ROCKWOOD – A Milton man has been charged with sexual assault in connection with a recent incident here.
On Oct. 20 at about 3:50am Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a sexual assault at a house in Rockwood.
“Investigation revealed that the alleged sexual assault occurred in the early morning hours and the accused and victim were known to each other,” police stated in an Oct. 23 press release.
Stefano Alexander Morales, 19, of Milton, was charged with sexual assault and is to appear in Guelph court on Nov. 22.
Homeowner awoke to thieves in house
GUELPH-ERAMOSA – Police are looking for help to find the suspects responsible for a break-in and theft here while the homeowner was sleeping.
On Oct. 23 at 4:35am the Wellington County OPP responded to a call for a break-in in progress at a house on Watson Road North in Guelph-Eramosa.
“The complainant advised that he was upstairs sleeping when he was awoken by voices downstairs in his residence,” police stated in a press release.
“As he went to investigate he saw flashlights shining in the dark and yelled at the suspects. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and were last observed travelling southbound on Watson Road North.”
Police say the suspects pried open the front door to gain access to the residence and stole a quantity of cash prior to fleeing.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
Electrical burns from downed power lines
GUELPH-ERAMOSA – A driver from Orangeville was sent to hospital with electrical burns following a collision with a hydro pole here last weekend.
On Oct. 27 at about 11am emergency crews responded to the single-vehicle crash on Wellington Road 29, south of Wellington Road 124 near Guelph Lake.
“Initial reports indicated that a silver sedan had lost control and struck a hydro pole causing electrical lines to fall across the road,” stated a Wellington County OPP a press release.
“The driver received electric-burn injuries when they exited the vehicle.”
The 20-year-old driver from Orangeville was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The road was closed for about five hours.
Police say the cause of the collision is being investigated and witnesses can call 1-888-310-1122.
Many experts say that in such collisions, the safest place is often inside the car.
When hydro lines are knocked down, the area around the vehicle may be charged with electric energy, which could lead to electrocution for anyone that exits or approaches the vehicle.
According to safeelectricity.org, downed lines can show they are live by arcing and sparking, but this is not always the case.
“Stay in the car if you are in a car accident with a power pole,” the website states.
“Warn those who try to come near your car to help that they must stay far away. Call 911 for help, and wait until a professional from the electric utility tells you it is safe to leave the car.”
The exception, of course, is if the vehicle is on fire.
“In that case, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time,” states safeelectricity.org.
“Then hop away with feet together. This way there will not be a voltage difference between your two feet, which would give electricity the chance to flow through your body.”
Man charged after election signs damaged
MILLBANK – On Oct. 19, Perth County OPP responded to a report of election signs being damaged in the area of Millbank, southwest of Mapleton Township.
“A concerned citizen contacted police after viewing a social media post of someone driving over a sign,” police stated in a press release.
Abram Guenther, 22, of North Perth, was charged with mischief under $5,000. He is to appear in Stratford court on Dec. 9.
Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.
Halloween safety tips
Here are some tips offered by safety officials, including Health Canada.
Make sure your child’s costume fits. Avoid flowing skirts and capes, baggy sleeves, feathers or other loose parts, as these may be a tripping hazard or fire risk around candles or flames.
Choose bright colours so that motorists can see you, and use reflective tape or carry a flashlight to increase visibility.
Consider wearing make-up over masks, which can sometimes interfere with your child’s vision or breathing.
To avoid the risk of fire, use a small flashlight or battery candle in your jack-o-lantern and other decorations. Keep candles, matches, lighters and other fire hazards out of sight and reach of children.
Tell children not to eat anything until you have looked it over. Throw out treats that are not commercially wrapped, or that are found in torn, damaged or loose packages.
Be especially careful with young children who could choke on treats such as hard candies or toys with small parts.
Always tell children to be careful crossing the road, stay in well-lit areas and to only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on, and never go inside .
