Category: Southwold

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London Police Press Releases Southwold

James WARDROP – Break & Enter

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – One person was charged following a break and enter investigation and the execution of a search warrant at a home in the City of London.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Elgin-Middlesex Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a search warrant for a residence in the City of London in relation to an investigation in Southwold Township. The warrant was executed with the assistance from Brant-Oxford CSCU and the Bail Support Team.

Police seized jewelry and over $3,000 in Canadian currency.

Police charged James WARDROP, a 57-year-old of London under the Criminal Code with:

·      Break and enter – dwelling

·      Theft Over $5,000

·      Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused was held for bail in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The CSCU’s operational structure focuses on both drug and property crime, provides a stronger leadership base for these types of community-level investigations, and supports the Reinvestment pillar of the OPP Strategic Plan 2017-2019.

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London OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Ajish KOTTAPPURAM MANIKANDAN Arrested Following Hit & Run

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – One person is charged with impaired driving following a single vehicle collision in the Township of Southwold.

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, at approximately 5:34 a.m., police responded to a collision on Wonderland Rd in Southwold. The motorist failed to remain on scene.

As a result of the investigation, Ajish KOTTAPPURAM MANIKANDAN, a 29 -year-old from London was charged with:

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

·      Fail to remain (Highway Traffic Act)

·      Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

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

The accused was released on an Undertaking and scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on Tuesday, January 3, 2026.

The OPP remind drivers and members of the public to report impaired drivers and dangerous driving behaviours. Your call could save a life, please dial 9-1-1 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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Elgin OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Rodger COLMAR – Luring Children For Sex #LetTheHuntBegin

(ELGIN COUNTY, ON) – Individual charged after a sexual luring investigation in Southwold Township.

On November 17, 2025, at 4:46 p.m., members of the Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address in Southwold Township for the report of a sexual luring incident.

The Elgin County OPP Crime Unit assisted with the investigation.

Two victims, both minors, were known to the accused.

As a result, Rodger COLMAR a 59-year-old of Southwold Township, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Communicate with anyone for purpose of obtaining sexual services (two counts)

·      Communicate with anyone under 18 yrs for purpose of obtaining sexual services (two counts)

The accused was held for bail.

It is suspected there may be more victims.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you, or someone you know, is in need of support there are local resources available to help.

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

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.  

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

17 Year Old Pedestrian Killed

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) A fatal collision closed John Wise Line in Southwold Township.

On Monday September 29, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Elgin St. Thomas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Southwold Fire Department responded to collision on John Wise Line between Sunset Road and Rieger Road.

It was determined that a collision occurred between a pickup truck and a pedestrian.

A 17-year-old pedestrian from Elgin County was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries and later pronounced deceased.

The driver, a 57-year-old Elgin County resident was uninjured.

Members from the OPP Technical Collision Investigation team and West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement team attended to assist in the investigation.

John Wise Line was closed for several hours during the investigation, but has since reopened.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-84777 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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London OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

“Illegal” Dispensary Shut Down – Details Released

(LONDON, ON) – An illegal dispensary that reopened after being held under Interim Closure Orders per section 18(1) of the Cannabis Control Act (CCA) has been shut down in London.

In August 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) and the London Police Service (LPS) shut down an illegal cannabis dispensary operating in London under the name “Chief’s Corner.”

On Friday, September 12, 2025, PJFCET was made aware the dispensary had resumed operations. PJFCET and LPS took enforcement action and once again shut down the storefront to be held under Interim Closure Orders. Investigators seized a quantity of illegal cannabis products with an estimated value of $33,000.

Persons with interest in the location (including owners) who wish to enter these premises may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for permission under section 18(4) of the CCA. Unauthorized entry into a building subject to an interim closure may result in charges of breaking and entering under section 348(1) of the Criminal Code.

As a result of the investigation, Jalynne CHRISJOHN-TEIXEIRA, age 22 of Southwold, was charged with possession of illicit cannabis, contrary to the Cannabis Act.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in London on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should contact the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Dennis CHURCHILL – Robbery, Threats, etc.

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – One person is facing several charges following an incident at a Bush Line address in Southwold Township.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 6:17 a.m. member of the Elgin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an address on Bush Line in Southwold Township where they encountered a barricaded person.

Charged with the following Criminal Code offences is Dennis CHURCHILL a 38-year-old, of Elgin County, Ontario:

  • Robbery with Theft
  • Uttering threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Hydromorphone
  • Possession of a Schedule IV substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Nabilone
  • Possession of Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

The accused remains in custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on the July 17,2025.

Members of the Elgin OPP Crime Unit are assisting with the investigation, and is asking anyone with information surrounding this incident to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or if they wish to remain anonymous to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit htps://www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca/ to leave an anonymous tip and be eligible for a cash reward.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

John KUIPERS – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 7:10 p.m., the Elgin OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a passenger vehicle leaving the roadway and entering a ditch on Third Line near Magdala Road in the Township of Southwold.

No injuries were reported.

As a result of the investigation, John KUIPERS, a 61-year-old from Southwold was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (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 in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on March 11, 2025.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Robert House – Impaired Driving

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), St. Thomas Detachment, located and investigated a vehicle after a Good Samaritan reported a vehicle in the ditch in Southwold Township.

On January 16, 2025, at approximately 10:45 p.m., members of the Elgin OPP located the vehicle in the eastbound ditch, on Talbot Line, west of Ron McNeil Line.

The driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the St. Thomas OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Robert House, a 37-year-old from St. Thomas was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Drive motor vehicle – no licence

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

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on February 18, 2025.

The OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the individual who contacted police and reported this incident. As a direct result, officers were able to safely locate the vehicle and take the driver into custody.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Devon MCLEOD – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On December 2, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Elgin OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a passenger vehicle on Ferguson Line near Wonderland Road in the Township of Southwold.

The lone occupant was transported to a local hospital by Elgin – St. Thomas Emergency Medical Services (EMS). No serious injuries were reported.

As a result of the investigation, Devon MCLEOD, a 46-year-old from Chatham was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (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 in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on January 21, 2025.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Mahmood KASAEI – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), St. Thomas Detachment, has charged an individual following a two-vehicle collision investigation.

On October 10, 2024, at approximately 6:05 p.m., emergency services including Elgin-St. Thomas Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Elgin OPP responded to a “rear-end” collision involving two passenger vehicles on the eastbound Highway 401 near the 169 KM-marker, Township of Southwold.

No serious injuries were reported by any of the individuals involved.

As a result of the investigation, Mahmood KASAEI, a 40-year-old from Thornhill was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood concentration (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 in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on November 12, 2024.

The OPP remind motorists to stay alert to changing traffic, road, and weather conditions. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility with no amount of alcohol or drug being acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Dallas JACOLETTI Was Arrested

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), St. Thomas Detachment has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On August 13, 2024, at approximately 3:50 a.m., emergency services including members of the Elgin County OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision on Bush Line near John Wise Line, Township of Southwold.

The investigating officer observed signs of impairment from the driver of the vehicle. This individual was taken into custody without incident.

The individual was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Dallas JACOLETTI, a 31-year-old from Southwold Township was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on September 24, 2024.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Sulttan AHMAD Was Arrested

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Elgin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), St. Thomas Detachment located and investigated a vehicle after a Good Samaritan reported a traffic complaint in the Township of Southwold.

On June 16, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., members of the Elgin County OPP located the vehicle on John Wise Line near Talbot Line, Township of Southwold.

While speaking to the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of intoxication and a roadside approved screening device (ASD) test was administered, registering a failure. The driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the St. Thomas OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Sulttan AHMAD, a 47-year-old from London was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Speeding 1-49 Km/h over posted limit

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

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on July 16, 2024.

The OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the individual who contacted police and reported this incident. As a direct result, officers were able to safely locate the vehicle and take the driver into custody.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Sarah EMONS – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County (St. Thomas) Detachment has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On April 4, 2024, at approximately 7:55 a.m., members of the Elgin County OPP (St. Thomas Detachment) initiated a single-vehicle collision investigation near Argyle Street and Lanark Street, Township of Southwold.

It was determined that sometime overnight a passenger vehicle travelling on Argyle Street, left the roadway, and entered a nearby creek. The driver of the vehicle left the location at the time of the collision but returned to the scene the following morning, operating another vehicle, and spoke with police.

While speaking to the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of intoxication and a roadside approved screening device (ASD) test was administered, registering a failure. The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Elgin County Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Sarah EMONS, a 45-year-old from Southwold was charged with:

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

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

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on April 30, 2024.

No injuries were reported.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

2 Sent To Hospital Following Collision – One Arrested

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County (St. Thomas) Detachment has charged an individual following a collision investigation.

On Aprill 3, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., emergency services including members of the Elgin County OPP (St. Thomas Detachment) responded to a rear-end collision involving two passenger vehicles on Sunset Road near Talbotville Gore Road, Township of Southwold.

The investigating officer observed signs of impairment from the driver of the vehicle which collided with the rearend of the other vehicle. This individual was taken into custody without incident.

Both involved drivers were transported to a local hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Steven HEWITT, a 47-year-old from Iona was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on April 30, 2024.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – 3 Charged, Names Released


(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County (St. Thomas) Detachment has arrested three individuals after police located a stolen vehicle.

On March 6, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Elgin County OPP received a report of stolen vehicle being operated in the Township of Southwold.

At approximately 11:35 a.m., members of the Elgin County OPP located the stolen vehicle leaving a residence on Talbot Line near Union Road, Township of Southwold.

Police stopped the stolen vehicle, and three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without incident. Investigators determined that there was an outstanding arrest warrant, held by the London Police Service, for one of the individuals.

As a result of the investigation, Sheldan COOPER-OSTRANDER, a 28-year-old from St. Thomas was charged with:

·        Possession property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance – Cocaine

Additionally, Taylor GERRITS, a 29-year-old from City of London was charged with:

·        Possession property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

Further, Chad WHITAKER, a 37-year-old from City of London was charged with:

·        Possession property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Possession property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

The accused parties have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on April 16, 2024.

The 28-year-old was transferred into the custody of the London Police Service to satisfy the arrest warrant.