Police beat: Arthur man facing robbery, assault, threat charges
ARTHUR – A local man is facing eight charges, including robbery, assault and uttering threats, following an incident in Arthur last week.
On Feb. 5, Wellington County OPP officials say officers were informed about “an altercation that occurred two days prior ... at an address on Tucker Street in Arthur.”
Police added, “One victim sustained minor non-life-threatening injuries.”
Jake O’Shaughnessy, 31, of Arthur, was charged with: robbery with a weapon, assault with a weapon, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, break and enter, assault, uttering threats (to cause death or bodily harm), failing to comply with release order and breach of recognizance.
Stolen vehicle
FERGUS – Local police are asking for help to locate a vehicle that was stolen from a driveway here last week.
Wellington County OPP officials say police responded to a theft from a residence on Rea Drive in Fergus on Feb. 3 at about 9:30 am.
Police say that sometime between 12:30 and 6:30am “one or more unidentified individuals attended the residence and stole a grey 2020 Audi A4 (licence plate DCKY462).
“Police are actively conducting an ongoing investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance.”
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 csgw.tips.
Vehicle fraud attempt
ROCKWOOD – Police are warning residents after a unique fraud attempt here last month.
Wellington County OPP officials say police responded to a home in Rockwood on Jan. 13 at about 1pm.
“The victim reported that, after listing their vehicle for sale on an online marketplace, an individual posing as a buyer expressed their interest,” police stated in a Feb. 6 press release.
“When the suspect requested to come that evening for a test drive, the victim advised they were unavailable as they would be out for dinner. Arrangements were made for the suspect to attend the following day, at which time the victim provided their address.”
Police say the following day, “the suspect arrived at the victim’s residence, accompanied by three other individuals. Shortly into their test drive, the vehicle began billowing black smoke.
“This seemed strange to the victim, as the vehicle was working properly the day prior. The suspect subsequently offered to purchase the vehicle for significantly less than the original asking price, which the victim declined.”
Police say the seller had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and it appeared “the vehicle had been intentionally tampered with,” possibly while they were out for dinner the previous evening.
It’s unclear why it took police over three weeks to issue a press release about the incident.
The OPP recommends residents never provide their address or personal details online to someone they don’t know and instead meet in a local, public and safe place to complete an exchange.
“Wellington County OPP has designated ‘safe trade’ parking spaces available at ... detachments in Rockwood, Fergus and Teviotdale,” police stated. “This is always an option if you are buying or selling anything online.”
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 csgw.tips.
Snowmobile Safety Week
WELLINGTON COUNTY – OPP officials say police “will be active on local trails” during Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week, which runs from Feb. 9 to 16.
In a press release, police stated the campaign aims to “help ensure snowmobile enthusiasts are enjoying the sport safely and responsibly.”
Police are reminding snowmobilers that they must:
– have and carry a valid driver’s licence, motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence or a snowmobile driver’s licence from your home province, state or country;
– carry proof of snowmobile ownership and proof of insurance;
– have a valid snowmobile trail permit affixed to your sled when on trials;
– stop for approaching police operated snowmobiles with flashing red and blue lights;
– wear proper helmets and other safety gear;
– not ride on private property; and
– never ride impaired.
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.
