Category: Area OPP

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – A Huron County man is facing a number of charges including Assault with a Weapon charges following an occurrence that took place last week in Clinton.

Just before 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a call for assistance on Victoria Street in Clinton.

Upon arrival police learned there was a confrontation on the street between the accused and a group of five people. The accused yelled threats toward the group then ran across the street toward the group whereupon he assaulted some members of the group with a knife. One of the victims sustained significant but non-life threatening injuries and two others sustained minor injuries.

The accused fled the scene however later that night was taken into custody by Huron County OPP without incident.

The subsequent investigation revealed the accused also committed a domestic assault. 

The accused, a Huron County resident is facing the following charges:

• Spousal Assault – 2 counts
• Utter Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm – 5 counts
• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon – 2 counts
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

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

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – One person has been arrested following a series of events that involved a stolen truck, a damaged cruiser, and a number of different police jurisdictions.

On November 29 2020, just before 8:00 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers from both Perth and Oxford Counties responded to a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Waterloo Region, and had been located in the parking lot of a business on Woodstock Street North, Tavistock. Police attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver fled the area after striking a police cruiser. The driver was identified by officers, and a warrant was sought for their arrest. Police in two surrounding jurisdictions patrolled for the vehicle, which was located and the driver arrested.

As a result, Nickholas Lee Dexter WHEELER, 22, of Kitchener, has been charged with:

• Flight from Peace Officer
• Dangerous Operation
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges. 

Anyone with information regarding this or any incident 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 http://hc-cs.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – On December 2, 2020, at approximately 3:25 p.m., a Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was monitoring traffic and conducting radar on Wellington Road 7 near South Street in Centre Wellington Township. The officer observed a pick-up truck travelling southbound at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 50 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 100 km/h.

Johannes VANZEELAND, 32-years-old of Howick Township has been charged with Racing a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. The defendant is scheduled to appear in Guelph at the Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Offences Court on May 5, 2021. Their vehicle and driver’s licence were seized for a period of seven days as per statute.

(TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – On December 15, 2020, at approximately 6:15 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a missing person in the area of Blair Street in the Township of Centre Wellington.

A search of the area was conducted with the assistance of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine Unit, a helicopter from OPP Aviation Services, Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue, and Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., police located an adult male deceased in the Elora Gorge.

Police do not suspect foul play. Wellington County OPP are continuing to investigate.

The Office of the Chief Coroner was notified and will be attending.

The identity of the deceased will not be released at this time.

(TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – On December 8, 2020 at approximately 2:05 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) commenced an investigation into a motorcycle that was parked at an address on St. David Street North in Fergus.

The motorcycle, which appeared to be freshly painted with household paint was bearing an Ontario licence plate that was reported as stolen out of Waterloo Region. Further investigation revealed that motorcycle was also stolen.  During the course of the investigation an individual approached the officers and identified themselves as the owner of the motorcycle at which time they were placed under arrest.

Maciej SADLON, 36-years-old of Guelph has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code. The accused is schedule to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on January 15, 2021 to answer to the charge.

(ESSEX, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a residential break and enter that occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. on December 14, 2020 at a home on Draper Street in Colchester.

The suspect was caught on security camera footage entering a window of a home. Upon the alarm sounding, the suspect fled the scene in a distinct looking black newer model Ford F150 pick-up truck with open box that contained a tool box and ladder racks.

A photo of the suspect and vehicle is attached and the OPP ask that anyone who recognizes either, contact the Essex OPP detachment at 519-738-3796.

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.

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On December 14, 2020, Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an erratic driver operating a (red) car on Highway 6, south of Shallow Lake in Georgian Bluffs.

OPP officers attempted to stop the vehicle, activating their emergency lights and the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for police. 

At 2:55 p.m., Grey Bruce OPP stopped the erratic driver, without incident, on Boat Lake Road in South Bruce Peninsula and they were arrested.

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Garett VANCE, 38 year old from Arran-Elderslie, with flight from peace officer, section 320.17 Criminal Code of Canada (CC) and operation while prohibited under the criminal code, section 320.18(1)(a) CC.

The accused was released on an Undertaking and is required to appear in Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 4, 2020.

Anyone with information that can assist Grey Bruce OPP with this investigation, 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 $2,000.

(HURON EAST, ON) – An early morning crash south of Ethel involving a school bus and a minivan has resulted in a fatality.

At approximately 7:40 a.m., Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Perth County Paramedic Services and Grey Township Fire Department responded to the crash scene located on McNaught Line (Huron County Road #19) about a kilometre south of Cranbrook Road.

The initial investigation has determined a minivan was southbound on McNaught Line when the vehicle crossed over the centre line and collided head-on with a northbound school bus.

The driver and lone occupant of the minivan died at the scene. The deceased has since been identified as Daniel KARPYSHYN, 36 years of age, from Vanastra. 

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The driver/lone occupant of the school bus was treated and released from hospital with minor injuries.

Members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team attended the scene to assist with the collision investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. 

McNaught Line (Huron County Road #19) re-opened for travel at approximately 3:00 p.m.

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

(CITY OF GUELPH, ON) – On December 12, 2020, at approximately 8:40 a.m., a Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was monitoring traffic and conducting radar on Hanlon Parkway near Laird Road in Guelph. The officer observed a grey sedan travelling northbound at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 80 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 130 km/h.

Hanny MESKEL, 22-years-old of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been charged with Racing a Motor Vehicle and Speeding contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. The defendant is scheduled to appear in Guelph at the Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Offences Court on May 5, 2021. Their vehicle and driver’s licence were seized for a period of seven days as per statute.

(TOWN OF MINTO, ON) -On Wednesday December 9, 2020, at approximately 4:00 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a break and enter to a shed at a residence located on Bell Street in Palmerston.

It was reported that the locked shed was entered sometime after 10:00 p.m. the night before. Unknown suspects cut off a lock on the shed and removed a power washer.  

The property owner later secured the shed with a new lock.

On Sunday December 12, 2020 at approximately 11:00 a.m., OPP received a report of another break and enter to the same shed. The second break and enter occurred overnight after 9:30 p.m. December 11, 2020.  Again, a lock was cut and a yellow Champion generator was stolen.

OPP continue to investigate and is asking anyone who may have noticed any suspicious persons or vehicles, or may have any information regarding this incident to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave an anonymous message at www.csgw.tips where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are currently on scene of a two-vehicle fatal crash that has taken place south of Ethel.

This morning at approximately 7:40 a.m., Huron County OPP, Perth County Paramedic Services and Grey Township Fire Department responded to the crash scene located on McNaught Line (Huron County Road #19) south of Cranbrook Road.

The preliminary investigation indicates a school bus was travelling northbound on McNaught Line when it collided head-on with a mini-van that was travelling southbound.

The lone occupant/driver of the minivan was pronounced deceased at the scene. The lone occupant/driver of the school bus has been transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team will be attending the scene to assist with the collision investigation.

The name of the deceased will be released pending next-of-kin notification. 

McNaught Line (Huron County Road #19) will be closed between St. Michael’s Road and Cranbrook Road for the next several hours. Please take an alternate route to avoid a delay.

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

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On December 13, 2020, members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Check on Paisley Road at Township Road 1 in the Township of Guelph-Eramosa.  At approximately 11:30 p.m., the driver of a white passenger vehicle entered the R.I.D.E. check.

While speaking with the driver, officers formed the opinion that the driver was under the influence by alcohol. A Roadside Screening test was conducted which resulted in a fail.  The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP operations centre where they failed to comply with the Breath Demand and refuse to provide a suitable breath sample.

Justin William RICHARDSON, 31-years-old of Guelph has been charged with Refuse to Comply with Breath Demand contrary to the Criminal Code. 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 at the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on January 8, 2021.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On December 10, 2020, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was monitoring traffic and conducting radar on Wellington Road 26 north of Wellington Road 124 in the Township of Guelph-Eramosa. The officer observed a black passenger vehicle travelling southbound at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 80 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 135 km/h.

Darren WHEAR, 50-years-old, of Dundas has been charged with Performing a Stunt-Speeding by 50 kilometres per hour or more contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. The defendant is scheduled to appear in Guelph at the Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Offences Court on May 5, 2021. Their vehicle and driver’s licence were seized for a period of seven days as per statute.

(MILDMAY, ON) – On December 13, 2020 at 8:41 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report on the theft of a snowmobile. Sometime between 1:00 a.m. on December 13, 2020 and 2:30 a.m. on December 13, 2020, a Purple and White Polaris Assault 850 snowmobile was taken from the bed of a pick-up truck that was parked on Absalom Street in Mildmay. It does not have a license plate attached, but the serial number is on file with police. The value of the stolen snowmobile is estimated to be $29,000.

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.

(MIDDLESEX, ON) – Over this past weekend officers from the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continued in their efforts to keep our roadways safe. Our frontline members conducted directed patrol within the communities we serve and multiple Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) programs throughout the County.

On Saturday December 12, 2020 police charged three drivers, in separate incidents under the Stunt driving legislation with respect to excessive speed.

At 11:14 a.m. the first driver was located travelling at 163km/h in a posted 100km/h zone on HWY 401 located in the Municipality of Thames Centre. As a result of an investigation police have charged a 33 year old from Sherbrooke, Quebec.

At 3:26 p.m. the second driver was located travelling at 142 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone on Plover Mills Rd. Thames Centre. As a result of an investigation police have charged a 24 year old, from St. Mary’s ON.

At 4:24 p.m. the third driver was located travelling at 138 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone on Elginfield Rd. Thames Centre. As a result of an investigation police have charged a 26 year old of London, ON.

All three drivers were issued a Part III Summons at the roadside and release without incident. The drivers will be required to attend the London Provincial Offences court on a future date to speak to the charges. 

Police want to remind the public that if you are stopped for stunt driving you can face severe penalties such as: 

•  Your driver’s licence will be immediately suspended at the roadside and this suspension last for a period of 7 days. In Ontario, you have to pay nearly $300 to reinstate your licence and the suspension will remain on your driving record for 3 years.
•  The car you’re driving, whether it’s yours or not, will be impounded for 7 days – that includes your rental car, parents’ car, even your company vehicle. Once the seven day impound is complete the owner will be required to pay all the fees to get it back. This includes the tow and the cost to store it at the impound lot, which is can range from $700 or more.

Stunt Driving is primarily known for speeding in excess of 50 km/h over the posted speed limit but, stunt driving has other offences designed to help keep our roadways safe such as:  

•  Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to lift some or all of its tires from the surface of the highway, including driving a motorcycle with only one wheel in contact with the ground, but not including the use of lift axles on commercial motor vehicles.
• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to cause some or all of its tires to lose traction with the surface of the highway while turning.
• Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to spin it or cause it to circle, without maintaining control over it.
• Driving two or more motor vehicles side by side or in proximity to each other, where one of the motor vehicles occupies a lane of traffic or other portion of the highway intended for use by oncoming traffic for a period of time that is longer than    is reasonably required to pass another motor vehicle.
• Driving a motor vehicle with a person in the trunk of the motor vehicle.
• Driving a motor vehicle while the driver is not sitting in the driver’s seat.
• Driving a motor vehicle at a rate of speed that is 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit.
• Driving a motor vehicle at a rate of speed that is 150 kilometres per hour or more.

On Friday December 12, 2020 at 10:40 p.m. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Longwoods Rd. in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre and suspected the driver had been drinking. The driver completed a roadside screening test and registered a “FAIL”. The driver was placed under arrest at the scene and transported to the OPP detachment for further tests. As a result of an investigation police have charged Kristine LOCKWOOD -age 50- of Strathroy, ON with Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), as per section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code. The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on January 13, 2021 to speak to the charges.   

On Saturday December 13, 2020 at 00:15 a.m. Middlesex OPP responded to a single vehicle collision at the intersection of Elgin Rd and Dundas St. in the Municipality of Thames Centre. Police learned that a lone motor vehicle left the roadway and struck pole causing heavy damage to the vehicle. Police determined that the driver had been drinking. The driver was placed under arrest the scene and transported to the London OPP Detachment for further tests. As a result of an investigation police have charged Rebecca PROULX – age 27- of London, ON with one count of Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) as per section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code and Careless Driving as per section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The accused was release from police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 10, 2021 to speak to the charges. 

The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anyone who is driving in a manner that puts our roadways or public at risk, 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. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

It’s up to all of us to do our part to keep our communities safe. Together we can support a strong and safe community for all.