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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases

Wingham Hit & Run – Shannon KUCAN Arrested For Drunk Driving

(NORTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Township of North Huron resident with impaired driving offences following a fail-to-remain collision in North Huron, Wingham on January 28th, 2024. 

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 28th, Huron County OPP officers responded to a report of a collision on Minnie Street in Wingham. Police attended and located a damaged parked vehicle that had been hit by a second vehicle that failed to remain at the scene. Officers located a damaged vehicle nearby that matched the description provided to police. The suspected driver was located and subsequently arrested for impaired operation.

The accused was transported by police to obtain breath samples before a qualified Intoxilyzer Breath Technician. Breath samples provided to police resulted in readings over two times the legal limit.

Shannon KUCAN, 43 years-of-age from North Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs,

–      Operation while Impaired – Over 80,

–      Dangerous Operation.

The accused was additionally charged with Failing to Remain under the Highway Traffic Act.

The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 4th, 2024. 

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“Contractor” Zack BALDWIN Arrested – Police Fear More Victims

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Goderich resident with eleven counts of Fraud following a lengthy investigation involving multiple victims across Huron County. 

Huron County OPP received numerous complaints in 2022 and 2023 involving the same individual who claimed to operate construction, renovation, and landscaping businesses. The complainants, all from Huron County, reside in Central Huron, North Huron, Goderich, South Huron, and Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. All reported similar experiences where monetary deposits were provided in advance to the suspect who promised certain work to be completed by a certain deadline. The suspect would then either perform no work at all, or very little work in return, then cease communication with the customers. Total monetary losses reported by the complainants in this investigation exceeds $74,000.

Police were able to identify the suspect and they were subsequently arrested on February 4th, 2024. The accused was formally charged and processed at the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton.

Zack BALDWIN, 30 years of age from Goderich has been charged with:

–      Fraud Under $5,000 – (five counts),

–      Fraud Over $5,000 – (six counts).

The accused was later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on March 11th, 2024. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to 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) or submit a web tip at P3tips where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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CHAMBERS Arrested Again

(NORTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a North Huron resident with Prohibited Driving offences, along with several other offences following an observation by police on January 26th, 2024. 

On Friday afternoon, January 26th just after 3:00 p.m., Huron County OPP were patrolling in the Township of North Huron, Wingham when they observed a suspected prohibited driver operating a vehicle on Josephine Street.

The investigating officer confirmed that the male driver was prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code and suspended from driving under the Highway Traffic Act. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and taken into custody.

Nathan CHAMBERS, 26 years of age from North Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Prohibited – (six counts),

–      Fail to Comply with Probation – (two counts).

The accused was additionally charged with “Driving while under Suspension” found in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for 45 days.

The accused was later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for April 8th, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

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37 Year Old From Listowel Arrested

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Listowel resident with impaired driving in the Municipality of North Perth.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, just after 4:00 p.m., Perth County OPP were alerted to a possible impaired driver in Listowel. 

Amadi Kabura, 37, of Listowel, has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on March 4th, 2024, to answer to the charges.

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.

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BELL Arrested

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On January 28, 2024, at 12:13 a.m., members of the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting R.I.D.E. on Highway 9, in the hamlet of Bervie, when a vehicle stopped. Officers determined that the driver had been drinking alcohol.

They were placed under arrest and taken to a Qualified Intoxilizer Technician for breath tests.

Brandon BELL, 27-years-old, from Arran-Elderslie Township was charged with:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Operate over 80 milligrams
  • Drive with Open Container of Liquor
  • Improper Muffler
  • Unauthorized License Plates
  • Fail to Surrender Insurance Card

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton on March 13, 2024, to answer to the charges.

An impaired driving charge includes an immediate 90-day driver’s license suspension and an immediate 7-day vehicle impoundment.

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Chatsworth Fire

(CHATSWORTH, ON) – On January 29, 2024, the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a residential fire on Crawford Street in Chatsworth.

On January 29, 2024, at 1:06 a.m., Chatsworth Fire Department advised the Grey Bruce OPP that they were attending a structure fire at a duplex on Crawford Street in Chatsworth. All occupants were evacuated from the residences prior to police arrival. The Chatsworth Fire Department deemed the fire to be nonsuspicious.

The Intertownship Fire Department along with Grey County Emergency Services attended to assist.

There are no injuries reported.

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KING Caught With Child Pornography

(Mount Forest, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit with the assistance of Norfolk OPP detachment members and OPP Digital Forensics Unit have arrested and charged a Norfolk, ON resident following an online child sexual exploitation investigation. A search warrant was executed at the accused residence and several electronic devices were seized.

As a result of this investigation, James KING, 66 years of age, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Possession of Child Pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
  • Making Child Pornography available contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused is scheduled to appear on the 24th of January 2024 for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Norfolk, ON.

Children are our most valuable and precious members of society. Many victims of child sexual abuse are so young that they cannot tell their story. Every time an image or video depicting that abuse is shared, that child is re-victimized.

The OPP will continue to aggressively identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. 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.

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Homeless Repeat Offender Arrested Again – Name Released

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – An investigation conducted by the Huron-Perth Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) and members of the Huron County OPP Major Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of a wanted individual and recovery of a stolen pickup truck on January 18th, 2024.

On December 15th, 2023, Huron County OPP officers investigated a fail to stop for police incident involving an individual known to police. This incident took place in the Municipality of Central Huron (Clinton). A warrant was issued for the arrest of the driver as a result.

On January 18th, 2024, members of the Huron County OPP, West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), West Region K-9, and members of the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at an address in Central Huron (Auburn). During the execution of the warrant, the wanted individual attempted to evade capture, and was arrested soon after. A stolen 2017 Dodge pickup truck from London was recovered from the location.

Jeffrey STRAUGHAN, 43 years of age from “no fixed address” has been charged with the following criminal code offences:

  • Operation While Prohibited – (four counts),
  • Dangerous Operation,
  • Flight From Peace Officer,
  • Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon,
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order – (four counts),
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,
  • Fail to Comply with Prohibition Order – (two counts).

The accused was additionally charged with Highway Traffic Act offences (Drive while Under Suspension – two counts).

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing, and remanded into custody with a court appearance scheduled in the Goderich Ontario Court of Justice.

Any person with information regarding this incident or any other incident is asked to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

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Repeat Offender Arrested In Kincardine

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On January 23, 2024, at 1:27 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a suspected impaired driver operating a commercial vehicle in the town of Kincardine.

Officers located the vehicle and noted that the driver was exhibiting signs of impairment. They were placed under arrest and taken to a Qualified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) for testing.

As a result of the police investigation, the driver was determined to be involved in other matters.

Joey HACHEY-BUCCHIANCO, 27-years-old, from the Province of Quebec was charged with:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of a Forged Document – two counts
  • Mischief under $5,000
  • Obstruct a Peace Officer
  • Fail to Comply with Probation – two counts

The accused was held in custody pending the results of a show cause hearing.

An impaired driving charge includes an immediate 90-day driver’s license suspension and an immediate 7-day vehicle impoundment.

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35 Year Old From Stratford Arrested

(PERTH EAST, ON) – A motor vehicle driver is facing charges after the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop in the Township of Perth East.

On Thursday, January 18th, 2024, just after 9:00 p.m. OPP was alerted to a motor vehicle that was observed driving in a concerning matter. OPP spoke with the vehicle driver and as a result, Lindsay Ballantyne, 35, of Stratford, was charged with:

–       Operation while impaired- alcohol and drugs

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on February 12, 2024 to answer to the charges. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per stature.

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

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66 Year Old From Stratford Arrested – Name Released

(WEST PERTH, ON) – A motor vehicle driver is facing charges after the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initiated a traffic stop in the Municipality of West Perth.

On Saturday, January 20th, 2024, just after 11:00 p.m. Perth County OPP conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle in Mitchell. An investigation was initiated, and it was determined the driver was impaired. 

David Hartleib, 66, of Stratford, was 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 on February 26, 2024 to answer to the charge. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per stature.

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

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Repeat Offender Arrested Again – Assault With Weapon

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On January 21, 2024, at 12:09 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a disturbance in the 300 block of Queen Street in Kincardine.

Officers responded with members of Bruce County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to find an individual had been injured with an edged weapon.

As a result of the police investigation, one person was taken into custody without incident.

Kimberley HUNT, 41-years-old from the Municipality of Kincardine was charged with:

  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Fail to Comply with Probation – two counts

The accused remains in custody pending the results of a show cause hearing.

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24 Year Old Arrested – Name Released

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On January 18, 2024, at 8:58 p.m., members of the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting R.I.D.E. on Millenium Way in Kincardine when a vehicle stopped.

Officers noted that the driver was exhibiting signs of impairment. They were placed under arrest and taken to a Qualified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) for testing.

Justin HAVENS, 24-years-old, from the Township of Huron Kinloss was charged with Impaired Driving and Drive with Cannabis Readily Available.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton on February 28, 2024, to answer to the charges.

An impaired driving charge includes an immediate 90-day driver’s license suspension and an immediate 7-day vehicle impoundment.

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Two From Meaford Arrested

(MEAFORD/GREY HIGHLANDS, ON) – On January 15, 2024, at 5:36 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a stolen John Deere tractor from a property in the Municipality of Meaford.

Police learned that a tractor which was utilized for snow removal had been stolen from a parking lot sometime between 11:00 p.m., and 5:00 a.m. At 5:36 a.m., the Grey Bruce OPP were called advising that the tractor was observed and being followed by a citizen in the Municipality of Grey Highlands.

Police attended the area and as a result, two individuals were taken into custody without incident.

Tamara Flynn, 29-year-old from the Municipality of Meaford has been charged with the following:

·      Theft over $5000

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

·      Failure to comply with undertaking

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 22, 2024.

Elliot Kavanagh, 39-year-old from the Municipality of Meaford has been charged with the following:

·      Theft over $5000

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

·      Fail to comply with probation

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 22, 2024.

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Fatal Collision Closes Hwy 21

(SAUGEEN TWP, ON) – On January 21, 2024, at 10:38 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a serious two-vehicle vehicle collision along Highway 21 in Saugeen Township.

Officers responded to the scene with members of the Saugeen Shores Police Service, Saugeen Shores Fire Department and Bruce County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to find a van and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) involved in the collision.

A passenger from the SUV was taken to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.

The driver of the SUV was airlifted to a London hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Highway 21 is closed between Bruce County Road 40 and Concession 2, Saugeen Township for the protection of emergency responders. Motorists are asked to respect the closure and avoid the incident area. 

The South Bruce OPP is continuing to investigate the collision along with members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team and the Coroner’s Office.