(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.
