Tag: Area OPP

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind everyone to exercise extreme caution when sharing personal information such as bank account details to strangers whether it be online or over the phone.

In just this week Huron County OPP has become aware of four residents that have shared bank account details with an organization that claims to be involved in providing home warranty services and “carbon tax” refunds. The victims in the matter shared bank account details over the phone in an effort to collect a carbon tax refund. 

Fortunately the victims in these investigations contacted their banking institutions and informed the bank. The accounts are now frozen and are under review. Police checks have revealed this is an active scam throughout the province.

If you are contacted by an organization offering a tax refund of any kind, do not provide any personal information over the phone or online. Simply hang up the phone or delete the message. If you have any doubt a quick online search of the business/organization through the Better Business Bureau of Canada www.bbb.org or a basic online search will likely confirm your suspicions that it is a scam. 

In 2020, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received 19,473 fraud reports from 9,858 Ontario victims who reported losing approximately $47 million to fraudsters. Moreover CAFC received, 67,294 reports from Canadian consumers and businesses that reported losses totalling more than $104.2 million. Unfortunately, this figure only represents the losses related to approximately five percent of fraud victims who report the crime to police or the CAFC. 

Fraudsters have embraced technologies to engage, target and exploit victims, often with devastating financial and emotional effects. All Canadians can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud. Some basic online tips include:

·        Creating strong passwords

·        Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments

·        Restricting the amount of information shared publicly

·        Show caution with regards to social media; and

·        Update technical security software.

Fraud Prevention Month is about the fraud prevention community working together to create greater awareness and to highlight the various ways that all Canadians are being targeted by fraud. By emphasizing the education component, Canadians can be better prepared.  

If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, we urge individuals to contact your local police service and 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.

(NORTH HURON, ON) – On March 2, 2021 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a media release indicating a 25 year-old Mitchell resident was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Fail to Comply with an Undertaking in connection with an event that took place on London Road on February 25, 2021. 

Police have since determined the previously named accused in this matter utilized an alias in an effort to avoid police prosecution. 

The true identity of the accused has been determined to be Marc SCHOELIER, 24 years of age from Mitchell.  Additional criminal charges are forthcoming in this matter against the accused.

(LAMBTON SHORES, ON) – On March 3, 2021 at approximate 11:50 p.m. members of the Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver on Lakeshore Road, Town of Grand Bend.  

Lambton OPP located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Initial investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle was wanted by another County and was subsequently arrested. Search upon arrest located suspected Fentanyl and Crystal Methamphetamine.  

Sarah GORE, 43 year old of Lambton Shores, has been charged with Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Two Counts), pursuant to the Controlled Drug and Substance Act.  

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice-Sarnia, Ontario at a later date. 

If you see a driver you suspect may be impaired by alcohol or drugs, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *OPP (677) on your mobile phone. Your call could make our roads safer for all. 

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Once again scammers have preyed on victims that are simply trying to help out others. Two recent scams, one in Goderich and one in Exeter are currently being investigated by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment. 

 Last week, two victims, one in their 70’s and one in their 80’s each sent out $4,000 cash to an address in Montreal, Quebec to help out someone that they believed had been involved in a car crash.  One victim thought they were helping out a neighbour and the other victim thought they were dealing with a grandchild. In both instances the victim proceeded to send cash to the address in Quebec.  

Typically the caller will desperately explain that they are involved in some sort of collision, mishap or are having trouble returning from a foreign country and need money ‘right away.’ They will rely on your love for your family/friends and will gain your trust to keep the matter secret.  Fraudsters pressure people into wiring money, sending cash or purchasing gift cards which they turn into cash by cloning the card. Once you wire or send the information on the gift card, your money is gone. 

Warning signs:

·        Urgency — The scammer always makes the request sound very urgent, which may cause the victim to not verify the story.

·        Fear — The scammer plays on the victim’s emotions by generating a sense of fear. For instance they may say, “I am scared and I need help from you.” Verify the identity of the person by asking a question they would not know the answer to. 

·        Secrecy — The scammer pleads with the victim not to tell anyone about the situation, such as, “Please don’t tell Dad or Mom, they would be so mad.” Regardless of the emergency, call another family member to confirm the story.

·        Request for Money Transfer or Gift Cards — Money is usually requested to be sent by a money transfer company to the criminals, but gift cards are now the more frequently used, easy-to-liquidate alternative to cash.

(WEST PERTH, ON) – A Perth East resident is facing a number of charges after an assault in the Municipality of West Perth.

On February 27 2021, just before 6:00 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of an assault with a weapon that had just occurred at a residence, and the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. It was reported that the suspect was possibly impaired.

The vehicle was located driving on Perth Line 44, in the Municipality of West Perth, where it was stopped by police. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was showing signs of impairment. They were arrested and brought to a local OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Kylee PAULI, 36, of Perth East, has been arrested and charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Resist Peace Officer
• Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
• Mischief Over $5000

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges.

(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – On March 5, 2021 at 7:49 p.m. members of the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to single motor vehicle collision on Lindenwood Road, in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.  

OPP officers were assisted at scene by the Inter-Township Fire Department and two patients were transported to hospital via ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

The involved driver was arrested for impaired driving. A breath test recorded readings over the legal limit of 80 milligrams (mgs) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. 

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Hope LONG, 33 years-of-age, from Georgian Bluffs with the following offences:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, section 320.14(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Operation while impaired with blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs or more, section 320.14(1)(b) CCC

The accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 22, 2021.

(MIDDLESEX, ON) – Over the course of the weekend, members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were busy during their part to keep our communities safe. 

(Thames Centre) – On March 2, 2021, Middlesex OPP officers were dispatched to the Highway 401, eastbound scales, at Putnam Road, to assist MTO officers with a large quantity of Marihuana plants located in the back of a moving van.

Investigation revealed the cube van contained 234 marihuana plants with an estimated value of $234,000.

Middlesex OPP have charged a 24-year-old from Scarborough with:

• Possession of more than four cannabis plants (not budding or flowering), section 8(1)(e) of the Cannabis Act.
• Cultivate, propagate or harvest more than four cannabis plants, section 12(4)(b) of the Cannabis Act.

The accused has been released from police custody and is set to attend court on April 30, 2021.

(Middlesex Centre) – On March 3, 2021, at 1:03 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police located a single motor vehicle in the ditch on Highbury Avenue at Nine Mile Road, Middlesex Centre Township.

As a result, Adrian BLIZZARD, a 33-year-old from Cambridge, has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol, as per section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
•  Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), as per section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Accused has been released from custody and is to appear in London Criminal court on March 29, 2021.

(Middlesex Centre) – On March 4, 2021, Middlesex OPP responded to the report of a theft of a Kubota Skid Steer, with an approximate value of $90,000, in the new-build site on Crestview Drive, Kilworth, Middlesex Centre. At this point, no suspects have been identified.

(Middlesex Centre) – On March 5, 2021, at 09:27 a.m., Middlesex OPP Officers observed a motor vehicle travelling in excess of the 80km/h speed limit on Richmond Street, Middlesex Centre.

A traffic stop was initiated and a 25-year-old driver from West Perth Township has been charged with:

• Race a motor vehicle – Excessive Speed, Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.

The driver’s vehicle was impounded at the roadside and the individual’s driver’s licence was suspended for a period of 7 days.

The driver is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Provincial Traffic Court to speak to the charge.

(Middlesex Centre) – On March 6, 2021, at 09:46 a.m., Middlesex OPP Officers observed a motor vehicle travelling in excess of the 80km/h speed limit on Highbury Avenue at Elginfield Road.

A traffic stop was initiated and a 21-year-old driver from Huron-Kinloss Township has been charged with:

• Race a motor vehicle – Excessive Speed, Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.

The driver’s vehicle was impounded at the roadside and the individual’s driver’s licence was suspended for a period of 7 days.

The driver is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Provincial Traffic Court to speak to the charge.

(Southwest Middlesex) – On March 4, 2021, Middlesex OPP Officers responded to the report of a theft of a White, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, from an address on Appin Road, Southwest Middlesex. At this point, no suspects have been identified.

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.   

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to investigate a head-on crash that sent both drivers to hospital 07Mar2021. 

At approximately 5:30 p.m. Huron OPP, Huron County Paramedic Services and Goderich Fire Department responded to the crash scene located on Bluewater Veteran’s Highway (Highway 21) just south of Kitchigami Road. 

Upon arrival first responders found two heavily damaged vehicles, a jeep and a pickup truck. First responders had to free the trapped driver out of the pickup truck. The driver of the jeep managed to escape the wreckage before it caught fire. 

Both drivers, a 19-year-old from Bluewater and a 27-year-old from Amherstburg sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Any person with information regarding this crash should immediately 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.

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team continue to investigate a fatal snowmobile crash that took place southeast of Vanastra.

On Friday, March 5, 2021 at approximately 8:35 a.m. officers became aware of an overdue person that failed to return home on his snowmobile. A search was conducted by police and civilians and shortly before 11:00 a.m. the crash scene was located off of Morrison Line on private property.

The lone rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as Jess AICKEN, 33 years of age from Huron East.

Any person with information regarding this crash should immediately 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.

(SOUTHGATE, ON) – On March 1, 2021 at 1:09 a.m. Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on a farm tractor that was towing a damaged pick-up truck behind on Victoria Street West, in the Village of Dundalk, in the Township of Southgate.

Offices spoke with the driver, who was currently prohibited from driving, from previous incidents.         

As a result of this investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged Bradley FERGUSON, 28 years-of-age, from Southgate, with three counts of operation while prohibited, section 320.18(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada

The accused must attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 8, 2021.

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – Impaired drivers continue to be a risk on the roads of Perth County, and two more have been charged recently.

On February 14 2021, just before 11:00 a.m., the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a minor collision on Perth Road 107, at William Street, in Shakespeare. A van had rear-ended a car at the intersection, and there were no injuries. When police arrived on scene, it was determined that the driver of the van, who was the lone occupant, was impaired.

As a result, Tammy PAUL, 48, of Stratford, has been charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charge.

On February 18 2021, just after 10:00 p.m., the Perth County OPP responded to a vehicle in the ditch on Line 26, in the Township of Perth East. When police arrived on scene, it was determined that the lone occupant of the vehicle was showing signs of impairment. They were arrested and brought to a local OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, Wayne BARBER, 53, of West Perth, was charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
• Driving a Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charge.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it immediately.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On February 3, 2021, Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a break and enter to a residence on Speedvale Avenue in Guelph-Eramosa Township.

It was reported that sometime during the day, suspect(s) broke into the victim’s home and stole several items including, jewellery, electronics, and credit cards.

The victim later discovered that their stolen credit cards were used at several businesses within in the City of Guelph. 

Police attended the involved businesses and obtained the video footage of the suspects committing the crimes.

As a result of investigation, Wellington County OPP arrested two suspects on March 4, 2021.

 Candiss A PETTITT, 37-years-old of Guelph has been charged with;

• Possession of Property Obtained by a Crime Under $5000 (2 counts)
• Use of Stolen Credit Card (4 Counts)

 Krystal Ann BOWMAN, 34-years-old of Guelph has been charged with;

• Use of Stolen Credit Card (3 Counts)

They are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on April 6, 2021 to answer to the charges.

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – A number of people have been charged following domestic related incidents lately in Perth County. The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants victims to know that they are not alone.

On February 17 2021, the Perth County OPP, along with the Huron County OPP, investigated a report of assaults that had occurred over the past few years at different addresses in Perth County.

As a result of this investigation, a 22-year-old North Perth resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Mischief – Domestic (two counts)
• Mischief Over $5000
• Assault – Spousal (two counts)

On February 19 2021, just after 10:00 p.m. the Perth County OPP responded to a domestic related disturbance between two people at a residence on St. Andrew Street, Mitchell. During the investigation, it was determined that one person had assaulted the other, and additional assaults were disclosed.

As a result, a 32-year-old resident of West Perth has been arrested and charged with:

• Assault – Spousal (two counts)
• Assault Cause Bodily Harm – Choke, suffocate or strangle

On February 25 2021, just before 9:30 p.m. the Perth County OPP were called to a residence on Tremaine Avenue South, in Listowel, for an unwanted person. When police arrived on scene, the suspect had fled on foot but were located a short distance away.

As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old North Perth resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Harassing Communications

Another historic incident was reported to Perth County OPP on February 28, 2021. The investigation in this case revealed that an assault had occurred, and property was damaged by the suspect.

As a result, a 38-year-old Howick Township resident has been arrested and charged with:

• Assault – Spousal
• Mischief – Destroys or Damages Property

In all cases, the accused parties were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges.

Victims of domestic violence are not alone. If you, or someone you know, is in need of support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth at 1-866-376-9852.

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

(WOODSTOCK, ON) – On March 3, 2021,Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Woodstock Police Service along with members of OPP Digital Forensics, executed a search warrant at a residence in Woodstock, Ontario following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.  

  As a result of this investigation, 38-year old Allen ROBINSON was arrested and charged with seven counts of making pornography by the written word, seven counts of distributing child pornography and twelve (12) counts of harassing communication.  Three exhibits were seized for further examination.

  The accused appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock by video and was released with conditions.  

  Police encourage anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children, to go to www.protectchildren.ca and download the “Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business” brochure from the Canadian Center for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can save a child.

Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca.

(TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH-ERAMOSA, ON) – On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Wellington County and Cambridge detachments along with Township of Woolwich Fire Department and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services responded to a serious single motor vehicle collision on Highway 7 at Woolwich-Guelph Townline, just west of Guelph.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a westbound courier truck collided with the rear of a tractor trailer. The driver of the courier truck was extricated from the vehicle and transported by Ornge air ambulance to a trauma centre in Hamilton with serious injuries. The second driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the courier vehicle, 26-year-old Ryan Matthew PLISEK from Guelph, Ontario was later pronounced deceased in hospital by attending physicians.

OPP Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) assisted Wellington County OPP with the investigation. Highway 7 was closed between Wellington Road 32 and Shantz Station Road for several hours to allow for investigation.

Wellington County OPP is asking anyone that may have witnessed this collision or has dash cam video equipped in their vehicles, to please call, 1-888-310-1122.