Category: Area OPP

(PERTH COUNTY, ON) – As a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in Perth, Huron, and Wellington Counties, one person has been arrested, and a search warrant was executed in the City of Kitchener.

On June 1, 2023, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with the assistance of the Elgin-Middlesex CSCU, Grey-Bruce CSCU, Wellington CSCU, Wellington OPP, Central Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), and the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant at a residence on Fernwood Place, Kitchener.

Police seized suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with two firearms, drug trafficking paraphernalia, brass knuckles, gold, and cash, with a total estimated value of approximately $300,000.

Adam LINSEMAN, 39, of Kitchener, is charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking- Methamphetamine (two counts)  

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl (two counts)

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

·      Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order (nine counts)

·      Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·      Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon

·      Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

“This investigation will certainly have a positive impact on public safety. The OPP continues to take appropriate enforcement action to ensure our communities are safe. We appreciate the work of all the assisting units in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.” -A/Inspector Dave Sinko, Interim Detachment Commander, Perth County OPP

(OWEN SOUND, ON) – On May 31, 2023, the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police received reports of a possible location for a person with multiple outstanding warrants. The Grey Bruce OPP, with the assistance of the Owen Sound Police Service, located the person and placed them under arrest. A quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, an imitation handgun, a stun gun, brass knuckles, and a quantity of Canadian currency were located on the individual. 

As a result of the investigation, Darren Gregory KENNAWAY, 42-years-old of Meaford has been charged with the following:

·        Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

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

·        Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order

·        Failure to Comply with Release Order – three counts

·        Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose – three counts

·        Unauthorized Possession of Weapon – two counts

The accused was held pending a bail hearing.

(EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK TOWNSHIP, ON) – A two-vehicle collision has claimed the lives of two drivers northwest of Woodstock.

The collision happened shortly before 7:00 a.m. on May 29, 2023, at the intersection of Highway 59 and Oxford County Road 33.

An unmarked Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) vehicle and a school bus collided in the intersection. Tragically, both drivers died as a result of their injuries. There were no students on the bus and no passengers in either vehicle.

Detective Constable Steven TOURANGEAU was with the Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit, Perth County OPP Detachment, West Region. He was 35 years old.

The OPP will not be releasing the identity of the other driver, out of respect for the family’s privacy.

“We are deeply saddened over this tragic incident, as two families mourn the loss of their loved ones. I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues affected.” – OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique

The London Police Service will be assuming carriage of the investigation. 

(ERIN, ON) –On January 1, 2023, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a home invasion at a residence on First Avenue in the town of Erin. Approximately $350 worth of various items were stolen and one occupant received minor injuries during the incident. At the time, the Wellington County OPP asked for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects. 

On January 19, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a home invasion at the same residence on First Avenue in the town of Erin. It was reported that a single suspect threatened the occupants with a baseball bat. The suspect fled the scene and no items were stolen. Investigators determined that this suspect had also been involved in the earlier home invasion.  

As a result of the investigation, Ethan J. SKETCHLEY, 21-years-old of Alton has been charged with the following offences:

·        Robbery – two counts

·        Assault with a Weapon – two counts

·        Break and Enter – two counts

·        Disguise with Intent – two counts

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on July 21, 2023. 

The Wellington County Crime Unit is continuing to investigate and is asking that anyone with any information regarding the second suspect to please contact D/C Watson with the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. The suspect is described as a white male, thin build, deep voice, wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask.

(NORTH MIDDLESEX, ON) – On May 23, 2023, at 7:38 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address on Ailsa Craig Main Street in the town of Ailsa Craig, North Middlesex, for the report of a suspicious vehicle.

Police arrived on scene and observed an individual passed out inside.

Officers were able to wake the driver, at which time they were removed and placed under arrest without incident.

As a result, Shawn THOMPSON, a 38-year-old of Parkhill, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration

·      Possession Break In Instruments

·      Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court

The accused was held for a bail hearing.  

The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, the OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

(ORILLIA, ON) – Thousands of drivers chose to make Ontario roads unsafe leading up to and during the Victoria Day long weekend, with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laying approximately 12,600 traffic-related charges during Canada Road Safety Week.    

Sadly, the OPP responded to seven road fatalities during the annual initiative, with three of the fatal collisions occurring over the long weekend. 

While the results are preliminary, the OPP laid close to 6,900 speeding charges across the province. Aggressive drivers also racked up more than 175 stunt driving/racing charges.     

Preliminary charge numbers associated with other road behaviours targeted during the campaign are as follows:

Impaired driving:    245  

Distracted driving: 144 

Careless driving:   124

No seatbelt:           622 (charges apply to drivers and passengers)

The balance of the offences for which the OPP held drivers to account were the result of other unlawful and unsafe moving violations and driver actions. 

The OPP thanks all drivers and other road users who did their part to help keep the motoring public safe during the annual campaign…and do so throughout the year.