GREY COUNTY MEDIA RELEASES INTERIM DETACHMENT COMMANDER: INSP. JOHN PERIVERSOFF Tel: (519)794-7827 Fax: (519) 794-3966 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM: Highway Safety Division DATE: July 1st, 2009 OPP AND TRANSPORT CANADA ENCOURAGES ONTARIO BOATERS TO DISPOSE OF EXPIRED MARINE FLARES (ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Transport Canada recognizes the importance of a safe recreational boating environment. As a joint safety-initiative these two agencies have partnered to facilitate the ability of Ontario boaters to safely dispose of their unwanted expired recreational marine flares. For one week only, from August 1 to 8, 2009, anyone with expired recreational marine flares who wish to dispose of them, can drop them off at any of the 165 OPP detachments across the province. At the end of the week, the OPP will turn the expired flares in to Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety for safe transport to a certified disposal site. Marine flares should only be set off in an emergency situation, and should be replaced after their expiry date. Due to the environmental concerns and the dangers of explosion expired recreational marine flares should not be disposed of in the landfill. Two easy steps are all that is required to protect your boating environment by taking this opportunity to safely dispose of your expired recreational marine flares: Step One: Check the expiry date of all the recreational marine flares on your boat or in storage. Step Two: Expired recreational marine flares that you wish to dispose can be dropped off at the nearest OPP detachment. OPP locations are listed on our website under: http://www.opp.ca/Organization/RegionsandDetachments/index.htm. "Recreational marine flares are an important part of your safety equipment on a boat. This initiative is a good time to remind boaters to check this important piece of safety equipment and ensure it is up to standard," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander responsible for Traffic and Marine Safety. "We encourage boaters to use this opportunity to discard their expired recreational marine flares at their local OPP detachment during the first week of August (2009) so that they can be safely disposed of by Transport Canada." Having the right equipment on-board your boat can save your life. But remember, the best protection you can give yourself on the water is to always wear your lifejacket! OPP's Marine Programs Officers patrol Ontario waters and may check your on-board safety equipment. For more information about vessel safety equipment requirements, including recreational marine flares, visit the Transport Canada's Office of Boating website: www.boatingsafety.gc.ca. -30- Contact: Sergeant Dave Moffatt Marine Programs Highway Safety Division Phone: (705) 644-1097 FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 02-Jul-09 **UPDATE** Missing Girl Sought Located Safe and Sound LP0961795 (Chatsworth, ON.) – The 15 year-old girl who went missing from a local girl’s academy has been located safe and sound. Jessica RONKA (15) had been enrolled at the Rocklyn Academy for approximately 3 weeks and was last seen at the academy at about 8 pm yesterday (01-Jul-09). She has no history of eloping and made no statements indicating she was going to leave prior to disappearing. After spending the night out of doors of her own accord she approached a rural farm residence late this morning and the authorities were contacted. Grey County OPP would like to thank our media partners for their assistance in this matter. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 02-Jul-09 Church Siding Defaced LP09160220 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP is investigating mischief done to the outside of a local church. The damage was done to the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Desboro (Chatsworth Township). It is unclear what motivated the persons or persons responsible. Sometime between Sunday (28-Jun-09) and Tuesday (30-Jun-09) someone wrote graffiti on the exterior siding of the rear entrance situated on the north side of the church. The content of the graffiti varied but some was vulgar in nature. Anyone with information that might assist is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Bob Sewell is the investigating officer. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 02-Jul-09 Females Charged Children in Vehicles LP09160833/LP09160680 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP stopped two female drivers within hours on Tuesday night (30-Jun-09) who were operating vehicles with children aboard. Both were subsequently charged with drinking and driving related offences. In response to a traffic complaint just before 8 pm on Tuesday (30-Jun-09) an officer stopped a pickup truck on Highway 10 between Markdale and Flesherton. The female driver accompanied by 2 young children was arrested for impaired operation. She resisted arrest and a quantity of marijuana was seized. Charged with the Criminal Code offences of Impaired Operation, Resist Arrest, Fail to Provide Breath Sample and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offence of Possession of Marihuana is Sandra STRAETMANS (37) of Niagara Falls. She also faces a charge under the Highway Traffic Act for driving without a licence. She is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Owen Sound on 20-Aug-08 to answer to the charges Later, the same night, acting on a citizen complaint an officer stopped a mini van, on Highway 10 south of Chatsworth just prior to 10 pm. The female driver was accompanied by four children, from toddler to 7 years old. Open liquor was seized from the van and the driver failed a roadside screening test. She was transported to the Markdale detachment where breathalyzer tests confirmed blood alcohol levels in excess of the legal limit. Charged with the Criminal Code offence of Operate over 80 and the Liquor Licence offence of Operating a Motor Vehicle with Open Liquor is Michele MAGENNIS (40) of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula. She is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Owen Sound on 20-Aug-08 to answer to the charges. In both cases notification was made to the Children’s Aid Society and arrangements were made to ensure the children were transported safely from the point of arrest forward. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 02-Jul-09 Missing Girl Sought LP0961795 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP is attempting to locate a 15 year-old girl who went missing from a local girl’s academy. Jessica RONKA (15) had been enrolled at the Rocklyn Academy for approximately 3 weeks and was last seen at the academy at about 8 pm yesterday (01-Jul-09). She has no history of eloping and made no statements indicating she was going to leave prior to disappearing. The Rocklyn Academy is located in the rural community of Rocklyn which is about mid-way between Markdale and Meaford in the Municipality of Grey Highlands. It is not walking distance to any community of size. Jessica’s home is in the Greater Toronto area. She is described as a white female, age 15, 5 foot five, and 125 pounds with medium build, short blonde hair and blue eyes. It is believed she was wearing a green “hoodie” sweater, a multi-coloured shirt, dark blue jeans, pink “dancer” shoes and an off white hat. Anyone with information that might assist in locating Jessica is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Richard Johnston is the investigating officer. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 30-Jun-09 Youth Charged Incident at Local Youth Detention Centre LP09155804 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP has charged a 16 year-old youth after an incident at an area youth detention centre on Friday (26-Jun-09). Officers were called to the Pinehill Youth Detention Centre in southwest of Desboro in Chatsworth Township just after midnight. A male youth had damaged the interior walls of his room and furnishings before breaking a window and climbing onto the roof of the facility. He was not cooperative with staff at the facility but was taken into custody by the attending officers without incident. The youth who can not be named has been charged with the Criminal Code offences of Mischief under $5,000 and two counts of Breach of Probation. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Youth Justice Court-Owen Sound on the 6^th of July, 2009 to answer to the charges. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca From: Grey County OPP Release: June 30, 2009 PROPERTY USED FOR UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES FORFEITED TO THE CROWN LP04189393 (GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) Information provided by the Grey County OPP Crime Unit to the Attorney General Civil Remedies for Illicit Activities branch (CRIA) has resulted in the civil forfeiture of two rural properties identified as outdoor drug growing operations within Grey County. The investigation began on September 24, 2004 from information received that a large rental truck was stopped on Grey Road 1 in Georgian Bluffs. At that location, the OPP arrested three men and took them into custody. The following day a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant was executed at a property located on Concession Road 24 northwest of Kemble in Georgian Bluffs (formerly Keppel Township). During the search a total of 3,355 mature marijuana plants were seized with a street value estimated at the time to be $1,325,000. Evidence discovered at that property lead police to properties in West Grey and Chatsworth Townships. Similar to the Georgian Bluffs property, both these properties were host to large outdoor marijuana grow operations. Investigators believed all three properties were controlled by a criminal enterprise and that the Keppel seizure was a fraction of the total amount of cannabis produced. Pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Remedies Act, the OPP provided the results of the investigation to the Attorney General and on November 18, 2005 CRIA lawyers commenced civil forfeiture proceedings. The proceedings focused on the West Grey and Georgian Bluffs properties because the Chatsworth Township property had been sold prior to the launch of the litigation. After protracted legal proceedings, the owners of both the Keppel and Bentinck properties consented to civil forfeiture to the Crown. The total estimated net value of the property recovered by the Attorney General and available for compensation to victims of the unlawful activity that resulted in the forfeiture was approximately $155,000. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 29-Jun-09 Police Investigating Break, Enter and Theft LP09145589 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP is continuing to investigate a break, enter and theft reported on the 15^th of June, 2009. A farm house on Side Road 25 near Rocklyn in Grey Highlands was broken into sometime between Sunday afternoon (13-Jun-09) and about 4 pm the following day when it was reported. A door had been forced open to gain entry. The person or persons responsible stole an antique wash basin with “holly hocks” pictured, two antique end tables with magazine racks on the bottom, a grandfather clock, a brass coal oil lamp and candles in a crystal candle holder. The only non antique item taken was a Husqvarna chainsaw with a 22 inch cutting bar. Anyone with information that might assist is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Stephen Merrifield is the investigating officer. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 29-Jun-09 “Update” - Charges Laid Found Gun Linked to Unreported Break and Enter LP09095808 (Chatsworth, ON.) – A report of a found gun received by Grey County O.P.P. in April led to the discovery of an unreported break, enter and theft. That investigation has now concluded with charges. On Thursday the 24^th of April, 2009 a resident on Grey County Road 14 northeast of Conn in Southgate Township called the O.P.P. after he found an encased 12 gauge shotgun in a wooded area near his home. An officer retrieved the weapon and checked the serial number with the Canadian Firearms Information System who provided the owners name. The officer contacted the Toronto area man who confirmed that he had left the gun in a locked cabinet at his seasonal home in Southgate. Police located the owner’s seasonal property on Grey Road 8 south of Dundalk and confirmed that the cabin and house trailer had been broken into. In addition to the recovered firearm it was learned that a number of other articles were stolen, including a “Big Buddy” propane heater, a Coleman Pro-cat heater, a Drolet wood stove and a Champion 6000 portable generator. The break, enter and theft occurred sometime between the Easter weekend (09-Apr-09) and when the found shotgun was reported. As a result of an investigation and the execution of a search warrant in Southgate Township on the 17^th of June, 2009 two suspects were identified. Most of the stolen goods were recovered. Two 17 year old Southgate youths have been charged with the Criminal Code offences of breaking and entering and possession of stolen property. One of the youths faces an additional charge of theft under $5,000. Both are scheduled to appear in the Youth Justice Court-Owen Sound on 28-Jul-09. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County O.P.P. DATE: 29-Jun-09 Theft from Shed Lawn Tractor Stolen LP09156137 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP is investigating the theft of a lawn tractor and other items stolen from an unlocked shed late last week while the residents in the home were sleeping. The tractor, described as a 13.5 hp John Deere STX38, was stolen sometime overnight between Thursday (25-Jun-09) and Friday (26-Jun-09) from an unlocked shed at a residence on Grey Road 23 north of Dromore, which is southwest of Dundalk in Southgate Township. Also stolen were two chainsaws, one with a 12” blade and the other with a 16” blade. The make of the larger saw is unknown but the smaller is a Canadian Tire unit. A Craftsman portable gas generator (7500 watt) was also taken. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information that might assist is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Paul Nixon is the investigating officer. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: 29-Jun-09 **UPDATE** Motorcycle Crash Claims Life Identity of Deceased Man Released LP09156344 (Chatsworth, ON.) – Grey County OPP is releasing the identity of a man who died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on Highway 10. The crash occurred on Highway 10 in Chatsworth Township on a curve north of the hamlet of Berkeley just after 3 pm Friday afternoon (26-Jun-09). The deceased motorcyclist has been identified as Tony TRAN (20) of Mississauga, ON. Mr. Tran was operating a 2006 Suzuki sport bike when he failed to negotiate a curve and was ejected from the motorcycle after entering the east ditch. The highway was reduced to one lane for approximately 3 hours while OPP Technical Traffic Investigators examined the scene for evidence. The investigation is continuing, lead by Constable Damaris Mackie. Anyone with information that might assist in this investigation is asked to contact Grey County OPP through the Provincial Communications Centre (PCC) at 1-888-310-1122. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE:    Grey County O.P.P.                                                               DATE: 26 June 2009 Motor Cycle Crash Claims Life Township of Chatsworth Markdale ON.  Grey County O.P.P. is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of one person today on highway 10, just north of Berkeley, in the Township of Chatsworth.  The incident happened just after 3:00pm.  A technical collision investigative team attended and re-routed traffic around the northbound lane of for just over three hours.  The highway returned to its normal status by 6:20pm. A 2006 Suzuki motorcycle driven by a male person left the roadway and entered the east ditch where it ejected the driver.  The investigation revealed the driver was not the registered owner of the bike.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. O.P.P. lead investigator Constable Damaris MACKIE stated that the driver’s identity cannot yet be released as the notification to family members has not been made.  MACKIE stated the rider was not from the Grey Bruce area.  Constable MACKIE stated that if anyone has information about this collision, to please contact her at 1-888-310-1122. -30- Contact:   Constable Drew Wilder                 Community Services/Media Relations                 519-794-7827                 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE:    Grey County O.P.P.                                                               DATE: 25 June 2009 GREY HIGHLANDS OFFICER OF THE YEAR MARKDALE ON.  Grey County OPP and the police services board of Grey Highlands are congratulating Constable Dwayne Frook after being awarded the Officer of Year award. A special ceremony was held Monday (June 22) at the Grey Highland’s counsel meeting where Constable Frook was surprised to receive the award.  He attended the meeting with Acting Sergeant Paul Smith and detachment commander Inspector Mark Van Landuyt. Counsillor Lynn Silverton, Chair of the Police Services Board presented Constable Frook with the award.  Silverton stated, “Constable Frook consistently strives to reflect a positive image for the Ontario Provincial Police in providing a service to the citizens of Grey Highlands. “ Inspector Van Landuyt explained that Constable Frook and his family had experienced a lot of personal crisis during the past year and continued to perform his duties as a police officer. During the past year Constable Frook lost his father to cancer and his five year old son Dalan was diagnosed with leukemia. Van Landuyt stated, “He has seen a lot of personal challenges this past year.  He should be recognized for his contributions.” Constable Frook was very grateful yet humbled to receive the award, stating, “I love where I work and believe it is a privilege to serve the community of Grey County, but especially Grey Highlands.  I thank the detachment and the community for all their support.” Photo – Grey Highlands Councillor Lynn Silverton presents OPP Constable Dwayne Frook with the Grey Highlands Officer of the Year award. -30- Contact:   Constable Drew Wilder                 Community Services/Media Relations                 519-794-7827                 Pager 1-888-823-1745                 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE: Child Sexual Exploitation Section DATE: June 24, 2009 Investigation and Support Bureau OPP CHARGE MILDMAY MAN WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCE (MILDMAY, ON) - As a result of a one month police investigation, members of the OPP Child Sexual Exploitation Section (Project “P”) and the OPP Electronic Crimes Section, in conjunction with South Bruce OPP Detachment executed a search warrant at a Mildmay residence and seized computer compact diskettes as well as one computer containing images of child sexual abuse. On June24, 2009, police arrested 47 year old James Campbell of Mildmay, Ontario and charged him with one count of Possession of Child Pornography. Campbell is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton, Ontario on June 25, 2009. The investigation is continuing. Contact: OPP Detective Sergeant Terry Paddon Child Sexual Exploitation Section Phone: (416) 460-6567 - 30 - CRIME STOPPERS- 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477) CRIME ALERTS- http://www.crimealerts.net Please visit the OPP 100^th Anniversary website at www.opp100.ca for information about upcoming events, updates, images, video and other information relating to the OPP 100th Anniversary FROM/DE:    Grey County O.P.P.                                                               DATE: 24June2009 GROW OP AND FIREARMS FOUND DURING MNR SEARCH WARRANT Municipality of Grey Highlands FLESHERTON ON.  The Ministry of Natural Resources was executing a search warrant at a Grey Road 9 residence in the Municipality of Grey Highlands on the 18^th of June 2009 just after 7pm when a discovery was made. A suspected marihuana grow operation was discovered during the M.N.R. search and the O.P.P. were called to assist.  The plants and growing equipment was seized.  Also found were three firearms that were not stored in a safe manner. Charged is Scott William WALKER, age 26 of Grey Highlands who is charged with production of a scheduled substance under the Control Drug and Substance Act and Unsafe Storage of a Firearm under the Criminal Code.  He will appear in an Owen Sound court July 30^th. -30- Contact:   Constable Drew Wilder                 Community Services/Media Relations                 519-794-7827                 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca FROM/DE:    Grey County O.P.P.                                                                      DATE: 23June2009 Western Region OPP Headquarters     Stay Alert, Stay Alive Is the Message (London, ON)    Last week OPP officers throughout Western Region investigated six fatal collisions resulting in seven area deaths.  Many of these collisions could have been avoided had the drivers been paying full attention to their driving.  With this being the first week of summer many motorists are set to travel throughout Ontario.  The OPP is concerned about motorists who don’t buckle up, who drink and drive and do not pay full attention while driving. OPP Inspector Mark Wright, manager of Traffic and Marine Safety for the Western Region says “We are asking drivers to remove distractions from their vehicles, buckle up and to not drink and drive.  This will help reduce the risk of a serious collision and/or death.  We have seen a rash of fatal collisions involving motorists who are not obeying the simple rules of the road, such as failing to yield the right of way at an intersection. Driver inattentiveness is resulting in catastrophic consequences.” Distractions such as eating, drinking, smoking, reading, using a cell phone and other electronic devices, including text messaging can cause drivers to not pay full attention to their driving. Traffic enforcement on the roads, trails and waterways is the OPP’s core business and we take it seriously. We are focusing our efforts on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The OPP is committed to ensuring the safety of all motorists in Ontario. Please visit the OPP 100^th Anniversary website at www.opp100.ca for information about upcoming events, updates, images, video and other information relating to the OPP 100th Anniversary.  -30- Contact:   Constable Drew Wilder                 Community Services/Media Relations                 519-794-7827                 Pager 1-888-823-1745                 email: OPP.GC.MediaRelations@ontario.ca
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