Category: Area OPP

(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.

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – A motorcycle driver has non-life-threatening injuries after being airlifted following a serious collision in the Municipality of North Perth on December 11 2020.

Just after 6:00 p.m. on December 11 2020, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Perth County Paramedic Service, and the North Perth Fire Department responded to a collision at the intersection of Perth Road 164 (Highway 23) and Line 84, just south of Listowel.

A car travelling eastbound on Line 84 and a motorcycle travelling southbound on Road 164 collided at the intersection. This intersection is controlled by a stop sign in the east and west directions.

The driver of the motorcycle was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, and was then transported by Ornge Air Ambulance. Their condition has since been considered stable, with injuries reported as non-life-threatening.

The area of Perth Road 164 between Barnett Street and Line 81 was closed for the investigation, but has since reopened.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On December 10, 2020, at approximately 10:00 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Paisley Road at Woolwich-Guelph Townline in Guelph-Eramosa Township.

Police pulled over a vehicle after it failed to stop at the checkpoint. Police spoke with the driver and detected an odour of alcohol on their breath. A Roadside Screening Device test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was transported to a local OPP Operation Centre for further testing.

Nizam KHAN, 44-years-old of Kitchener has been charged with Impaired Operation – 80 Plus (mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood) 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 in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on January 5, 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.

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – Using a false name resulted in one person being arrested and charged in the Municipality of North Perth last week.

On November 30 2020, just after 6:30 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call of a possible break and enter a shop on Main Street, in Atwood. When police arrived on scene, there were multiple suspects present. It was determined that the parties in fact had permission from the owner to be on the property, and there were no issues. However, during the investigation, one person was found to be a federal offender, violating their parole. They were subsequently arrested, and transported to a local police detachment.

Upon further investigation, it was eventually learned that the accused had actually used a false name, and was not the federal offender. It is a criminal offence to use a false name to avoid arrest.

As a result, Kyle ROCHON, 31, of Woolwich, has been charged with:

• Personation with Intent to Avoid Arrest, Prosecution, or Obstruct Justice
• Obstruct Peace Officer

The accused 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 MAPLETON, ON) – On December 6, 2020, at approximately 1:25 p.m. a member of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated the driver of a motor vehicle on Wellington Road 12 near Wellington Road 7 for a Highway Traffic Act infraction.

Police spoke with the driver and determined that they were bound by three separate driving suspensions and they were placed under arrest.

Gordon Paul NEWMAN, 28-years-old of Ayton has been charged with Operation While Prohibited contrary to the Criminal Code and Drive While Under Suspension X2 and Speeding contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. A 45-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on January 8, 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.

(TOWNSHIP OF WELLINGTON NORTH, ON) – On December 2, 2020, at approximately 1:20 a.m. members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E check on Main Street near Grant Street in Mount Forest.

 At that time officers investigated the occupants of a motor vehicle that entered into the checkpoint. While speaking with the individuals, police detected the odour of marihuana emanating from within the vehicle. During the investigation, police observed a marihuana joint and a plastic baggie containing marihuana bud.

Police searched the vehicle and occupants and located a large quantity of Canadian currency as well as digital scales and several glass jars containing marihuana bud.

The occupants were placed under arrest.

Kaeshon ANAND, 25-years-old of Whitby has been charged with Adult Possession For the Purpose of Distributing contrary to the Cannabis Act and Adult Drive Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available contrary to the Cannabis Control Act. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on January 5, 2021 to answer to the charges.

Abelash SIVALOGANATHAN, 25-years-old of Ajax has been charged with Adult Possession For the Purpose of Distributing contrary to the Cannabis Act. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of Justice – Guelph on January 8, 2021 to answer to the charge.

(GODERICH, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation conducted by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) in the Town of Goderich has resulted in arrests, charges and the seizure of three different types of drugs.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020 members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth & Grey-Bruce Community Street Crimes Units (CSCU) executed a search warrant at a residence located on Regent Street in the Town of Goderich. 

As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is a hallucinogenic drug.   

The estimated value of the seized controlled substances is approximately $6,786. 

In addition to the seized controlled substances, police also seized offence related property consisting of drug trafficking paraphernalia, $640 in Canadian currency, a cell phone, pellet gun and a compound bow. 

Samuel LANGDON, 29 years of age from Goderich has been charged with Possession of DMT for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Psilocybin for the Purposes of Trafficking, Production of DMT, Production of Psilocybin and Possession of Cocaine.

Kaeley BAYNTON, 19 years of age, from Goderich has been charged with Possession of DMT for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Psilocybin for the Purposes of Trafficking and Possession of Cocaine.

Justin FICKLING, 26 years of age from London has been charged with Possession of DMT for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Psilocybin for the Purposes of Trafficking and Possession of Cocaine.

Brandon BEAN, 28 years of age from Goderich has been charged with Possession of DMT for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Psilocybin for the Purposes of Trafficking, Production of DMT, Production of Psilocybin and Possession of Cocaine.

Jordan CRETE, 28 years of age from Goderich has been charged with Possession of DMT for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Psilocybin for the Purposes of Trafficking, Production of DMT, Production of Psilocybin and Possession of Cocaine.

All accused have since been released from custody with court dates scheduled for February 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.

(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – A recent criminal investigation conducted by Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) uniform members and Crime Unit has resulted in sexual assault and another sex-related offence being laid against a City of Guelph resident.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred in November, 2020.

Cosmo TEDESCO, 71-years-old of Guelph has been charged with Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference contrary to the Criminal Code. The accused will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph at a future date to answer to the charges.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources available to help. A toll free call can be placed to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline www.awhl.org/home at 1-866-863-0511 or Male Survivors of Sexual Assault at 1-866-887-0015 where your information will remain anonymous and confidential.

If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 9-1-1.

(OXFORD COUNTY, ON) – On December 8, 2020, at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a disturbance on Curries Road, Norwich Township.

Investigation determined that police were called to a residence for an unknown dispute and upon arrival, located a vehicle leaving the driveway.

A traffic stop was conducted to ascertain details of the incident. Police spoke with the driver and it became apparent that the driver had consumed alcohol.

An Approved Screening Device (ASD) test was administered, resulting in a fail. The driver was taken into custody and transported to detachment for further testing.

As a result, 44-year-old Chantal TURGEON of Woodstock was charged with the following offences:

•  Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
•  Possess Unmarked Cigarettes

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock at a later date.

(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – In late August 2020, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) commenced an investigation into a report of a sexual assault and other sex-related offences that occurred in July 2020 in the Town of Erin.

On December 3, 2020, Sean Michael LARGE, 41-years-old, of the Town of Erin was charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age
• Invitation to Sexual Touching on a Person Under 16 Years of Age
• Sexual Interference

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph at a later date in 2021 to answer to the charges.

Any person with information regarding this incident 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.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are local resources available to help. One such resource is Victim Services of Wellington County and they can be reached at 519-824-1212.

(CHATSWORTH, ON) – On December 7, 2020 at 11:51 p.m., Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Officers were assisting a prisoner, who was lodged in a holding cell at the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment in Chatsworth from an earlier unrelated incident. The accused was being removed from the holding cell when he assaulted an officer. As well, the accused coughed in an officer’s face while yelling Covid repeatedly.

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Rayne LEFEUVRE, 22 years-of-age, from Grey Highlands, ON with Assaulting a Peace Officer, section 270(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused was released on an Appearance Notice and must appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 14, 2021.

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at approximately 4:39 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachment responded to a 9-1-1 emergency call for a break and enter in progress at a Patterson Street, Simcoe, Norfolk County address.

It was determined that a Good Samaritan witnessed a break and enter in progress and contacted police. The individual fled from area and was subsequently located by officers and was taken into custody without incident.

Further investigation determined that the same person committed other offences at a neighbouring property.

As a result, police charged 21-year-old Riley STEWART of Norfolk County, Ontario with the following offences:

• Break, Enter dwelling house,
• Theft under $5,000,
• Mischief – destroys or damages property, and
• Fail to comply with probation order (2 counts).

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice located in Simcoe at a later date.

“The OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the Good Samaritan that immediately contacted police. As a direct result of that phone call, officers were able to quickly locate this individual and take them into custody without incident.”- Inspector Joseph Varga, Detachment Commander, Norfolk County OPP.

(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH, ON) – This morning at approximately 11:08 a.m. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers along with paramedics from Huron County Paramedic Services responded to a single vehicle crash located on Bluewater Highway just north of Goderich. 

Upon arrival emergency responders located a pickup truck that had left the roadway and collided with the guard rail on the bridge. 

The driver, a 68-year-old from Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh was transported to hospital by ambulance and was later pronounced deceased.

The subsequent investigation has determined the deceased died as a result of a medical event not from injuries sustained in the crash.

Bluewater Veteran’s Highway (Highway 21) has since re-opened.