Category: Police Press Releases

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – As a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that was initiated in the Summer of 2023 in Perth County, two people were arrested and a search warrant was executed in the Municipality of North Perth.

On September 20, 2023, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant at a residence on Krotz Street in Listowel.

Police seized suspected methamphetamine, and a suspected stolen Can-Am utility vehicle.

Michael MCLAUGHLIN, a 40-year-old resident of North Perth, was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking- Methamphetamine

·      Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other drugs

·      Allegation of Breach of Conditional Sentence

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Jessica Martin, a 34-year-old resident of North Perth was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking- Methamphetamine

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 23, 2023, to answer to the charge.

 Anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at http://p3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged two motorists with impaired driving this past weekend.

• On September 24, 2023, at 4:28 p.m., the South Bruce OPP received a driving complaint in the town of Chesley. Officers located the vehicle and found that the driver had been drinking alcohol. Valeri MONK, 28-years-old, from the Municipality of Brockton was charged with Operate over 80 milligrams. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton on November 1, 2023, to answer to the charge.

• On September 23, 2023, at 9:27 p.m., a South Bruce OPP officer on patrol along Bruce County Road 2 in Brant Township stopped a vehicle. The driver was found to have been drinking alcohol. Wayne WITTMAN, 63-years-old, from the Municipality of South Bruce was charged with Operate over 80 milligrams, Drive with open liquor and Fail to have insurance card. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton on November 1, 2023, 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.

(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to consolidate and streamline our notable traffic offences and publish a single weekly release.

On September 14, 2023, a member of the Wellington County OPP was monitoring traffic along Wellington Road 4, Minto. At approximately 2:45 p.m., a red sedan was stopped. As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old driver from Listowel, was charged with two counts of Drive while Under Suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act (H.T.A.). The defendant is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court – Guelph, on January 17, 2024.

On September 14, 2023, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a member of the Wellington County OPP initiated a Commercial Motor Vehicle (C.M.V.) inspection of a white dump truck on Wellington Road 18, Pilkington. As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old driver from Kitchner was charged with Fail to Surrender Inspection Schedule and Fail to Accurately Complete Daily Inspection Report contrary to the H.T.A. Further, a company from Stratford, was charged with Fail to Supply Driver with Daily Inspection Schedule, Fail to Ensure Daily Inspection Is Conducted Properly and Permit Use of Plate Not In Accordance with Act, contrary to the H.T.A.

On September 15, 2023, a member of the Wellington County OPP was monitoring traffic on Highway 23, Minto. At approximately 7:00 p.m., a grey sedan was observed travelling above the posted 80km/hr speed limit. As a result of the investigation, Ethan Jonathan WHEATON, 24-years-old of Atwood, has been charged with Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand contrary to the Criminal Code (C.C.). Further, the driver was also charged with Drive Vehicle with Cannabis in Open Baggage contrary to the Cannabis Control Act (C.C.A.), Possession of a Schedule III Substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (C.D.S.A.), Driving Moor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquid contrary to the Liquor Licence Control Act (L.L.C.A.), and with Speeding and Use Plate not Authorized for Vehicle, contrary to the H.T.A. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on October 6, 2023.

On September 16, 2023, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Wellington County OPP responded to a traffic complaint on Ellis Road, Puslinch. It was reported that a motorcycle was driving at an extremely high rate of speed. As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old driver from Cambridge, has been charged with Use Plate not Authorized for Vehicle, Drive Motor Vehicle – No Plates, Fail to Apply for Permit on Becoming Owner, and Drive Motor Vehicle – No Permit, contrary to the H.T.A.

On September 16, 2023, a member of the Wellington County OPP was monitoring traffic along Wellington Road 109, Minto. At approximately 9:45 p.m., a black sedan was stopped. As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old driver from Hanover, was charged with Drive while Under Suspension contrary to the H.T.A. The defendant is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court – Guelph, on January 17, 2024.

On September 19, 2023, a member of the Wellington County OPP was monitoring traffic along Main Street North, Mount Forest. At approximately 11:00 a.m., a black Sport Utility Vehicle (S.U.V.) was stopped. As a result of the investigation, a 25-year-old driver from Ayton, was charged with Drive while Under Suspension contrary to the H.T.A. The defendant is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court – Guelph, on January 17, 2024.

On September 19, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Wellington County OPP responded to a traffic complaint on Queen Street North, Harriston. It was reported that a driver was possibly impaired. As a result of the investigation, Korey Kenneth CHERREY, 34-years-old of Toronto, has been charged with Operation while Impaired and Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus), contrary to the C.C. Further, the driver was also charged with Driving while Under Suspension contrary to the H.T.A. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on October 10, 2023. 

On September 20, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Wellington County OPP responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 6, Guelph/Eramosa. It was reported that a grey pickup truck was observed being driven erratically. As a result of the investigation, Kenvin Chester EMILIENNE, 43-years-old of Markdale, has been charged with Operation while Impaired and Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus), contrary to the C.C. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on October 10, 2023. 

*Anyone charged with Operation while Impaired – B.A.C. 80 Plus (mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood) or Failing to Comply with Demand receives a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment as per statute.

*Anyone charged with Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt receives a 14-day impoundment and a 30-day driver’s licence suspension as per statute.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

(BLUEWATER, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Central Huron resident with several offences following a traffic stop for dangerous driving on September 15th, 2023. 

On Friday, September 15^th, 2023, at 12:43 a.m. Huron County OPP was contacted by a concerned citizen who advised that they believed a person was planning on driving after drinking alcohol at a local pub in Bluewater. Officers patrolled the area and observed a vehicle depart a business location and proceed to drive dangerously through the Village of Bayfield. The suspect vehicle continued northbound on Bluewater Highway and was pulled over by police. In speaking to the driver, the investigating officer determined that the driver had consumed alcohol prior to driving and was subsequently arrested for Impaired Operation and Dangerous Driving.

The accused was transported to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton to provide breath tests before a qualified Intoxilyzer Technician. The accused refused to provide breath samples as were required by law.

Edgar BAUER, 61 years of age from Central Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs,

–      Dangerous Operation,

–      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand.

The accused was additionally charged with an offence found in the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA).

The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for October 23rd, 2023, at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – On September 15th, 2023, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted for a report of an intimate partner dispute incident in the Municipality of South Huron.

As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had failed to comply with an undertaking in relation to a condition involving communication with their partner.

A 33-year-old individual from South Huron has been charged under the Criminal Code with: Failure to Comply with Undertaking.

The accused was arrested and held for a bail hearing in the Goderich Ontario Court of Justice.

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – On September 15th, 2023, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted for a report of an intimate partner dispute incident in the Municipality of South Huron.

As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had committed 15 criminal offences involving their partner.

A 42-year-old individual from South Huron has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

–      Criminal Harassment (two counts),

–      Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm – Spousal,

–      Sexual Assault,

–      Forcible Confinement,

–      Assault – Spousal (three counts),

–      Mischief – Domestic,

–      Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (three counts),

–      Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (three counts).

The accused was arrested and held for a bail hearing in the Goderich Ontario Court of Justice.

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – On September 19th, 2023, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted for a report of a disturbance incident in the Municipality of Central Huron.

As a result of the investigation, OPP learned that the involved suspect had committed criminal offences involving their partner and committed further criminal offences while interacting with the investigating officers. A total of 14 charges have been laid.

A 41-year-old individual from Central Huron has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

–      Mischief – Domestic,

–      Causing a Disturbance,

–      Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm,

–      Assault Peace Officer,

–      Resist Peace Officer,

–      Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon,

–      Carrying a Concealed Weapon,

–      Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (four counts),

–      Failure to Comply with Probation Order (three counts).

The accused was arrested and held for a bail hearing in the Goderich Ontario Court of Justice.

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Huron at www.victimserviceshuron.ca or by calling toll free at #1-866-863-4108, or #1-519-600-4108.

The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122, or 911 in an emergency.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a secure web tip at P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Tecumseh resident following a traffic stop by police in the early morning hours of September 16^th, 2023. 

On Saturday morning, September 16^th at 02:10 a.m., Huron County OPP officers were patrolling on Bluewater Highway in the Municipality of Central Huron when they observed a motor vehicle pulled over with the vehicles’ 4-way flashers activated. Police spoke to the two occupants who had briefly stopped for a break. As the vehicle drove northbound, the investigating officer observed driving behaviour that raised concerns. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver was given the roadside screening device demand, to which they refused.

The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for refusing to comply with demand and taken into custody. The driver was transported to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton for processing.

Tresden WILSON, 21 years of age from Tecumseh has been charged with:

–      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand.

The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days, and the accused’ driver’s license was suspended for a period of 90 days.

The accused was released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for October 16^th at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

On Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, police were contacted by an individual who had discovered their friend’s seasonal cottage destroyed by vandals. The caller advised that the cottage owner resides in the U.S., and they check on the seasonal property periodically for the owner. Between July 22^nd, 2023, and September 13^th, 2023, unknown culprit(s) damaged the exterior and interior of a lakefront cottage on Hunter’s Road, causing an estimated $100,000 in damage. All the cottage’s windows were smashed, interior drywall was destroyed, furniture and household items were thrown and damaged. Exterior walkway lighting was damaged as well. It is unknown at this time whether items were stolen, or if this was simply a senseless act of destruction.

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. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a secure web tip at “P3tips.com” where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(NORTH PERTH, ON) – One person is facing several charges following an impaired driving investigation in the Municipality of North Perth.

On September 21, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) roadside check on Perth Line 88 in North Perth. Officers stopped a vehicle with a lone occupant. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had consumed alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to a local operations centre for further testing where they blew over twice the legal limit.

During the investigation, officers discovered a loaded handgun beside the driver’s seat, and two long guns elsewhere in the vehicle.

Michael MEIER, 35-years-old of North Perth, is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:

·      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

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

·      Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device, or Ammunition (three counts)

·      Breach of Firearms Regulation – Transport Firearm or Restricted Weapon

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·      Carrying Concealed Weapon

·      Possession of Firearm at Unauthorized Place

·      Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon

·      Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammo

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford November 6, 2023, to answer to the charges. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute.  

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.