Category: Police Press Releases

(TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH, ON) – On December 21, 2020, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver on Niska Road in Puslinch Township.

Upon arrival, police spoke to the driver of a blue passenger vehicle and formed the opinion that they were impaired by alcohol. The driver was transported to a local OPP Operation Centre for further testing.

Gary COTTEE, 48-years-old of Guelph has been charged with Impaired Operation – 80 Plus (mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood) and Impaired Operation-alcohol or drug 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 26, 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.

(BRANT TWP, ON) – On December 16, 2020 at 5:45 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a theft report from a residence along Concession 8 in Brant Township. Sometime between 9:00 p.m. on December 14, 2020 and 9:00 a.m. on December 15, 2020, a Red Case IH685 Loader Tractor was taken. There is no front grill, the loader control lever was replaced with a large bolt and the serial number is on file with police.

Note: the attached photo is similar to the stolen tractor.

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.

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE TWP, ON) – On December 19, 2020 at 2:53 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police received a fraud report from a resident in the Township of Arran-Elderslie. The scammer called as a representative of a computer company and “fixed a major computer issue”. The scam was successful in that $13,000 was sent to a con artist.   

Modern, tech-savvy scammers have the ability to create very convincing scams. They won’t hesitate to use the name of a legitimate company in an effort to gain your trust and trick you into paying them. 

Always be cautious with unsolicited email, phone calls, letters, even visitors at your door. Unsolicited means that you didn’t ask for it. Be certain who you are dealing with before you ever consider sending money to anyone.

Anyone interested in more information on fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501 or check online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/.

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.

(CITY OF GUELPH, ON) – On December 20, 2020, at approximately 12:45 a.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Hanlon Parkway at College Avenue in the City of Guelph.

Police spoke with the driver of a white passenger vehicle that had entered the R.I.D.E. check 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.

John Van LE, 28-years-old of Hamilton 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 15, 2021 to answer to the charge.

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.

(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) – On December 19, 2020, at approximately 1:20 a.m. a Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer stopped the driver of a white passenger van on Second Line near Side Road 17 in the Town of Erin. While speaking with the driver, police formed the opinion that they under the influence of alcohol. A Roadside Screening Device (ASD) test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP Operations Centre for further testing.

 Police also located cannabis in the vehicle that was within reach of the driver.

Sandro MOSCARELLI 43-years-old of East Garafraxa Township has been charged with Impaired Operation – 80 Plus (mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood) contrary to the Criminal Code and Drive Motor 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 15, 2021 to answer to the charges.  

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute.

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.

(SOUTHGATE, ON) On December 11, 2020 at 2:49 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a suspicious fire occurrence at a residence on Southgate Road 24, in the Township of Southgate, ON.

Members from the Dundalk Fire Department attended the scene and confirmed that the fire was deliberately set. There were occupants inside this residence at the time that the fire was set.

A lengthy investigation was completed by the Grey Bruce OPP, including assistance from the Mount Forest Forensic Identification Services and the Grey Bruce Crime Unit.

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Benjamin KOMISAR, 35 years-of-age, from Grand Valley, ON with the following offences:  

• Two counts of attempt to commit murder, section 239(1)(b) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Two counts of Arson – disregard for human life, section 433(a) CCC
• Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, section 264.1(1)(a) CCC  

The accused was held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice on December 14, 2020.  The accused has been remanded into custody.

The investigation is continuing.

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.

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On December 21, 2020 at 3:05 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a church parking lot on Southampton Parkway, in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, ON.

Police received multiple complaints regarding a driver that had just driven onto the concrete walkway and was behaving irrationally. Officers attended the church parking lot and attempted to speak with this driver. The driver refused to stop for police and collided with several parked vehicles, including multiple police cruisers, before fleeing the scene.

The driver then made it onto the roadway, despite running over several tire deflation devices. This caused an imminent need to apprehend this suspect for public safety, so officers were eventually able to pin the vehicle and arrest the driver without further incident.

In total, the suspect damaged four police cruisers and two civilian vehicles.

Grey Bruce OPP have charged Darcy SOLOMON, 24 years-of-age, from South Bruce Peninsula, ON, with the following offences:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol and drugs, section 320.14(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, section 320.13(1) CCC
• Flight from peace officer, section 320.17 CCC
• Mischief over $5,000., section 430(3) CCC
• Six counts of Mischief under $5,000., section 430(4) CCC

The accused was held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on December 22, 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.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On December 18, 2020, at approximately 8:15 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a theft in progress at a business on Side Road 14 in Guelph-Eramosa Township.  

Upon arrival, police arrested two suspects at the scene.  Police recovered a quantity of metal cable which had been stolen from the business.

During the investigation, police seized drug paraphernalia and substances believed to be Fentanyl and Oxycodone.

Bryan John RUNSTADTLER, 52-years-old of Guelph-Eramosa Township has been charged with;

• Theft Under $5000, contrary to the Criminal Code.
• Fail to Comply with Release Order, contrary to the Criminal Code.
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance-Opioid (2 counts) contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act

 RUNSTADTLER was held for a Bail Hearing and is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph.

Keith Edward CORBIT, 49-years-old of Guelph has been charged with;

•  Theft Under $5000, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance-Opioid contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

CORBIT is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph on January 19, 2021 to answer to the charges.

(TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH, ON) – On December 18, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Watson Road South at Arkell Road in Puslinch Township.

Police spoke with the driver of a black pick-up truck that had entered the R.I.D.E. check  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.

Amanda MYER, 41-years-old of Guelph 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 15, 2021 to answer to the charge.

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.

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking assistance from the public to help identify two involved drivers and potential witnesses in connection with a crash involving a motorcycle this fall near Exeter.

The driver of the motorcycle, a 55-year-old from Crediton and his passenger a 52-year-old from Crediton were injured in the crash. The driver’s injuries are considered to be life-altering. 

Crash Scene – Airport Line & Kirkton Road

The crash took place on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at approximately 2:50 p.m. on Airport Line just north of Kirkton Road. 

The involved motorcycle was southbound on Airport Line when the driver came across three other vehicles that were also southbound on Airport Line. The lead vehicle in the group was a white pickup truck that was pulling two red gravity bins. 

Following the farm vehicle were two compact vehicles that were possibly white in colour. The driver of the motorcycle initiated a pass of the vehicles and while in the process of passing one of the compact vehicles one of them  also went out to make a pass. This action forced the driver of the motorcycle to take evasive action whereupon the motorcycle left the roadway, entered the ditch and ultimately came to rest in a cornfield. 

Investigators are still trying to identify the drivers of the two compact vehicles and any other witnesses that may have seen the crash or were in the area at the time of the crash. Investigators have since learned an older couple, possibly in their 70’s was in one of the compact vehicles as they remained on scene for a short period of time however they departed prior to speaking with police.  

If you have any information about this crash and have not yet spoken with police please contact Huron County 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. 

(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – On December 16, 2020 at 12:20 a.m. an officer from the Grey Bruce Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a car on Grey Road 17, near Concession 1, in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.  

The investigation revealed that the driver was suspended and there was no insurance on this vehicle. The driver was arrested and the driver and vehicle were searched. Officers located a black collapsible baton inside the vehicle. This item was seized as evidence.

As a result of the investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Kristopher RICHARDSON, 34 years-of-age, from Georgian Bluffs, ON, with the following offences:

•  Possession of a prohibited device, section 92(2) Criminal Code of Canada
• Driving while under suspension, section 53(1) Highway Traffic Act
• Operate motor vehicle without insurance, section 2(1)(a) Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act

The accused was released on an Appearance Notice and must appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 18, 2021.

(COUNTY OF BRANT, ON) -Members of the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to attend a building under construction located on Adi-Dassler Way in Paris the County of Brant on December 20, 2020 in response to a break and enter.

OPP officers conducted their investigation and found that unknown person(s) gained entry to the building on Adi-Dassler Way sometime between December 19, 2020 at 5pm and December 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

The thieves stole approximately $10,000 worth of tools.

County of Brant OPP are asking for assistance from the public in locating and identifying the suspects and suspect vehicle in this incident.

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.

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On December 13, 2020 at 4:51 p.m. officers from the Grey Bruce Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a suspicious person occurrence on Victoria Street East, in the Town of Dundalk, in the Township of Southgate.  

Officers patrolled the area and located a person inside a motor vehicle. Further investigation revealed that this car was reported as stolen from another municipality in Ontario. The occupant was arrested at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Kevin BARBOSA, 39 years-of-age, from Southgate, ON, with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime – over $5,000., section 354(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Failing to comply with Undertaking, section 145(4)(a) CCC
• Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, section 264.1(1)(a) CCC

The accused was held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on December 14, 2020.

(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) On December 11, 2020 at 1:18 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a pick-up truck on Grey Road 10, in the Township of Georgian Bluffs, ON.

The investigation revealed that the driver of this vehicle was not complying with release conditions. Officers arrested this driver at the scene.  

Grey Bruce OPP have charged David HILLYER, 39 years-of-age, from Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON with failing to comply with releases order, section 145(5)(a) Criminal Code of Canada.

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