the Town of Wingham. The transactions totaling $366 all took place between 5:14 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Police have secured a surveillance photo of the person of interest and would like some assistance in identifying this person.

Figure 1 – Person of Interest

If you can identify this person of interest (see attachment) or have any other helpful information about this investigation 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.

(GODERICH, ON) – Four adults and a youth are now facing a slew of charges connected to a home invasion that took place in Goderich this past weekend.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment responded to a Bruce Street residence to investigate a report of a break and enter in progress.

The subsequent investigation revealed the suspects forced entry into the victim’s residence and assaulted the victim with a weapon. Additionally, the perpetrators ransacked the home causing damage to some items and stole some property.   

The suspects fled the scene however all five were later identified and taken into custody without incident.  

As a result, a 15-year-old youth from Goderich has been charged with the following offences:

·        Break & Enter Dwelling to Commit Indictable Offence

·        Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

·        Robbery

·        Mischief Under $5,000

·        Fail to Comply with Order

The youth has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for February 11, 2021 at the Youth Court of Justice in Goderich.

Katie WILD, 35 years of age from Goderich has been charged with the following offences: 

·        Assault

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts

·        Break & Enter Dwelling to Commit Indictable Offence

·        Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

·        Robbery

·        Mischief Under $5,000

·        Assault With a Weapon

·        Fail to Comply with Release Order

The accused remains in custody with a court date scheduled for January 19, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.  

Bailey MERRITT, 35 years of age from Goderich has been charged with the following offences: 

·        Break & Enter Dwelling to Commit Indictable Offence

·        Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

·        Robbery

·        Mischief Under $5,000

The accused has since been released from custody with a court date scheduled for March 8, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Carly JOHNS, 26 years of age from South Huron has been charged with:  

·        Break & Enter Dwelling to Commit Indictable Offence

·        Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

·        Robbery

·        Mischief Under $5,000

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts.

The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for January 22, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

Todd LOGAN, 49 years of age from Huron East has been charged with:

·        Break & Enter Dwelling to Commit Indictable Offence

·        Robbery

·        Mischief Under $5,000

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for January 19, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

(GODERICH, ON) – A Goderich resident remains in custody on an Attempt Murder charge following an arrest made by Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) last night (18Jan) in Goderich. 

Shortly before 7:00 p.m. members from the Huron County OPP Detachment and Huron County Paramedic Services responded to a Widder Street residence regarding a stabbing that had just taken place. 

The initial investigation has revealed the accused used an edged weapon to injure the victim. The victim was able to escape the family residence to a place of a safety and immediately called 9-1-1. The victim was later treated and released from hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Officers arrested the accused at the scene without incident. 

It was determined this was a domestic violence event and there is no threat to public safety.

The accused, a 70-year-old from Goderich has been charged with the following offences:

• Attempt Murder
• Domestic Mischief

The accused remains in custody with a future court date.

Victims of domestic violence are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources available to help you. One organization you can contact is Victim Services – Huron County at 519-600-4108.

(HURON EAST, ON) – A South Bruce resident will have to answer to some drug possession charges in Huron County following a traffic stop that took place near Seaforth recently.

On January 13, 2021 at approximately 1:14 a.m. a Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was patrolling on North Line near Hydro Line Road when he observed a vehicle swerving within its lane. A traffic stop was initiated and upon speaking with the driver the officer observed some open alcohol inside the vehicle. This led the officer to conduct a search of the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle not only did the officer find open liquor, quantities of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine were also found inside the vehicle. 

The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and was taken into custody. Joseph COOK, 59 years of age from South Bruce has been charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine, Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine and Drive Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available. He has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 1, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

(GODERICH, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers continue to investigate a recent break, enter and theft that took place in Goderich.

Investigators believe the suspects forced entry into the premises located on Parsons Court sometime between 12:00 p.m. on January 9^th and 8:00 a.m. on January 11, 2021. Once inside the commercial building they located a storage trailer filled with various tools.

The thieves made off with numerous power tools consisting of Dewalt cordless skill saws, screw guns, impact guns, drills, sawzalls, grinders, a Lincoln Tomahawk model 375 plasma cutter, a Yamaha portable generator, a Stihl brand concrete cutting saw, steel cutting sheers, several Dewalt brand batteries along with other hand tools. 

In total the estimate of the stolen property is believed to be around $21,000.

Any person with information regarding this crime should immediately 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 online at www.p3tips.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On January 19, 2021 at 8:16 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a theft report from a residence along Concession 7 in the Municipality of Kincardine. Sometime between 8:00 p.m. on January 19, 2021 and 8:15 p.m. on January 19, 2021, a Red Chevrolet Silverado licence NORBELLA was taken. The serial number is on file with police and the value of the stolen pick-up truck is estimated to be $20,000.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.