(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) – On Sunday July 24, 2016, around 3 p.m. Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were advised of a reported gas drive-off (theft) from a service station in Atwood. A description of the truck including the plate number as well as direction of travel was conveyed to police.
A Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) check of the licence plate revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from the City of London.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., a Perth County OPP officer observed the truck travelling southbound on Hwy 23 near Bornholm. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop however the pickup truck failed to stop for police and drove into a cornfield. The truck travelled a large distance in the corn field causing extensive damage to the crop. Police contained the field and located a male youth hiding a short distance from the truck.
The 16-year-old male youth, a London resident has been charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada offences:
Theft under $5,000.
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5.000.
Mischief under $5,000.
Fail to comply with probation order (X2)
Flight while pursued by peace officer
The youth remained in police custody until Monday July 25, 2016, when he appeared in Stratford Bail Court where he was ordered to remain in custody until a next court appearance on July 27th.
The OPP encourages everyone to always lock vehicles, doors, windows and garages to help prevent crimes of opportunity from happening. Police encourage anyone who observes “suspicious” activity, people or vehicles to report it to police immediately by dialing 911. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000