Category: Wellington

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wellington Wellington North

OPP Warn – Answer Door Immediately Or Be Treated As A Barricaded Person #FilmThePolice #WarrantlessSearch

Tactical Response Team

(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on scene with a barricaded subject, who later surrendered to police peacefully and was brought to hospital. Individual later charged stemming from investigation.

On September 19, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Wellington County OPP were called to a residence on Highway 6, just north of Arthur within Wellington North Township, regarding a barricaded person.

Out of an abundance of caution, a shelter-in-place order was issued for Wellington North Township prior to the arrival of emergency units. It was promptly lifted once officers secured the scene and confirmed that the incident was confined to a single residence.

The Wellington County OPP, alongside West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine, Crisis Negotiators and Paramedic Services attended.

The individual temporary barricade themselves inside the residence, before eventually surrendering peacefully to police, and was brought to hospital for assessment.

On September 20, 2025, as a result of the investigation, the individual, who will not be named out of concern for their well-being, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or resisted firearm
  • Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition

Once the individual was released from hospital, they were held in custody, pending a bail hearing.

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

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

Victory! Wellington OPP To Finally Wear Body Cameras #FilmThePolice #FTP

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are now equipped with ‘Body Worn Cameras’ (BWC).

The OPP is committed to adopting tools and technologies that improve the quality of evidence, enhance accountability and transparency, and ultimately support the safety of both the public and officers in the communities we serve.

After a successful roll out of the ‘In Car Cameras’ (ICC), which incorporated an ‘Automated Licence Plate Recognition’ (ALPR) system, the Wellington County OPP, along with other detachments within West Region, are rolling out BWC’s for each individual officer.

The BWCs are worn on the front of the officer’s vest and are clearly visible to anyone an officer may be interacting with. The BWC will display a visible green ring with flashing lights when in standby mode, which will turn flashing red once the BWC’s begin recording.

The full deployment of the BWCs in Wellington County is expected to be complete as soon as practicable, though officers who have finished training will begin using them immediately.

The Wellington County OPP remains dedicated to ensuring public safety and providing proactive, innovative policing in partnership with our communities. We value your role in helping build safer communities for everyone.

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Centre Of Wellington OPP Orangeville Police Press Releases Wellington

63 Year Old Arrested – Details Released

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charges Orangeville resident with several provincial offences.

On September 18, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., members of the Wellington County OPP Traffic Management Unit were performing a proactive traffic enforcement initiative, which resulted in a traffic stop being conducted on Albert Street West within Fergus.

As a result of the investigation, a 63-year-old from Orangeville is charged under the Highway Traffic Act and the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act with:

  • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Use plate not authorized for vehicle
  • Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
  • Drive motor vehicle, no permit

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Provincial Offences Court – Guelph at a later date.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122.

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Centre Of Wellington Guelph OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

18 Year Old Has Vehicle Impounded After Incident Outside Busy School

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charges Guelph resident with stunt driving, going almost double the posted speed limit outside of a local busy school.

On September 13, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP were performing a proactive traffic enforcement initiative and observed a motor vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed, to which a traffic stop was initiated on Scotland Street within Fergus.

As a result of the investigation, an 18-year-old of Guelph is charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

  • Speeding 1 – 49 km/h over posted limit
  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt

Anyone charged with ‘drive motor vehicle – perform stunt’ receives a 14-day impoundment and a 30-day driver’s licence suspension as per statute.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the provincial offences court – Guelph, at a later date

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Centre Of Wellington OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

Police Seize All “Weapons” From Home Claiming Resident Touched/Brandished A Replica #PoliceGoneMental

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charge a local resident criminally with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

On September 8, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Wellington County OPP, alongside the OPP West Region Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit, attended a home in Fergus to assist a neighbouring police service in arresting an individual on their behalf.

Upon arrival, the individual temporarily barricaded themselves inside their residence and brandished a replica sword to police. The accused eventually surrendered without incident and was cooperative with police. For public safety, the replica swords, a replica gun (air gun) and knives were seized from the scene.

The individual was then brought to local hospital for assessment.

On September 17, 2025, when the individual was released from hospital, they were then arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph on October 21, 2025.

The accused’s name is being withheld, out of concern for their well being.

The OPP would like to remind the public that the use of replica weapons to commit crimes can lead to serious consequences because they’re considered to be weapons under the Criminal Code if they’re to threaten, intimidate or commit an offence. Anyone who uses a replica weapon to commit a crime could face the same penalties under the Criminal Code as someone who uses a regular weapon.

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Alma Centre Of Wellington OPP Wellington

Fair Fight – Eric BOLGER Arrested

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) – An individual has been charged following an incident at the Fergus Fall Fair over the weekend.

On September 12, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a physical altercation between two individuals at the Fergus Fall Fair.

Eric BOLGER, a 19-year-old of Alma, was charged under the Criminal Code with Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

The victim attended a local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on October 14th, 2025, to answer to the charge.

The Wellington OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000

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Puslinch Wellington

Richard REID Was Arrested and Released Again

(PUSLINCH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have re-arrested and laid an additional charge on an individual in relation to a sexual assault investigation in Puslinch Township.

On February 5, 2025, members of the Wellington County OPP launched an investigation after receiving information of a sexual assault which occurred at a residence in Puslinch Township.

On July 24, 2025, the Wellington County OPP Crime Unit arrested and charged Richard REID, 74-year-old of Puslinch Township, with sexual assault.

The accused was released from police custody at the time and was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on August 29, 2025, for the first offence.

On September 10, 2025, based on another victim coming forward to police with evidence relating to a historical incident, the Wellington County OPP re-arrested Richard REID with another count of sexual assault.

Richard REID has been released from police custody and was scheduled to appear again in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on October 17, 2025.

This investigation is ongoing, and investigators suspect there may be other incidents involving the accused. Anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact investigators at the Wellington County OPP Crime Unit.

The public should know there is no statute of limitations on sexual offences, and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed.

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

If you have any information regarding this investigation or any other incident, please call the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. 

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

3 Arrested For Break & Enter & Theft – HARPER, RICHARDSON & KESSO

(WELLINGTON, ON) – Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three individuals following the theft of metal from a business in the community of Palmerston.

On July 26, 2025 just before 4:00 a.m. the Wellington County OPP received a call that three males were stealing metal from a local business. The three males fled from the scene upon police arrival but were later located.

Kevin HARPER, 33 years old of Listowel, Dustin RICHARDSON, 35 years old of Listowel, and Bradley KESSO, 40 years old of Atwood have been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada Offences:

  • Theft Under $5,000
  • Possession Break In Instruments
  • Break and Enter

HARPER and KESSO were released from custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on August 26, 2025. RICHARDSON was held in custody for a bail hearing and was later released and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 22, 2025 in Guelph.

Police are requesting anyone with information related to this investigation to call the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477 (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 Wellington

Ashlee RYAN – Drunk Driving

(WELLINGTON, ON) – Impaired driving charges have been laid after an incident in Wellington.

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, shortly before 9:30 p.m., officers with the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a disturbance in a parking lot on Wharf Street.

Officers arrested an individual who was transported to the detachment for testing.

Ashlee RYAN, age 24 of Prince Edward County, has been charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on June 25, 2025.

The individual’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

$80,000 Romance Scam

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the public to familiarize themselves with different online scams, particularly those related to romance.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Wellington County OPP received a report of an online fraud from a resident of Guelph-Eramosa Township.

It was reported that between February and April 2025, the victim, who had developed an online relationship with an unidentified individual, was defrauded of more than $80,000. Throughout their interaction, the individual suspected to be the perpetrator, made multiple appeals for financial support, predominantly in the form of e-transfers and cryptocurrency, citing a fictious need for assistance.

A romance scam is a type of online fraud where individuals use fake identities and build romantic relationships with victims through online platforms, social media, or dating websites. The scammer typically creates a convincing profile, often using stolen photos and a fabricated backstory, to gain the trust of the victim. Once a connection is established, the scammer often exploits the victim’s emotions to manipulate them into sending money or providing personal information.

Common elements of a romance scam include:

·      Fake identities: Scammers create fake profiles, often using attractive photos and compelling personal stories to appear genuine.

·      Financial requests: Once trust is established, scammers often invent fictitious emergencies or situations that require financial assistance. They ask the victim to send money, gifts, or even provide banking details.

·      Reluctance to meet in person: Scammers often find excuses to avoid meeting in person, citing various reasons such as living in another country or facing trave restrictions.

If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime, and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The CAFC collects information on fraud and identity theft Canada wide. Contact the CAFC by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online by way of the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

For more information on scams and frauds, the public is encouraged to read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found online: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html

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OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

Violence & Abuse In Mount Forest #WaitInTheTruck

(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charges Mount Forest resident with two criminal charges in relation to an intimate partner violence investigation.

On March 31, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., members of the Wellington County OPP were dispatched to a report of a disturbance at an address in Mount Forest.

As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old of Mount Forest is charged under the Criminal Code with the following:

  • Assault – spousal
  • Assault cause bodily harm – choke, suffocate or strangle

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault are not alone. If you, or someone you know, needs support, there are local resources listed below that are available to help:

·        Victim Services Wellington: 519-824-1212

·        Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre: 519-837-6440

·        Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis: 519-836-1110 or 1-800-265-7233

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 Wellington

Andrew DOUPE Was Arrested – Details Released

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – An investigation conducted by the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) arrest an individual, recovering victim’s personalized goalie equipment.

On February 18, 2025, the CSCU unit entered into an investigation where a victim was reporting that his personalized goalie equipment had be stolen by an unknown person back in 2022 from the Palmerston Area.

On March 10, 2025, as a result of the CSCU investigation, Andrew DOUPE, 47-year-old of North Perth, has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

·        Possession Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000.

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 8, 2025.

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, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

$85,000 Drug Bust: Christopher BAIRD

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – An investigation conducted by the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of Guelph BEAT (Break Enter and Auto Theft) Unit, results in the seizure of almost $85,000 worth of illegal drugs and offence-related property. One individual arrested and criminal charges have been laid.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP CSCU conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle on 5th Line within Guelph-Eramosa Township – Wellington County, stemming from an extensive criminal investigation. The traffic stop resulted in one individual being taken into custody without incident. Police seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and other offence-related property.

The following day, on February 20, 2025, the Wellington County OPP CSCU executed a search warrant on Argyll Street within the Town of Fergus and seized a quantity of suspected methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and other offence-related property.

The estimated street value of the illicit drugs is approximately $85,000, and other property estimated value to be $4,000.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher BAIRD, 34-year-old of Fergus, has been arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) with the following:

  • Possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (three counts)

The accused was held in custody, pending a bail hearing, and has since been released and set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on March 18, 2025.

The Wellington 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), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

Blyth Resident Charged – Details Released

(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charges Blyth resident under the Highway Traffic Act with several charges.

On January 10, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP were performing a traffic enforcement initiative when they detected a suspicious motor vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on Sideroad 7 West within Wellington North Township.

As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old from Blyth was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

  • No name on commercial vehicle
  • Fail to surrender CVOR certificate
  • Permit operation of vehicle with load not secured as prescribed

The accused was also given warnings under the Highway Traffic Act for:

  • Operate commercial motor vehicle with load not secured as prescribed
  • Obstruct plate
  • Permit operation of unsafe combination of vehicles

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Provincial Offences Court – Guelph at a later date.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

More Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Three individuals are facing impaired driving charges in three separate occurrences.

On August 16, 2024, at 7:34 p.m., the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a collision on St. Andrews Street West in Fergus. The Wellington County OPP located the vehicle and driver.  As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. 

As a result, Jason Heustis, 53-years-old from Guelph was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – opioid (other than heroin)

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 27, 2024.

On August 17, 2024, at 10:55 p.m., the Wellington County OPP was conducting traffic enforcement on Wellinton Road 109 in Wellington North. The officer observed a vehicle that was travelling 134km/hr in an 80km/hr zone. A traffic stop was conducted. As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected.

As a result, Daniel Mercedes, 31-years-old from Toronto was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
  • Speeding 50+km/hr over posted limit

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 30, 2024.

On August 18, 2024, at 12:32 a.m., the Wellington County OPP received a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver on Tower Street South in Fergus. The Wellington County OPP located the motor vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. The driver refused the approved screening device (ASD).

As a result, Cheryl Clarke, 49-years-old from Halton Hills was charged with:

·      Failure or refusal to comply with demand

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 27, 2024.

If you suspect an impaired driver, please call 911.

Existing legislation allows an officer to make a demand for a roadside breath sample when they have reasonable suspicion. The legislation gives officers who have an Approved Screening Device (ASD) the authority to make a demand for a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver to determine whether a person has alcohol in their body. It is mandatory for drivers to comply with this demand, or they can be charged with failing or refusing to provide a breath sample.