Category: Police Press Releases

(MIDDLESEX, ON) – On Saturday January 23, 2021 at 10:52 p.m. members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision in the area of the 2300 block of Denfield Rd., located in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. Police learned that a pickup truck had left the roadway striking two hydro poles, before later striking a vacant building.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and was later tracked down and arrested by members of the Middlesex OPP with the assistance of OPP K9.

As a result of an investigation police have charged Skylr CUMMINGS -age 24- of Goderich, ON with:

•  Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs as per section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) as per section 320.14(1)(b) CC
• Failure to stop after accident as per section 320.16(1)

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 1 to speak to the charges.

Crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs are a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Every day, on average, up to 4 Canadians are killed and many more are injured in alcohol and/or drug-related motor vehicle crashes on public roads.

The Middlesex 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. 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.

(NORTH HURON, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation conducted in Wingham by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) has resulted in the seizure of Methamphetamine and the arrest of a Wingham resident.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2021 members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Units (CSCU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on Frances Street in Wingham. 

As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police seized a quantity of suspected Methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the seized controlled substances is $768.   

In addition to the seized controlled substances, police also seized offence related property consisting of drug trafficking paraphernalia consisting of packaging materials, digital scales, cell phone and an electronic device.     

Scott RICHARDSON, 41 years of age from Wingham has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking.

He has been released from custody with court date scheduled for March 15, 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 BRANT, ON) – The County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were alerted to a vehicle while on patrol on Green Lane in Paris in The County of Brant on January 19, 2021 at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The vehicle was stopped and an investigation was conducted. The vehicle driver Roger BARNES 36 years-old of the City of Brantford was arrested and charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited contrary to Section 320.18(1) (a)
• Fail to comply with a probation order contrary to section 733.1(1)

They have also been charged with the following offences contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance methamphetamine contrary to Section 4(1)
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance opioid contrary to Section 4(1)

Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident 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.crimestoppers-brant.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(COUNTY OF BRANT, ON) -Members of the County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to break and enter to a garage on German School Road in the County of Brant on January 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

County of Brant OPP attended the scene and found that unknown person(s) attended the detached garage on German School Road between January 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. and January 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and stole approximately $70,000 worth of tools including Makita, Rigid, Dewalt, Hilti brands. They also stole Kremlin spray paint equipment.

The OPP are looking for anyone who was in the area of German School Road and may have seen any suspicious people and or vehicles.

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.

(Elgin County, Middlesex County, Oxford County) -The Elgin/Middlesex and Oxford/Brant Community Street Crimes Units have concluded a two-month investigation into a rash of property crimes and stolen vehicles throughout the OPP’s West Region area (Southwestern Ontario).

Since November 2020, police have been investigating a crime spree of vehicle thefts, pursuits, use of stolen credit cards and multiple property thefts including tools, electronics and other goods.

On January 8th, 2021, with the assistance of the London Police Service, OPP officers located the two suspects in a hotel room in the City of London and arrested them without incident. Investigators seized an estimated $70,000 worth of stolen property including two stolen vehicles, dozens of stolen pieces of identification, tools, wallets, 10 garage door openers and other miscellaneous items.

The following have been charged:

Dale Walter BROOKS, age 30 of Thames Centre, ON

Elgin County OPP Charges relating to five (5) incidents;

1. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 under the Criminal Code.
2. Theft Over $5000 from a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code.
3. Failing to comply with a release order under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Use of a Credit Card knowing it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
5. Trespassing at night under the Criminal Code.
6. Prohibited Driving under the Criminal Code.
7. Driving while under suspension under the Highway Traffic Act. (two counts)

Middlesex County OPP Charges relating to ten (10) incidents;

1. Possession of an identity document under the Criminal Code
2. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code.
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Failing to comply with a release order under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
5. Possession of a Credit Card know it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
6. Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order contrary to the Criminal Code.

Oxford County OPP charges relating to twelve (12) incidents;

1. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code. (four counts)
2. Theft of a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code. (three counts)
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (four counts)
4. Failing to comply with release order contrary to the Criminal Code. (three counts)
5. Prohibited Driving under the Criminal Code. (4 counts)
6. Theft under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code. (two counts)
7. Break and Enter contrary to the Criminal Code

BROOKS has been remanded into custody pending a future court date.

Shayla Nicole HANNA, age 24 of London, ON

Middlesex County OPP Charges relating to ten (10) incidents;

1. Possession of an identity document under the Criminal Code
2. Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 under the Criminal Code.
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 under the Criminal Code. (two counts)
4. Possession of a Credit Card know it was obtained by the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code.
5. Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order contrary to the Criminal Code. (two counts)

HANNA has been released on a recognizance pending a future court date.

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – A drug trafficking investigation conducted in Exeter by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) has resulted in the seizure of various drugs and a total of 57 charges being laid against ten individuals.

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth & Elgin-Middlesex Community Street Crimes Units (CSCU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine executed a search warrant at a residence located on Main Street South in Exeter. 

As a result of the execution of the search warrant, police seized quantities of suspected Methamphetamine, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), Fentanyl, Methylphenidate, Buprenorphine, Dextroamphetamine and Adderall. 

The combined estimated street value of the seized controlled substances is $3,519.   

In addition to the seized controlled substances, police also seized offence related property consisting of drug trafficking paraphernalia, $740 in Canadian currency, a cell phone and digital scales. Police also seized a pellet gun and prohibited weapons consisting of brass knuckles and push dagger style knives.    

William SNELL, 60 years of age from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.   

Michael PELLY, 39 years of age, from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

Rebecca BROWN, 32 years of age from Howick has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Everett CHISHOLM, 60 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Hydromorphone.

Michael GREER, 33 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Randall KOSTIUK, 52 years of age from St. Marys has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Fentanyl, Fail to Comply with Undertaking, Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon While on Prohibition Order – four counts. 

Christopher MURCH, 40 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Shannon ROMPHF, 49 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Psilocybin, Buprenorphine, Methylphenidate, Adderall and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.   

Craig SNELL, 39 years of age from Exeter has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

Mary THAMMAVONGSA, 40 years of age from South Huron has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl.

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

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Methamphetamine is a poison, and it is hurting our communities. In an effort to bring awareness to the issue, Crime Stoppers Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and police services across Canada have launched a national public awareness campaign to help educate the public about the negative impacts of methamphetamine and how it poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. 

Did you know?

• Many Canadian law enforcement agencies have identified an increase in the use, trafficking, importation and production of methamphetamine.
• Methamphetamine has emerged as one of the most significant commodities within organized crime; entrenched from production, to importation and distribution.
• The production of one kilogram of methamphetamine produces about six kilograms of toxic waste. This waste is usually disposed of through illegal dumping resulting in environmental contamination and health hazards for the public.

For more than a decade, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been investigating methamphetamine in our community, and it is now currently one of the most prevalent substances in the Canadian illicit drug market.

Methamphetamine brings an increase in substance use disorders, violence, property crimes, and jeopardizes overall safety. The link between property crime and substance abuse is strong – police often seize drugs during property crime investigations, and recover stolen property during drug investigations.

Break and enters, stolen vehicles, and thefts are often committed by people desperate for money in order to buy more methamphetamine or other illegal substances. Stolen vehicles can be used to commit other crimes, including break and enters, or driving offences, such as impaired driving (by drugs and/or alcohol). Stolen vehicles also pose a risk to the public when drivers flee from police, driving in a dangerous manner in order to evade arrest.

The Perth County OPP is continuously collaborating with local health agencies and community partners in order to educate the public on the dangers associated to methamphetamine use. Over the past three years, Perth County OPP School Resource Officers and Choices for Change Youth Counsellors have delivered presentations to all Grade 9 classes at Listowel District Secondary School and Mitchell District High School on the impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

We need your help. If you see the signs, make the call. The Perth County OPP is appealing to the public to assist with these investigations. Citizens who have information are being asked to stand up, and speak out. Reporting is easy, and it could make the difference.

“Unfortunately, the prevalence of methamphetamine in our communities remains a cause for concern. Individuals with an addiction to methamphetamine are often engaged in criminal activity to sustain their level of dependence. Additionally, they often suffer from severe health implications, and strained family relationships. The Perth County OPP continues to investigate drug related offences, and requests the assistance of community members in immediately reporting any suspicious activity to police.” – A/Inspector Dave Sinko, Detachment Commander, Perth County OPP

For more information on this campaign, search the hashtag #MethHurtsCommunities on Twitter.

Anyone with information regarding methamphetamine distribution or production 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 www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.