Drug Deal Turns Into Carjacking Attempt – 4 Arrested

(ESSA, ON)- The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit have laid charges on four individuals in relation to an attempted carjacking in Essa Township on January 30th.

On January 30, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. members of the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) were in the Town of Angus when officers observed a drug deal between the Accused and Victim.

The Accused parties attempted to forcefully remove the Victim from their vehicle but were unsuccessful. The victim escaped with their vehicle travelling south bound on Mill Street in Angus. The Accused parties pursued the victim at high rates of speed weaving in and out of heavy traffic. CSCU officers with the assistance of frontline members intervened and placed 3 parties under arrest.

On February 3^rd, 2025, a 4^th Accused was arrested and held for bail.

As a result of the investigation:

Kelsey LANG, 29-years-old from Cookstown was charged with:

• Robbery with Intent,

 Was released on a form 10 Undertaking to appear before the courts on March 6 2025

James HAMILTON, 28-years-old from Innisfil was charged with:

• Robbery with Intent
• Dangerous operation
• Driving while under suspension – two counts

 Was held for a bail hearing and was released on a release order to appear before the courts on February 27 2025.

Christopher LANG, 28-years-old from Vaughn was charged with:

• Robbery with Intent
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

Was held for a bail hearing and is to appear before the courts February 4 2025.

Robert PALFREY, 62-years-old from Barrie was charged with:        

• Dangerous operation
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Cocaine

Was released on a form 10 Undertaking to appear before the courts on March 13 2025.

If you have any information regarding a criminal offence please contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can submit your information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court.

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