Police beat: Stolen wire, damages

GUELPH-ERAMOSA – A Cambridge man faces theft and mischief charges after copper wire was stolen from local hydro lines.

Wellington County OPP officials say police started an investigation into the thefts on Aug. 31 at about 3:30pm.

“The damages and losses were reported at upwards of $100,000,” police stated in a Sept. 5 press release.

Kevin M. Gibson, 56, of Cambridge, was charged with theft (over $5,000) and mischief (destroy or damage property). 

He is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Hit and run

WELLINGTON NORTH –  A Harriston woman faces  numerous charges after a vehicle evaded police and was involved in a hit-and-run collision here last week.

Wellington County OPP officials say police officers tried to stop the driver of a silver sedan on Peel Street in Mount Forest on Sept. 3 at about 3:15pm.

“The vehicle fled the area and was later involved in a fail-to-remain collision,” police stated in a Sept. 4 press release, noting the West Region Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit were involved in the investigation.

Shaunnice White, 27, of Harriston, was charged with dangerous driving, flight from a peace officer, failure to stop after an accident, possession of property obtained by crime (under $5,000), driving while suspended, using unauthorized plates, driving an unsafe vehicle  and driving without insurance. She is to appear in court at a later date.

“No injuries were reported in the incident,” police stated.

Long weekend stats

ORILLIA – OPP officials say the Labour Day long weekend was “tragic” both “on and off the road,” with two pedestrians, a motorcyclist and an off-road vehicle driver among the seven fatalities in separate collisions in OPP jurisdictions.

“Throughout the weekend, the OPP did its part to keep travellers safe and hold accountable those who did not, with officers laying 9,143 [charges] across the province,” states a Sept. 5 press release from OPP headquarters in Orillia.

“Aggressive drivers were the most significant offenders, making roads unsafe for the many families and other people travelling throughout the province to take in the last long weekend of summer.”

Police say OPP officers laid the folowing charges between Aug. 30 and Sept. 2:

– 4,841 for speeding;

– 545 for seatbelt infractions;

– 234 for impaired driving;

– 124 for stunt driving/racing; and

– 102 for distracted driving.

“With children and other students heading back to school, the OPP reminds drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to use roads responsibly and help ensure everyone gets to and from their destination safely,” stated the OPP release.