Category: Southgate

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Repeat Offender Eric BERCHTOLD Arrested Again

(SOUTHGATE, ON)- The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid multiple criminal charges following an investigation into a break and enter at a local business in the Township of Southgate.

On June 5, 2025, during the early morning hours, a break and enter occurred at a restaurant located on Highway 6. The suspect gained entry and committed theft and property damage before fleeing the scene. Officers were contacted later that day when the business opened and the incident was discovered.

Through coordinated efforts with the West Grey Police Service, investigators identified a suspect linked to a second break and enter in the Municipality of West Grey occurring shortly after the Southgate incident. The suspect was located and arrested by West Grey Police on June 10, 2025.

On August 6, 2025, Eric BERCHTOLD 37-year-old, of West Grey, was arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:

  • Break and Enter a Place – Commit Indictable Offence
  • Theft Under $5,000
  • Mischief Under $5,000
  • Disguise with Intent
  • Possession of Break-In Instruments
  • Failure to Comply with Release Order (Two Counts)

The OPP would like to thank the West Grey Police Service for their assistance in this investigation.

The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on August 27, 2025.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Grey Bruce OPP at 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

2 Killed – Nirmal KUMAR Arrested

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On January 27, 2025, at approximately 8:40 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a fatal collision involving a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle at the intersection of Grey Road 9 and Southgate Sideroad 71, Township of Southgate. A 49-year-old and a 15-year-old from Kitchener were pronounced deceased, a 19-year-old sustained serious injuries.

As a result of the investigation, the driver of the commercial motor vehicle has been arrested and charged with several Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences.

Nirmal KUMAR, 52-years-old, of the City of Brampton has been charged with:

  • Dangerous Operation causing death, CC 320.13(3) – two counts
  • Dangerous Operation causing bodily harm, CC 320.13(2)
  • Drive commercial motor vehicle with a major defect, HTA 107(11) – three counts
  • Improperly drive commercial motor vehicle with a minor defect, HTA 107(12)
  • Fail to accurately complete daily inspection report, HTA 107(5)
  • Fail to enter defect in daily inspection report, HTA 107(8)(a) – four counts
  • Fail to report defect to operation, HTA 107(8)(b)
  • Drive commercial motor vehicle without required inspection, HTA 107(9)
  • Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit – CMV, HTA 7(1)(a)
  • Window obstructed, HTA 73(1)(a)
  • Improper means of attachment, HTA 80
  • Push rod stroke exceeds prescribed limit, HTAReg 587 5(1)

The owner of the involved commercial motor vehicle, a 41-year-old resident of Bolton, also faces charges of:

  • Fail to ensure performance standards are met, HTA 107(3) – three counts
  • Fail to ensure daily inspection is conducted properly, HTA 107(4(b)
  • Fail to ensure daily inspection report is accurately completed, HTA 107(4)(d)

The accused driver is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on July 10, 2025, to answer to the charges. The accused owner is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on July 14, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The Grey 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Drug Bust – PERSAUD, GEORGE & BRAKE

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of multiple specialized OPP units, has concluded a significant drug trafficking investigation in the Southgate area.

In May 2025, the Grey Bruce CSCU initiated an investigation into suspected trafficking of Schedule I substances. As a result of the investigation, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants were executed at multiple residences in the Southgate area on June 27, 2025.

The operation involved members of the OPP West Region and Central Region Tactics and Rescue Units (TRU), Emergency Response Teams (ERT), Canine Unit, and several Community Street Crime Units from across the province.

During the execution of the warrants, detectives seized:

  • 65 grams of suspected cocaine
  • 28 grams of suspected heroin
  • 10.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine
  • Five prohibited weapons/devices, including an overcapacity handgun magazine
  • A stolen motorcycle valued at approximately $5,500
  • Suspected drug trafficking paraphernalia
  • Approximately $550 in Canadian currency

The estimated street value of the seized controlled substances is approximately $10,300. This seizure represents a significant disruption to the local drug trade.

The following individuals have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code of Canada with the following:

Sabrina PERSAUD, 38-year-old of Dundalk:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

Rajith GEORGE, 43-year-old of Dundalk:

  • Possession of a Weapon Knowing it is Prohibited (Five counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Heroin
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Jennifer BRAKE, 39-year-old of Dundalk:

  • Possession of a Weapon Knowing it is Prohibited (Five counts)
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Heroin
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

PERSAUD was held for a bail hearing and remanded until July 2, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound. BRAKE and GEORGE were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on July 24, 2025, also in Owen Sound.

The Grey Bruce OPP remains committed to protecting our communities from the harms associated with illegal drug activity. Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

20 Year Old Arrested – Details Released

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in the Township of Southgate.

On May 4, 2025, at approximately 1:17 a.m., members of the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on Victoria Street in the Township of Dundalk.

Robert KEYS, 20-years-old, of Priceville, has been charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol
  • Operation while Impaired – 80 plus

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on May 29, 2025

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 9-1-1 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

2 Dead Following Collision Near Dundalk

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On January 27, 2025, at approximately 8:40 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Grey Road 9 and Southgate Sideroad 71, Township of Southgate.

Members of the Grey Bruce OPP attended the area with the Dundalk Fire Department and Dufferin County Paramedic Service and located a serious collision involving a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

As a result of the collision, a 49-year-old and a 15-year-old, both from Kitchener, were pronounced deceased. Additionally, a 19-year-old sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The identity of the deceased individuals will not be released out of respect for the family’s privacy.

The intersection was closed for the duration of the initial investigation but has now reopened. Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team attended the scene to assist in the investigation.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Grey Bruce OPP.

We are urging the public to come forward with any information in relation to this matter; including any dash camera footage through the area around the time of the collision.

The Grey 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Brendan Bower – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On January 7, 2025, at 1:14 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program on Main Street in Southgate.

A vehicle entered the RIDE program and police determined that the driver’s ability to operate the motor vehicle was impaired.

As a result of the investigation, Brendan Bower, 30-years-old from Southgate was charged with:

·      Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs

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

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 30, 2025.

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

If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. The OPP relies on the public to report crime. Impaired driving is a crime that should be treated no differently.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

10 Year Old Sent To Hospital Following Collision

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a collision that closed the highway for several hours.

On January 1, 2025, at 3:34 p.m., Grey Bruce OPP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6, north of Mount Forest. A 10-year-old child was transported to a trauma center in London with life-threatening injuries, which were later reassessed as non-life-threatening.

The highway was closed for several hours while the OPP investigated the crash but has since re-opened.

The Grey 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

SUSPENDED DRIVER LOCATED DURING BLIZZARD WARNING

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On December 11, 2024, at 10:45 p.m., Grey Bruce OPP officers were patrolling Main Street East in Dundalk, Southgate Township. During their patrol, officers observed a motor vehicle lacking a front licence plate. Upon further investigation, they discovered that the licence plate on the vehicle had been issued in Texas, but it was attached to a different vehicle than the one it was originally registered to. The officers also found unmarked cigarettes in the vehicle, additionally, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s licence.

As a result of the investigation a 29-year-old from Beeton was charged with the following:

·      Driving while under suspension (two counts)

·      Possess unmarked cigarettes

·      Use plates not authorized for vehicle

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound at a later date.

The Grey Bruce OPP is warning drivers that if your licence is suspended, do not drive. It is illegal and can lead to fines, arrest, or longer suspensions. Please resolve your suspension prior to driving a vehicle. Remember, driving while suspended can have serious consequences. Stay safe and stay legal.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Fuad Giwa Was Arrested

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – One individual is facing fraud charges after they were stopped at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program.

On September 10, 2024, at 1:15 a.m., the Dufferin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE Program at Highway 10 and Main Street in Dundalk. A vehicle proceeded through the RIDE Program. As police were speaking to the driver an odor of cannabis was detected. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was searched. Officers located 27 credit cards from different institutions and different names.

Fuad Giwa, 24-years-old from York was charged with the following:

  • Possession of a credit card
  • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on October 8, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Horse & Buggy Vs Vehicle Collision

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On July 14, 2024, at 7:48 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Grey County Paramedic Services and Southgate Fire Department responded to a report of a serious collision involving a motor vehicle and a horse drawn buggy.

Police attended and learned at that a motor vehicle was travelling on Grey Road 9 and collided with a horse drawn buggy. One occupant of the buggy was transported to a Toronto hospital with nonlife threatening injuries.

As a result, a 42-year-old from Southgate was charged with careless driving.

Horse drawn vehicles are a common sight on Grey and Bruce County rural roadways and drivers must be prepared to encounter this type of vehicle on their travels. Horse drawn buggies travel about 14 km/h, making them one of the slowest moving vehicles on the road. They are also one of the lightest vehicles which leaves them at a greater risk of injury should they become involved in a collision.

Drivers using roadways in rural parts of southwestern Ontario should expect to encounter slow moving vehicles such as horse-drawn vehicles and farm equipment on the road. They are common users of the road and have a right to be on the roadway.

If you encounter a horse drawn buggy, maintain a safe following distance and leave plenty of room when you pass. Passing too closely may startle the horse, causing it to suddenly change direction.

Drivers in Grey and Bruce County need to stay alert and need to always keep an eye out for slow moving vehicles such as horse drawn vehicles. Please do your part to keep our roadways safe.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate WFP

Phillip Baumlisberger Was Arrested

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – One individual is facing charges following a report of a break and enter at a property in Southgate.

On May 11, 2024, an individual broke into a seasonal property on Highway 89 in the Municipality of Southgate. The owner fixed the damage but did not report to police. On May 13, 2024, at 8:33 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a break and enter that occurred at the same seasonal property. Police attended and located an individual on the property. There is no evidence to suggest the same individual broke in both times.

As a result, Phillip Baumlisberger, 35-years-old of Amaranth Township has been charged with the following:

  • Break, enter dwelling house – commit indictable offence
  • Theft under $5000
  • Mischief – destroys or damages property

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on June 6, 2024.

It is important for homeowners to report all break and enters to police and reports of suspicious individuals or vehicles.

The Grey 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

David Baynton Was Arrested

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On April 22, 2024, at 6:52 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report that a credit card was stolen out of a vehicle on Main Street East in Dundalk.

Police spoke with the victim who advised that the credit card was stolen out of the vehicle and used in multiple locations to purchase items. The police were able to obtain video surveillance from businesses that the card was used at.

Police have arrested and charged 54-year-old David Baynton of Southgate with to following offences:

·      Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

·      Use credit card data

The accused was released and to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on May 23, 2024.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

15 Year Old Armed Repeat Offender Arrested Following Foot Chase

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On March 29, 2024, the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call that an individual was attempting to break into a vehicle on Ridley Crescent in Southgate.

Officers attended located a masked individual nearby who fled from officers. Officers arrested the individual after a brief foot chase.

A 15-year-old individual from Toronto was charged with:

·      Mischief

·      Resist Peace Officer

·      Obstruct Peace Officer

·      Disguise with Intent

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine

·      Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

·      Fail to Comply with Sentence

·      Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other Than to Attend Court

·      Fail to Comply wit Probation Order

The accused was held pending a bail hearing.

The accused can’t be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

If anyone has any information, they are being asked to contact 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 https://crimestop-gb.org/ where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

$20,000 In Stolen Property Recovered From Southgate “Business”

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On February 10th, 2024, at 9:48 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a stolen Case International Combine “header” valued at over $20,000 in the Township of Southgate.

Kevin Innis, 40 years of age from Melancthon was charged with the following:

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

·      Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

·      Fail to apply for permit on becoming an owner

On March 25, 2024, the Grey Bruce and Dufferin County Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) received a tip from the public on the location of the Case International Combine “header”. The Grey Bruce and Dufferin County CSCU attended a business on 260 Sideroad in Melacthon. The Grey Bruce and Dufferin County CSCU seized the Case International Combine “header” and return it to the owner.

If you have any information you can contact the Grey Bruce OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477; submit a secure Web-Tip at www.cstip.ca; or get the P3 Tips mobile app. You will not be asked to identify yourself; you do not have to appear in court, and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southgate

Matthew Wilson – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On March 23, 2024, at 7:17 p.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Grey Road 9 in Southgate. 

Police attended and the driver was transported to hospital for minor injuries. While the officers were speaking to the driver, the driver was displaying signs of impairment. The driver provided a sample of breath into an ASD which registered a fail. The driver was arrested and transported to the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment for further tests by a Qualified Breath Technician.

Matthew Wilson, 32-years-old of Southgate was charged with:

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

·    Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·    Driver fail to surrender licence

·    Careless Driving

·    Drive motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor

The accused will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 11, 2024.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. our roads through enforcement and public education. Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving.  If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.