Category: Perth

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OPP Perth

Jacob PATTERSON Was Arrested Again

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – During the month of December 2024, members of the Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Stratford Police Service Street Crime Unit, the Perth County and Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), conducted a property crime investigation in Perth County.

On December 13, 2024, the Huron-Perth CSCU executed a search warrant at a residence on Line 21, in the Municipality of West Perth.

As a result of the search warrants, two people have been charged. Police recovered a variety of stolen property, including an Artic Cat snowmobile, and two snowmobile trailers.

The total estimated value of the recovered property is $13,500.

On December 17, 2024, Jacob PATTERSON, 29, of Stratford, was arrested and charged with:

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order (two counts)

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

On December 29, 2024, Bridget LIVINGSTON, 33, of West Perth, was arrested and charged with:

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (four counts)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on February 10, 2024.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation 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.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

15 Year Old Facing Murder Charge

(PERTH, ON) – The individual arrested in the killing of a 15-year-old male in Perth is now charged with first degree murder.

Officers with the Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the area of North Street North and Sherbrooke Street East on Friday, October 25, 2024. One person was located deceased, and another person was arrested at a home in the area.

A 16-year-old was initially charged with second degree murder, but the investigation has resulted in the charge being elevated to first degree murder under section 235(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused remains in custody with a bail hearing scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on November 28, 2024.

The identity of this individual is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

While we cannot discuss the evidence or possible motives, the OPP asks for your patience and urges everyone to refrain from spreading unverified and potentially misleading information.

The investigation by members of the Lanark County OPP and Lanark County OPP Crime Unit is continuing under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, contact Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

15 Year Old Murdered – 16 Year Old Arrested

(PERTH, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid a murder charge following a death in Perth.

Officers with the Lanark County Detachment responded to the area of North Street North and Sherbrooke Street East just before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024.

One person was located deceased, and another person was arrested at a home in the area.

The victim has been identified as 15-year-old Reese STANZEL of Perth.

The OPP has charged a 16-year-old with second degree murder – section 235(1) of the Criminal Code. The accused remains in custody with a virtual bail hearing scheduled for today (Saturday, October 26, 2024) before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth.

The identity of this individual is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Anyone who shares the name publicly could be subject to criminal charges.

Residents of the area will continue to see a large police presence.

The investigation by members of the Lanark County OPP, the Lanark County Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit is continuing, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

If anyone has any information that could assist the investigation, they should contact the Lanark OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, contact Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Andrew RYERSON Arrested For Sexual Assaulting Child

(PERTH, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Perth resident with sexual offences involving a child.

Lanark officers began an investigation on August 31, 2024, into allegations involving a volunteer with the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society. The individual had been spending a great deal of time with a child and their family.

As a result of the investigation, Andrew RYERSON, age 55, was arrested on September 1, 2024, and has been charged with:

  • Sexual assault of a person under 16
  • Sexual interference
  • Invitation to sexual touching
  • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 14 – two counts

The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on November 25, 2024.

The investigation is continuing due to the individual’s potential access to other children. Anyone with information related to this individual should contact the Lanark OPP Crime Unit at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident E241161713.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Peter FREETH – Drunk Driving

(PERTH, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Perth resident with impaired driving.

Lanark officers were on patrol in Perth on August 30, 2024, shortly after 11:30 p.m., when they saw a vehicle on Gore Street being driven at excessive speeds and in an aggressive manner.

Officers followed the vehicle for a short time and then stopped it on South Street. An Approved Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was arrested and transported to the Lanark Detachment for further testing,

As a result of the investigation, Peter FREETH, age 37, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on September 23, 2024.

The individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days (Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension) and vehicle has been impounded for seven days.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

2 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Two individuals are facing impaired driving charges following two separate investigations over the weekend.

On August 24, 2024, at approximately 6:51 p.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint involving a suspected impaired driver. Police located the vehicle and driver in the town of Mitchell, Municipality of West Perth.

As a result of the investigation, Kevin McDONALD, a 52-year-old from Mitchell, was charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·      Operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

On August 25, 2024, at approximately 3:02 a.m., the Perth County OPP initiated a collision investigation involving a passenger vehicle leaving roadway and entering a ditch on Road 164, Municipality of North Perth.

As a result of the investigation, Maytenor ZAMBRANO, a 25-year-old from Palmerston, was charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·      Operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

Both drivers were released from custody and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on October 7, 2024.

Additionally, both drivers were issued 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspensions (ADLS) and seven-day vehicle impoundments.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Douglas BEST – Assault

(PERTH, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating an incident at a Perth pub which resulted in one person being taken to hospital.

Officers responded to the location on Foster Street around 12:45 a.m. this morning (July 18, 2024), where a large group of people was gathered outside, and one male was found lying on the ground.

The injured 33-year-old male was transported to hospital by Lanark County Paramedic Service with non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Douglas BEST, age 58 of Tay Valley Township, was charged with assault.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on August 12, 2024.

Another person, arrested at the scene for interfering with the investigation, was released without charges.

The investigation is continuing.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases WFP

More Spousal Abuse #WaitInTheTruck

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three people following recent intimate partner violence investigations around the county.

On July 3, 2024, police began an intimate partner violence investigation following a report of an assault that had occurred in the Municipality of North Perth.

As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old resident of North Perth was arrested and charged with:

–      Mischief – destroys or damages property

–      Assault – Spousal (four counts)

–      Assault with a Weapon (four counts)

–      Assault Cause Bodily Harm – Choke, suffocate or strangle

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

On July 3, 2024, police began an intimate partner violence investigation following a report of an assault that had occurred in the Township of Perth East.

As a result of the investigation, a 67-year-old resident of Perth East was arrested and charged with:

–      Assault – Spousal

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

On July 5, 2024, police began an intimate partner violence investigation following a report of unwanted harassing communications that was occurring in the Municipality of West Perth.

As a result of the investigation, a 33-year-old resident of Blandford-Blenheim Township was arrested and charged with:

–      Harassing Communications

–      Mischief Under $5,000

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

Victims of sexual assault/intimate partner violence are not alone. If you, or someone you know, is in need of support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services Huron Perth at 1-866-863-4108.

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

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Huron OPP Perth Police Press Releases

$600,000 Worth of Stolen Property Recovered, Numerous Charges Laid

(PERTH, GREY, and HURON COUNTIES, ON) – One person is facing a number of charges following a property crime investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions.

On June 17, 2024, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of the Halton Regional Police, arrested one person following an ongoing investigation. 

On June 18, 2024, Huron-Perth CSCU executed a search warrant at a storage location in the Municipality of West Perth, where stolen property was recovered.

On June 19, 2024, Huron-Perth CSCU, with the assistance of the Perth County OPP Major Crimes Unit and the Grey-Bruce CSCU, another search warrant was executed at a rural property on Highway 10 in the Municipality of Grey Highlands.

Property that had been stolen from multiple jurisdictions was recovered during the search warrants. Stolen from Perth County was: a New Holland Skid Steer, Somero concrete laser leveling screed, Pace enclosed trailer, Skidoo MXZ snowmobile, and various tools. Stolen from Bruce was a Can Am four-wheeler. Stolen from Huron was a Ford F150, Ford 450, Bobcat stand-on mini loader, and a Tow Tec enclosed trailer. Stolen from Oxford County was a Rockwood Mini Lite travel trailer. Stolen from Middlesex was a GMC Duramax truck. Additionally, a dual axle dump trailer, an enclosed dual axle trailer, flatbed dual axle trailer, two generators, a shot gun and SKS rifle, along with ammunition and two modified magazines were recovered.

The total estimated value of the recovered stolen property is approximately $600,000.

In Perth County, Barren YUNDT, 32, of Grey Highlands, has been charged with:

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (three counts)

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)

–      Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code (three counts)

–      Fraudulent Concealment

In Grey County, the accused was also charged with:

–      Possession of a Firearm (two counts)

–      Possession of a prohibited device (modified magazines) (two counts)

–      Careless Storage of a Firearm (two counts)

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (seven counts)

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (nine counts)

–      Altering/Removing/Destroying Vehicle Identification Number (three counts)

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may have rented equipment from Dark Diamond Construction, or who may have information that can assist with this investigation are encouraged to contact the Perth County 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.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – A number of drivers have been charged following impaired driving investigations throughout Perth County, and some are thanks to the public.

Just before 4:30 a.m. on June 9,2024, a Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer conducted a traffic stop on Henry Street, in the Municipality of West Perth. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was administered and as a result, and the driver was taken into custody for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jamie MOTT, 38, of West Perth, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 8, 2024, to answer to the charges.

Just after 12:30 a.m. on June 13, 2024, a motor vehicle was observed travelling on Line 71, in the Municipality of North Perth, when it appeared to evade police by pulling into a rural laneway. The homeowner assisted with detaining the driver, who was arrested by police shortly after and transported to an Operations Centre for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Shawn SKINNER, 23, of Stratford, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

–      Obstruct Peace Officer

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 15, 2024, to answer to the charges.

Following a traffic complaint from a member of the public just before 1:30 a.m. on June 14, 2024, police located the motor vehicle in question shortly after, on Queen Street, Atwood, in the Municipality of North Perth. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested. They were transported to an Operations Centre for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Donna HOPPER, 60, of North Perth, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 8, 2024, to answer to the charges.

On June 16, 2024 at approximately 2:30 a.m., a Perth County OPP officer on patrol observed a motor vehicle hit a parked vehicle on Ontario Road at St. George, in Mitchell, Municipality of West Perth. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested.

As a result of the investigation, John NOVAK, 67, of Embro, was charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Possession of a Schedule I Drug – Other Drugs

–      Careless Driving

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 29, 2024, to answer to the charges.

On June 17, 2024, just after 8:00 p.m., a Perth County OPP officer stopped an All-Terrain Vehicle on Road 150, in the Municipality of West Perth, as the driver was observed to be not wearing a helmet. During the investigation, the operator refused an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand, and was placed under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, Cole KELLY, 34, of Perth East, was charged with:

–      Failure or refusal to comply with demand

–      Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code

–      Fail to Wear Proper Helmet

–      Drive Motor Vehicle – Not Equipped with Ignition Interlock Device

–      Driver Fail to Surrender License

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 15, 2024, to answer to the charges. The ATV was impounded for 45 days.

*Anyone charged with Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) or Failing to Comply with Demand receives a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment as per statute.

The Perth 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. Anyone with information about this, or any investigation, is asked to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone.

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.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases WFP

Lucas YOUNG Was Arrested Again – Sexual Assault

(Perth, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad have located and arrested a wanted individual.

An arrest warrant had been issued earlier for an individual on numerous outstanding offences. Officers from the ROPE Squad and Lanark OPP Detachment had been searching the area and successfully located the accused today in Perth.

Lucas YOUNG, age 34 of Drummond-North Elmsley Township, is charged with:

  • Sexual assault
  • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm
  • Uttering threats to cause damage to property
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
  • Careless use of a firearm
  • Failure to comply with a release order – two counts

The accused will remain in custody, pending bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Jeffrey BRUNNER & Michael COOPER Arrested

(PERTH COUNTY AND HURON COUNTY, ON) – On June 13, 2024, members of the Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with the Wellington and Grey-Bruce CSCU teams, and the West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), made two arrests following a drug trafficking investigation in Perth and Huron Counties.

The Huron-Perth CSCU executed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search Warrants – one at a residence on Trafalgar St. Mitchell, West Perth, and at a residence on Ainley St., Brussels, Huron East.

As a result of the search warrants, two people were arrested and two were charged. Police seized purple and yellow fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin, Canadian currency, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Police also seized a Suzuki motorcycle, believed to be stolen.

The total estimated value of the drugs is approximately $25,000. The total estimated value of the seized property is $3700, and currency is just over $1600.

Michael COOPER, 42, of Huron East, has been charged with:

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (fentanyl)

–      Obstruct Peace Officer

–      Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order

Jeffrey BRUNNER, 50, of West Perth, has been charged with:

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (fentanyl)

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

–      Possession of a Schedule III Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

The accused parties were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation is continuing.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Vance CAMPBELL Was Arrested

(Perth, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged an individual, after someone was seen carrying a handgun in Perth.

It happened just before 3:30 p.m. on June 11, 2024, on Gore Street, near Mill Street.

Officers quickly responded, located the male and determined the gun was a replica handgun and not dangerous. Officers also seized a knife.

Vance CAMPBELL, age 24 of Lanark Highlands Township, has been charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on July 22, 2024.

Replica weapons are considered a weapon if the person uses or intends to use them to commit and offence. Police also face a split-second decision when faced with an individual armed with what looks like a real firearm.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases WFP

2 More Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Two drivers were arrested within half an hour of each other in Perth County for impaired driving investigations early Saturday morning.

Just after 2:00 a.m. on June 8,2024, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a driver on Perth Line 55, in the Township of Perth East. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested at the scene.

Marty SEARLE, 33, of Welland, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand

Approximately a half an hour later, just after 2:30 a.m. on June 8, 2024, a second vehicle was stopped and the driver arrested on Wellington Street, in Mitchell, Municipality of West Perth. During the investigation, a quantity of suspected cocaine was located.   

Gibson MERKEL, 22, of Stratford, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

–      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine

The Perth 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. Anyone with information about this, or any investigation, is asked to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone.

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.

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OPP Perth Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Joshua BERNICKY Arrested Again – Assaults

(PERTH, ON) – The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid numerous charges in connection with an assault in downtown Perth.

On April 24, 2024, around 8:00 p.m., officers were called to a parking lot on Gore Street where two people had been shot by a pellet gun, resulting in minor injuries. The culprit then fled the scene.

On May 2, 2024, Lanark County OPP officers and the Lanark OPP crime Unit, supported by the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) executed a warrant at an apartment on Gore Street.

Joshua BERNICKY, age 33 of Perth, was arrested without incident and has been charged with:

  • Assault with a weapon – two counts
  • Assault causing bodily harm – two counts
  • Assault – two counts
  • Pointing a firearm
  • Personating a Peace Officer
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order
  • Fail to comply with a probation order – two counts

The accused remains in custody following bail hearing and is scheduled to appear again before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on May 6, 2024.

The investigation into this incident is continuing.