(TOWNSHIP OF MAPLETON, ON) – On December 26, 2020, at approximately 8:15 a.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a theft of a truck which had just occurred at a residence on Wellington Road 7 near Alma.
Witnesses reported that two suspects arrived at the victim’s property in a black pick-up truck that was carrying a snowmobile. One of the suspects then stole the victim’s vehicle and the two fled the area at a high rate of speed.
A short time later, police spotted one of the pick-up trucks on the Fourteenth Line of Mapleton Township. As police were attempting to pull over the vehicle, the suspect suddenly reversed and collided with an OPP cruiser causing minor damage.
During the arrest, police formed the opinion that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. A Roadside Screening Device test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP operations centre for further testing.
Police determined that the motor vehicle was stolen out of Middlesex County and the snowmobile was reported stolen out of West Grey. A quantity of cocaine was located in the stolen vehicle.
Carrie Lynn BENINGER, 40-years-old from Barrie, has been charged with;
- Theft of Motor Vehicle Over $5000
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (2 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Operation While Impaired-Over 80
- Possession of a Controlled Substance-Cocaine
As a result of further investigation, the second suspect that fled the area in the other stolen truck was later identified. They are currently in custody on outstanding charges with another police agency.
Matthew Irwin CHARLTON, 36-years-old from Wingham has been charged with;
- Theft of Motor Vehicle Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (2 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada.
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Operate Motor Vehicle While Prohibited (4 counts)
Both accused will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph at a later date.
