Arrests Made In Christmas Thefts

(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – Between December 24^th and 26^th, 2024, officers of the Ontario Provincial Police investigated numerous thefts that occurred in the Town of Collingwood. Several items were taken from unlocked vehicles including gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools.  At one point during their bout of theft, suspects stole a vehicle & used stolen cards to pay for fuel. In total, 19 incidents were investigated.

As a result of evidence gathered by the Collingwood OPP and with the public’s assistance, 2 male suspects were identified. On duty officers then located the 2 males while patrolling the streets of Collingwood. One male fled on foot as officers initiated the arrest of the second male. One officer was assault during the arrest but was not injured. The second suspect was located a short time later and arrested without incident.

In total, 37 criminal charges were laid by police and outstanding warrants were executed. Among the charges laid were;

• Theft Under $5000
• Take Motor Vehicle without consent
• Use of Credit Card
• Possession of Property obtained by Crime
• Possession of Proceeds obtained by Crime
• Assault a Peace Officer
• Flight from Police

Charged are 33-year-old Richard Asselstine of Orillia, ON and 30-year-old William Cook of Collingwood, ON.    Both males were held in custody pending a bail hearing today, December 27^{th, 2024}.

Collingwood OPP wants to acknowledge that the assistance of the public is always appreciated. If anyone has information or video evidence of these crimes, we ask that you come forward. The Ontario Provincial Police may be contacted at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS. Police case file is C24124492.

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