(HALIBURTON, ON) – In the evening hours of May 17, 2014 a very large house party occurred at 1652 Contau Lake Road in the Municipality of Highlands East Ontario. The details of the party were advertised through social media and an estimated 150 people were in attendance, the majority of which were from Haliburton County and under 19 years of age. Persons gained access to the residence by breaking in through a window and then opening the front door which allowed unlimited access for the large gathering. The party was held without the knowledge or consent of the property owner. Many of those in attendance were unaware that they were actually committing an offence by being in the residence. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haliburton Highlands Detachment commenced an investigation utilizing the OPP Identification Unit, Crime Unit and detachment uniform members. Evidence including DNA was recovered at the scene and has been sent for analysis. There was a significant amount of damage done to the interior of the residence, which police estimate to be at $25,000. Officers indicated that the residence was ‘trashed’. At this time police have arrested and charged a 16 year old male from Minden with Mischief Over $5000 and Break & Enter. The investigation is still on-going and further charges are presumed to be forthcoming.
OPP are asking area residents to be constantly observing for suspicious vehicles, persons and activity in their areas. OPP Community Services Officer Paul Potter indicates that parents should be aware of the location and type of event that their children are attending and that they check with the property owners or parents first. This planning will help our young people from potentially being involved in situations where under-age drinking or criminal activity could be taking place.