Category: Mount Forest

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Area OPP Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases

65 Year Old From Mount Forest Arrested

(WELLINGTON NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – A motorist is charged after going through a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint in Mount Forest.

On January 7, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE checkpoint to examine the sobriety of drivers on Sligo Road in Mount Forest, when they found a driver to be operating their vehicle with an open container of liquor.

As a result of the investigation, a 65-year-old from Mount Forest, is charged under the Liquor Licence Act (LLCA) with:

  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The charge of ‘Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor’ under the LLCA is accompanied by a $215.00 fine.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases Wellington North

Mount Forest Incident – Ashley HOTCHKISS Arrested

(WELLINGOTN NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – An incident in Mount Forest has led to drug possession charges for an Arthur resident.

On December 6, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of an incident at an address in Mount Forest where they found an individual to be in possession of methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, Ashley HOTCHKISS, a 38-year-old from Arthur, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on January 6, 2026.

The Wellington OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Arthur Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases

Home Invasion In Mount Forest – Ashley HOTCHKISS & Paul SMYTH Arrested

(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrest and charge two individuals in connection with a break and enter within Mount Forest.

On October 29, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Wellington County OPP were dispatched to an active break and enter which occurred at a local vacant residence on Birmingham Street West within Mount Forest.

As police arrived on scene, and as a result of the investigation, Ashley HOTCHKISS, a 33-year-old of Arthur is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Break, enter a place – with intent to commit indictable offence
  • Enter premises when entry prohibited
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Fail to comply with Probation Order (two counts)

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Additionally, Paul SMYTH, a 49-year-old of Mount Forest is charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Break, enter a place – with intent to commit indictable offence
  • Possession of a schedule 1 substance – methamphetamine
  • Possession of a schedule 1 substance – cocaine

The accused has since been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on December 5, 2025.

The Wellington OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases Wellington Wellington North

Telecom Wire Theft Threatens Emergency Services; OPP Urges “Vigilance” – Gordon KOSTAL Arrested

(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have arrested one individual in relation to theft of telecommunication wires.

On September 18, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Wellington County OPP received a report a telecommunication wires being cut at a local business on Egremont Street within Mount Forest, and the wires were positioned to be stolen later that night.

The Wellington CSCU responded and as a result of the investigation, the suspect was located and arrested within the early morning hours of September 19, 2025.

Gordon KOSTAL, a 44-year-old of Mount Forest is charged under the Criminal Code with: Theft under $5000.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Theft and damage to telecommunication lines are more than just property crimes, they can have serious public safety consequences. These lines support critical services like 911 emergency access, medical alert systems, and internet and phone connectivity. When they’re compromised, entire communities can lose access to emergency help and essential communication, putting lives at risk and disrupting daily life.

Telecommunication wires are often targeted for their copper content, which is commonly resold at scrap yards, making them a target for theft.

The Wellington County OPP urges the public to report any suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure to help protect these vital services.

Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Flesherton Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases

20 Year Old From Mount Forest Airlifted Falling 20 Foot Fall

(FLESHERTON, ON) – On September 22, 2025, at approximately 2:35 p.m., members of the Grey Bruce OPP, Grey Highlands Fire Department, and Grey County Paramedic Services responded to a workplace incident at a property on Durham Street in Flesherton.

A 20-year-old individual from Mount Forest fell approximately 20 feet while working at the location. The individual was transported to a local hospital and later transferred by Ornge Air Ambulance to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries.

The Ministry of Labour has been contacted and has taken carriage of the investigation. Anyone with information or inquiries related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Ministry of Labour at 1-877-202-0008.

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Mount Forest OPP Police Press Releases Wellington North

Mount Forest Resident Jason MACROBBIE Arrested For Drunk Driving

(WELLINGTON NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a Mount Forest resident criminally, stemming from a traffic stop.

On September 13, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m., the Wellington County OPP were performing a proactive traffic enforcement initiative, when a motor vehicle was witnessed to have failed to stop for a stop sign, prompting a traffic stop on Fergus Street South, within Mount Forest.

As a result of the investigation, Jason MACROBBIE, a 49-year-old of Mount Forest is charged under the Criminal Code and the Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop
  • Fail to surrender insurance card

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on September 26, 2025.

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

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.