Category: Police Press Releases

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team continue to investigate a fatal snowmobile crash that took place southeast of Vanastra.

On Friday, March 5, 2021 at approximately 8:35 a.m. officers became aware of an overdue person that failed to return home on his snowmobile. A search was conducted by police and civilians and shortly before 11:00 a.m. the crash scene was located off of Morrison Line on private property.

The lone rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as Jess AICKEN, 33 years of age from Huron East.

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.

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On March 1, 2021 at 1:09 a.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a farm tractor that was towing a damaged pick-up truck behind on Victoria Street West, in the Village of Dundalk, in the Township of Southgate.

Offices spoke with the driver, who was currently prohibited from driving, from previous incidents.         

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Bradley FERGUSON, 28 years-of-age, from Southgate, with three counts of operation while prohibited, section 320.18(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada

The accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 8, 2021.

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Impaired drivers continue to be a risk on the roads of Perth County, and two more have been charged recently.

On February 14 2021, just before 11:00 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a minor collision on Perth Road 107, at William Street, in Shakespeare. A van had rear-ended a car at the intersection, and there were no injuries. When police arrived on scene, it was determined that the driver of the van, who was the lone occupant, was impaired.

As a result, Tammy PAUL, 48, of Stratford, has been charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

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 February 18 2021, just after 10:00 p.m., the Perth County OPP responded to a vehicle in the ditch on Line 26, in the Township of Perth East. When police arrived on scene, it was determined that the lone occupant of the vehicle was showing signs of impairment. They were arrested and brought to a local OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Wayne BARBER, 53, of West Perth, was charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
• Driving a Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available

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.

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 immediately.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On February 3, 2021, Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a break and enter to a residence on Speedvale Avenue in Guelph-Eramosa Township.

It was reported that sometime during the day, suspect(s) broke into the victim’s home and stole several items including, jewellery, electronics, and credit cards.

The victim later discovered that their stolen credit cards were used at several businesses within in the City of Guelph. 

Police attended the involved businesses and obtained the video footage of the suspects committing the crimes.

As a result of investigation, Wellington County OPP arrested two suspects on March 4, 2021.

 Candiss A PETTITT, 37-years-old of Guelph has been charged with;

• Possession of Property Obtained by a Crime Under $5000 (2 counts)
• Use of Stolen Credit Card (4 Counts)

 Krystal Ann BOWMAN, 34-years-old of Guelph has been charged with;

• Use of Stolen Credit Card (3 Counts)

They are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 6, 2021 to answer to the charges.

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – A number of people have been charged following domestic related incidents lately in Perth County. The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants victims to know that they are not alone.

On February 17 2021, the Perth County OPP, along with the Huron County OPP, investigated a report of assaults that had occurred over the past few years at different addresses in Perth County.

As a result of this investigation, a 22-year-old North Perth resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Mischief – Domestic (two counts)
• Mischief Over $5000
• Assault – Spousal (two counts)

On February 19 2021, just after 10:00 p.m. the Perth County OPP responded to a domestic related disturbance between two people at a residence on St. Andrew Street, Mitchell. During the investigation, it was determined that one person had assaulted the other, and additional assaults were disclosed.

As a result, a 32-year-old resident of West Perth has been arrested and charged with:

• Assault – Spousal (two counts)
• Assault Cause Bodily Harm – Choke, suffocate or strangle

On February 25 2021, just before 9:30 p.m. the Perth County OPP were called to a residence on Tremaine Avenue South, in Listowel, for an unwanted person. When police arrived on scene, the suspect had fled on foot but were located a short distance away.

As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old North Perth resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Harassing Communications

Another historic incident was reported to Perth County OPP on February 28, 2021. The investigation in this case revealed that an assault had occurred, and property was damaged by the suspect.

As a result, a 38-year-old Howick Township resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Assault – Spousal
• Mischief – Destroys or Damages Property

In all cases, the accused parties were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges.

Victims of domestic 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 Bruce Grey Perth at 1-866-376-9852.

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

(WOODSTOCK, ON) – On March 3, 2021,Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Woodstock Police Service along with members of OPP Digital Forensics, executed a search warrant at a residence in Woodstock, Ontario following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.  

  As a result of this investigation, 38-year old Allen ROBINSON was arrested and charged with seven counts of making pornography by the written word, seven counts of distributing child pornography and twelve (12) counts of harassing communication.  Three exhibits were seized for further examination.

  The accused appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock by video and was released with conditions.  

  Police encourage anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children, to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can save a child.

Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Wellington County and Cambridge detachments along with Township of Woolwich Fire Department and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services responded to a serious single motor vehicle collision on Highway 7 at Woolwich-Guelph Townline, just west of Guelph.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a westbound courier truck collided with the rear of a tractor trailer. The driver of the courier truck was extricated from the vehicle and transported by Ornge air ambulance to a trauma centre in Hamilton with serious injuries. The second driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the courier vehicle, 26-year-old Ryan Matthew PLISEK from Guelph, Ontario was later pronounced deceased in hospital by attending physicians.

OPP Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) assisted Wellington County OPP with the investigation. Highway 7 was closed between Wellington Road 32 and Shantz Station Road for several hours to allow for investigation.

Wellington County OPP is asking anyone that may have witnessed this collision or has dash cam video equipped in their vehicles, to please call, 1-888-310-1122.

(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – On March 3, 2021 at 3:40 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a car at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) check point on Grey Road 170, in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.  

Officers spoke with the driver and he was subsequently arrested for impaired driving by drug. The driver was transported to the Wiarton OPP detachment for further testing.   

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged David WARD, 28 years-of-age, from Owen Sound, with refusal to comply with demand, section 320.15(1) Criminal Code of Canada and possession of a Schedule 1 substance – methamphetamine, section 4(1) Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

The accused’s driver’s licence is suspended for 90 days and the vehicle they were operating was towed and impounded for seven days.

The accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 22, 2021.

(GREY HIGHLANDS, ON) – On March 3, 2021 at 12:35 p.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint involving a possible impaired on Argyle Street in the Village of Markdale, in the Municipality of Grey Highlands.  

OPP officers located this vehicle and spoke with the driver, who failed a roadside screening device. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and transported to the Markdale OPP detachment. A breath test recorded readings over twice the legal limit of 80 milligrams (mgs) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. 

Grey Bruce OPP have charged Gregory STAHLKE, 45 years-of-age, from Chatsworth, with operation while impaired with blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs or more, section 320.14(1)(b) Criminal Code of Canada.

This driver was also charged with five Provincial Offences Act offences.

The accused’s driver’s licence is suspended for 90 days and the vehicle they were operating was towed and impounded for seven days.

The accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 1, 2021.

(NORTH HURON, ON) – A Mitchell resident is facing criminal charges after he was caught in possession of methamphetamine and drug trafficking materials last week in Huron County.

On February 25, 2021 at approximately 1:54 a.m. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a residence on London Road to investigate a suspicious person call. The homeowner reported an unknown person had arrived at his doorstep requesting a tow truck be called as his vehicle was stuck in a nearby ditch. 

Officers arrived on scene and located the stuck vehicle and shortly thereafter the suspicious person was also located. While speaking with the suspect the investigating officer noted the suspect had a large machete strapped under his jacket. As such the suspect was placed under detention and searched. The subsequent search revealed the suspect to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, digital scales and two additional knives. 

The street value of the seized methamphetamine is estimated to be approximately $600. A check on the accused also revealed he was currently on court release conditions to not be in possession of weapons.

Tre HARRIS, 25 years of age from Mitchell has been charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Fail to Comply with an Undertaking. He has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 22, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.     

(BLUEWATER, ON) – A young driver from Huron East is now facing a court appearance in connection with a traffic stop conducted by Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) last weekend.

On February 26, 2021 at approximately 10:00 p.m. a Huron OPP officer was conducting radar patrol in Hensall when a compact vehicle passed by the officer at a high rate of speed. The officer followed after the speeding vehicle and a RADAR device was used to measure the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle was measured to be speeding at a rate of speed of nearly double the 90 km/h speed limit. 

A traffic stop was conducted on Zurich-Hensall Road near Parr Line and the driver was spoken to. While speaking with the driver the investigating officer noted there was some open alcohol in the vehicle and there was suspicion the driver had consumed alcohol. A roadside test was performed and the driver registered a reading above zero, which is a violation for all novice and young drivers.

Jesse KEMERINK, 21 years of age from Huron East was charged with:  Drive Motor Vehicle Perform Stunt – Speeding by 50 km/hr or more, Young Driver – B.A.C. Above Zero, Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor and Driver Fail to Surrender Licence. 

The defendant had his vehicle towed and impounded, his licence suspended and he is now facing a court date on May 4, 2021 to answer to the charges.

(TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – On February 27, 2021, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision near Church Street West in Elora.

It was reported that a passenger vehicle went down an embankment at the end of a dead-end street and came to a stop on a walking trail.

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 underwent further testing.

John Giovanni BIFOLCHI, 51-years-old of Brampton, has been charged with Operation While Impaired – 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood) and Possession of a Controlled Substance-Cocaine.

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 March 30, 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.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On February 26, 2021, at approximately 8:20 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision on Wellington Road 38 at Highway 6 north of Guelph.

It was reported that a black pick-up truck collided with a hydro pole which caused a power outage in the area.

Police spoke with the driver and determined that their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to a local OPP Operation Centre for further testing.

Brendan Michael HUTCHINGS, 28-years-old of Kitchener, has been charged with Operation While Impaired -Alcohol or Drug and Operation While Impaired – 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL 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 March 16, 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.

(BRANT COUNTY, ON – On Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:31 p.m., members of the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police initiated a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act violation on Highway 403. Police received a separate traffic complaint from a member of the public for the same vehicle.

Police have charged Alison Maria CAPONE, 51 years-of-age of London, with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol or drug contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Brantford Ontario Court of Justice on May 13 to speak to the charges.

The Brant 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. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.