(TOWN OF MINTO, ON) – On August 22, 2014 at approximately 12:00 p.m., Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers observed a small size, beige pick-up eastbound on Concession Road 8, Mapleton Township. It failed to stop for a stop sign at Concession Road 8 and Wellington Road 10. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, however it accelerated away east bound on Concession Road 8.
Police continued with attempting to stop the vehicle which proceeded into the Town of Drayton. The truck struck the flag pole in the Cenotaph, knocking it down. Attempts to stop the vehicle were discontinued in the interest of public safety. The truck was later located at a property on Wellington Road 11, Mapleton Township abandoned. Police searched the area and located stolen property including a motorcycle, various tools and suspected marijuana but did not find the driver.
Wellington County OPP continued with the investigation and was able to identify the driver of the vehicle. On September 11, 2014 at approximately 4 p.m., uniform officers, Wellington County Street Crime Unit (SCU) and the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) on the strength of a warrant, entered a Prospect Street, Palmerston residence to arrest a male related to this incident. The arrest was made safely and without incident. The male also had 4 outstanding Criminal Code warrants involving stolen property, drugs, driving offences, failing to attend court and a weapons offence.
Michael CASSEL age 29 of Palmerston is charged with;
Driving While Disqualified X 6-Criminal Code (C.C.)
Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle-C.C.
Flight While Pursued By Peace Officer-C.C.
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000-C.C.
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000-C.C.
Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana Under 30 grams-Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (C.D.S.A.)
Drive While Under Suspension X 2-Highway Traffic Act (H.T.A.)
Fail To Remain-H.T.A.
He is scheduled for a bail hearing in Guelph Court on September 12, 2014 to answer the charges
Anyone with information regarding this incident, please contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.crimestoppersguelphwellington.com. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.