FERGUS – A man is facing a weapon charge after an incident here earlier this month involving a person barricading themself in a local home.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers responded to a home in Fergus on Sept. 8 “to assist a neighbouring police service in arresting an individual on their behalf …
“Upon arrival, the individual temporarily barricaded themselves inside their residence and brandished a replica sword to police,” stated a Sept. 18 OPP press release.
“The accused eventually surrendered without incident and was cooperative with police. For public safety, the replica swords, a replica gun (air gun) and knives were seized from the scene.”
Police say the individual, who was brought to a local hospital for assessment, was later charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose. They are to appear in Guelph court on Oct. 21.
“The accused’s name is being withheld, out of concern for their well being,” police stated.
Banking fraud
CENTRE WELLINGTON – A local resident is out $5,000 following a phone call with their “bank.”
Wellington County OPP officials received a call from a fraud victim on Sept. 17 at about 9:45am.
“The victim received a phone call from an unknown person, claiming to be an employee of their banking company, suggesting there had been suspicious activity on their account,” police stated in a Sept. 18 press release.
“Trusting the person, the victim provided their banking details.
“The following day, $5,000 was withdrawn from their account.”
Couple loses $57,000 in ‘contractor’ scam
ERIN – Yet another county resident has been bilked out of tens of thousands of dollars in a scam – this one involving a “contractor.”
Wellington County OPP officials say police received a call about a fraud on Sept. 10 at about 3:30pm.
“A couple in Erin had been contacted by the unknown individual claiming to be a contractor, who advised urgent repairs were needed to their chimney and foundation,” police stated in a Sept. 16 press release.
“Trusting the individual, the couple provided an initial payment of $57,000. Shortly afterward, the “contractor” demanded an additional $77,000 for materials.”
Police say the couple’s children, “concerned by the escalating demands … intervened and quickly recognized the situation as fraudulent. They then contacted police to report the incident.”
The OPP is encouraging county residents “to stay educated and informed to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud.”
For more information on scams and frauds, read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found at competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html.
Fraud victims are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visiting antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Child on driver’s lap
PALMERSTON – Police have charged a Palmerston resident who was seen driving an ATV with an infant on their lap.
Wellington County OPP officers were monitoring traffic on King Street in Palmerston on Sept. 13 at about 7:45pm.
Police say officers “noticed an [ATV] travelling on the side of the road, with a small child within the lap of the driver.”
A 22-year-old Palmerston resident was charged with failing to properly secure an infant, driving without insurance, driving without plates, driving an unsafe vehicle and failing to surrender a licence.
The accused is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Suspended driver
ERIN – A Hillsburgh driver has been charged with driving while suspended after a vehicle crashed into a tree here last week.
Emergency crews responded to the crash, on 9th Line in Erin, on Sept. 14, at about 12:30am.
Police say the driver, trapped inside the vehicle after hitting a tree, was removed by emergency crews and transported to local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 35-year-old Hillsburgh driver was charged with driving while suspended.
Vehicle charges
FERGUS – A Kitchener driver is facing a number of vehicle charges after being pulled over here.
Wellington County OPP officers were monitoring traffic on Scotland Street in Fergus when they stopped the vehicle.
A 25-year-old from Kitchener was charged with driving an unsafe vehicle, driving with an improper plate light, driving without mudguards, driving without a muffler and failing to submit a vehicle for tests.
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents 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 cash reward.
