GREY COUNTY MEDIA RELEASES DETACHMENT COMMANDER: INSP. BOB MAHLBERG Tel: (519)794-7827 Fax: (519) 794-3966 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: September 1st, 2010 Busy Weekend for Marine Patrol Man Recovered from Water LP10233947 (Grey County, ON) – A jointly manned Grey County OPP and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Marine Patrol Unit were kept busy over the weekend. The most notable incident was the assistance provided in a marine rescue wherein a Hamilton man was pulled out of Georgian Bay. The 29 year-old Hamilton man was staying at a cottage on Georgian Bay with friends. Just after noon on Saturday (August 28^th, 2010) he and another friend headed out onto the water aboard personal watercrafts. At about 3 pm Grey County OPP received a report that one of the men had not returned and his whereabouts was unknown. The Rescue Control Centre (RCC)-Trenton was notified and began an aerial search. At about 5:30 pm the missing man was located by the aircraft and he was pulled from the water by the OPP vessel before being transported to Grey Bruce Health Services-Owen Sound for a medical assessment. Despite being in the water for about 4.5 hours he was uninjured. In a subsequent statement he indicated he had been travelling at a high rate of speed when he was hit by a large wave which knocked him off the vessel into the water as the personal watercraft continued on away from him. He credited his life jacket with saving his life. In addition to that incident the joint MNR/OPP patrol laid a number of charges, among those were charges for too many fishing lines, improper lighting, not having an vessel operators card, open liquor in a vessel and operating a vessel while impaired. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 31, 2010 “Update” Truck Strikes Car, One Person Killed -Primary Cause Released - LP10235984 (Grey County, ON.) – Grey County OPP is now releasing additional details in relation to a fatal collision on Highway 6 north of Mount Forest yesterday (August 30^th, 2010). The collision occurred just before 2 pm on Highway 6 just south of Maplewood Road in a construction zone. A dump truck that was northbound on Highway 6 entered the southbound lane and struck a southbound car. Both vehicles came to rest at the entrance of a nearby business. Physical evidence at the scene combined with witness information has led investigators to affirm that the front left (steering axle) tire of the loaded multi-axle dump truck blew immediately before it crossed into the oncoming lane. The driver of the car died at the scene from injuries sustained. He has been identified as Donald KENNY, 42 years, of Southgate Township. The driver of the dump truck was uninjured. He has been identified as Charles HENDERSON, 36 years, of Gowanstown, ON. The investigation is continuing. Constable Reuben Bierworth is the investigating officer. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 31, 2010 House Trashed for Copper Damage Exceeds Gain for Crooks LP10236158 (Grey County, ON) – Grey County OPP is investigating another theft of scrap metal. This time a vacant home was entered and the culprit(s) physically removed the copper piping from the home. The home, located on Side Road 10 in Southgate Township, was entered sometime over the preceding week (August 23-30, 2010). The person or persons responsible forced a door to gain entry. Once inside they removed the copper that was exposed in the crawl space below the home. Even the ¼” line from the furnace to furnace tank was removed. Not stopping there, they destroyed lath and plaster walls to gain access the copper tubing hidden in the walls, which was also cut up and taken. “As in other cases our detachment has investigated, the theft of these metals for scrap is not only criminal, it’s absurd. In two recent incidents investigated in July the losses totalled $40,000.00. By contrast, the value to the criminal in scrap was somewhere around $130.00. In this case, the thieves have done roughly $5,000.00 worth of damage to get their hands on scrap copper worth somewhere around $30.00. The damage done along with the time and effort expended makes no sense when compared to the net gain for the perpetrators. ” The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information that might assist is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Stephen Whitehouse is the investigating officer. -30- Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 31, 2010 “Update” Truck Strikes Car, One Person Killed -Highway 6 South of Varney - LP10235984 (Grey County, ON.) – Grey County OPP is now in a position to release the name of the driver killed in a collision on Highway 6 north of Mount Forest yesterday (August 30^th, 2010). The collision occurred just before 2 pm on Highway 6 just south of Maplewood Road in a construction zone. A loaded tri-axle dump truck that was northbound on Highway 6 entered the southbound lane and struck a southbound car. Both vehicles came to rest at the entrance of a nearby business. The driver of the car died at the scene from injuries sustained. He has been identified as Donald KENNY, 42 years, of Southgate Township. The driver of the dump truck was uninjured. He has been identified as Charles HENDERSON, 36 years, of Gowanstown, ON. The highway remained closed for several hours as OPP Technical Collision Investigators collected evidence at the scene. The Ministry of Transportation-Enforcement Section is assisting in the inspection of the heavy truck involved. Several witnesses have been interviewed but the investigation is continues. Constable Reuben Bierworth is the investigating officer. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 30, 2010 Truck Strikes Car, One Person Killed -Highway 6 South of Varney - LP10235984 (Grey County, ON.) – A portion of Highway 6 south of the hamlet of Varney remains closed as Grey County OPP continues to investigate a mid-afternoon crash that claimed a life. The collision occurred 6 just south of Maplewood Road in a construction zone just before 2 pm. A loaded tri-axle dump truck that was northbound on Highway 6 entered the southbound lane and struck a northbound car. Both vehicles came to rest at the entrance of a nearby business. The driver of the car died at the scene from injuries sustained. The driver of the dump truck was uninjured. Further details including the name of the deceased are being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. Grey County OPP was assisted at the scene by members of the West Grey Police Service and Fire Department. The highway remains closed at this hour as OPP Technical Collision Investigators collect evidence at the scene. The Ministry of Transportation-Enforcement Section is assisting in the inspection of the heavy truck involved. Several witnesses have been interviewed but the investigation continues. Constable Reuben Bierworth is the investigating officer. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 30, 2010 Serious Two Vehicle Collision -Highway 6 South of Varney - LP10235984 (Grey County, ON.) – Grey County OPP is currently on the scene of a serious two vehicle collision south of Varney on Highway 6 that was reported at about 2 pm today. The collision involved a car and truck. No other details are being released at this time; however, the roadway is expected to be closed for a period of time as OPP Technical Traffic Collision investigators examine the scene. At this time, northbound and southbound traffic is being re-routed around the collision scene via Concession 2 WGR which runs parallel to Highway 6, one concession to the west. Motorists should consider alternative routes and avoid the area if possible. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 30, 2010 Youth Crime Spree -Owen Sound Youth Faces Multiple Charges- LP10234741 (Grey County, ON.) – An Owen Sound youth faces a myriad of criminal charges after what can only be described as a crime spree over a period of hours early yesterday morning (August 29^th, 2010), between about midnight and 6 am. All of the incidents occurred within the Municipality of Meaford. An enclosed porch area was entered at a residence on the 7^th Line and several sets of keys were stolen which were used to gain entry to vehicles stored on the property. A second rural property was targeted on the 7^th line, a barn and garage were entered, and then the gates to a paddock were opened allowing six miniature horses to escape onto the roadway which put them in obvious danger. Another barn was entered on the same road and a harness was put on a race horse. Once again the gate to the property was left open and that horse escaped leaving it and the motoring public at risk. During the same time frame a residence on Centerville Road was entered and vehicle keys were removed. An unsuccessful attempt was made to start a car parked in the driveway; however, another nearby home was entered through an insecure door while a family slept. Electronic items and vehicle keys were stolen and the stolen keys were used to steal a mini-van from the driveway. A Grey County OPP officer on patrol spotted the stolen car yesterday afternoon while on patrol on Bayfield Street in the town of Meaford and a female associated to the possession of the vehicle was identified and taken into custody at that time. During the course of the investigation it was also learned that an 18 year-old male had been assaulted during a party at a residence on the 7^th Line shortly after midnight that morning. The accused youth, a 16 year-old female from Owen Sound is in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Youth Justice Court-Owen Sound this morning (August 30th, 2010) for a bail hearing. She faces multiple charges including 2 counts each of Break and Enter a dwelling house with intent to commit an indictable offence and Mischief under $5,000. She also faces one count each of Theft motor vehicle (0ver $5,000), Attempt Theft motor vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000 and Assault. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 30, 2010 Threats Lead to Charges -Man Held for Bail Hearing- RM10096905 (Grey County, ON.) – A Chatsworth Township man is scheduled to appear in court this morning to face charges related to threats made against an area man. On August 21^st a home owner uttered threats to a man when he told him to get off his property and not return. At that time he made clear that he owned guns and made blusterous comments about his own character that caused the recipient to fear for his safety. The incident, at a rural Chatsworth Township residence, went unreported at the time. On the 27^th of August there was further interaction between the individual who had made the threats, the recipient and a third man who also feared the individual who had allegedly threatened his acquaintance. Fearing that the matter might become violent, Grey County OPP was contacted and an investigation was conducted. During the course of the investigation an improperly stored handgun was located and seized. A suspect was arrested late Friday afternoon (August 27^th, 2010). Sanjay KADAM (46) of Chatsworth Township is charged with the Criminal Code offences of Uttering Threats to Cause Death and Careless Storage of a Firearm. He is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice-Owen Sound this morning (August 30^th, 2010). - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 25, 2010 Grey County OPP Issues Warning -Grandparent Scam Active Again- LP10229447 (Grey County, ON.) –Three incidents reported to Grey County OPP in July, 2010 prompted a release then, however, a reminder is being sent out after another attempt “Grandparent Scam” was made yesterday (August 24^th, 2010) in Meaford. Also known as the “Emergency Scam” the modus operandi for this scam is a telephone contact to a potential victim while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident, arrest, hospitalization or imprisonment with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram or in the form of a postal money order. In recent variations the messages have been sent via email from hijacked email accounts. In yesterday’s instance a Meaford woman received a call from an individual claiming to be her brother. After indicating he had been involved in an accident in Toronto he asked that she and their parents wire him $5,200.00 via Western Union. The language used by the caller, including the name he used for himself and the way he referred to their parents seemed unusual to the caller who became suspicious and called police. Fortunately she didn’t relinquish any private information or send any money. “Anyone receiving a call like this should be suspicious and take steps to verify the identity of the caller and the probability of their story. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion and if in doubt contact police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)” The CAFC was formerly known as Phonebusters. It is a joint effort involving the OPP, RCMP and Competition Bureau of Canada. There website is www.phonebusters.com and they can be contacted toll free at 1-888-495-8501. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 25, 2010 Police Reminder-Lock Vehicles Several Entered in Meaford Overnight LP10229300 et al (Grey County, ON) – Yesterday morning (August 24^th, 2010) Grey County OPP received several reports of thefts from vehicle interiors in the St. Andrews Drive and Ridge Road area of Meaford prompting police to remind vehicle owners to lock them up. Seven vehicles were reported to have been entered overnight, however there may be more unreported. In some cases small amounts of money, purses, wallets and cell phones were stolen while in other cases the vehicles were just rummaged through. Thefts from vehicles are largely a crime of opportunity, so a few simple steps will eliminate the vast majority. An unlocked door or window is an open invitation to thieves but the solution is a simple one, “Lock It or Lose It”. Roll up their vehicles’ windows; Keep valuables out of sight; Lock their doors; and Pocket their keys. “A spike in thefts from vehicles in late summer, fall and over the Holiday Season isn’t unusual. It might be attributed to the fact that darkness begins to fall earlier, most people are indoors more, but it’s still not cold enough to dissuade would be thieves from skulking around for unlocked vehicles”. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 24^th, 2010 Officers Kept Busy Saturday Night Several Incidents Involved Alcohol LP10227442/ LP10227543//LP10226997 (Grey County, ON) – Grey County OPP had a busy Saturday night (August 21-22, 2010). In addition to searching for a suspect(s) who fled on foot after a pharmacy smash and grab in Flesherton officers dealt with 25 incidents overnight. Two of those were impaired drivers and one was an intoxicated male who thought the wrong house was his. At about 5 pm (August 21^st) officers responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a ditch on Centre Line B southeast of Maxwell in Grey Highlands. A female who was identified as the driver was placed under arrest and subsequent breath tests confirmed blood alcohol levels in excess of the legal limit. A 25 year-old Durham woman has been charged with Impaired Operation and Operate over 80. She is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Owen Sound on September 30^th, 2010. Shortly after 1 am (August 22^nd) an officer checked a vehicle that pulled in to a closed service station in Springmount west of Owen Sound. The driver exited the vehicle and left passengers, under the influence of alcohol, seated inside. About a half hour later with the assistance of a second officer a male was located in the area and arrested for impaired operation. Subsequent breath tests confirmed blood alcohol levels in excess of the legal limit. A 17 year-old Chatsworth Township youth has been charged with Impaired Operation and Operate over 80. He is scheduled to appear in the Youth Justice Court -Owen Sound on September 30^th, 2010. Just after 3 am officers were dispatched to a Markdale residence with regard to a suspicious person. A male, unknown to the resident, was standing on the porch and banging at the door claiming that he lived there. Though repeatedly told he did not, he refused to leave, and the police were called. Officers attended and arrested the highly intoxicated 22 year-old Owen Sound man who was arrested for public intoxication and held custody over night. He was charged under the Trespass to Property Act when released in the morning. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827 FROM/DE: Grey County OPP DATE: August 24^th, 2010 Pharmacy Smash and Grab Police Investigation Continues LP10227403 (Grey County, ON) – Grey County OPP is continuing to investigate a break, enter and theft that occurred early Sunday morning (August 22^nd, 2010) and involved the theft of narcotics. At approximately 12:30 am the glass front door on the Flesherton Pharmacy was smashed. The suspect(s) entered and went behind the counter area where they grabbed and fled with a quantity of packages that contained narcotics. The alarm was activated and officers attended the scene but the suspect(s) had fled. The Grey County OPP Canine Unit was called in and searched the area but did not locate the person or persons responsible. Fortunately the smash and grab netted little in terms of value and the kinds of narcotics used typically used for illegal purposes. Anyone with information that might assist in identifying the person or persons responsible is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constable Stephen Whitehouse is the investigating officer. - 30 - Contact: Constable Steven Starr Grey County OPP Community Services/Media Relations 519-794-7827
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