Police beat: Guelph man charged with assault with a weapon

MOUNT FOREST – On June 30 at about 10:30pm, the Wellington County OPP responded to a report of an assault on Main Street South here.

Police say “one person had received minor injuries after they were assaulted with a weapon. “

Justin Campbell Pitre, 20, of Guelph, was charged with assault with a weapon and breach of recognizance. He is to appear in Guelph court on Aug. 18. 

Shoplifters

FERGUS – On July 5, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a theft from a business on Tower Street South here.

Police say that at approximately 3:30pm, two people took approximately $4,500 worth of merchandise “without attempting to pay for it.”

Police did not provide the name of the store but described the suspects as follows:

– male, 20 to 30 years old, with a goatee, white graphic T-shirt, black shorts with red trim, and back trainers with white trim; and

– female, 20 to 30 years old, long dark brown/black hair, wearing a black polka-dot wrap dress and sandals. 

‘Partner’ assault

WELLINGTON NORTH – On July 4 at about 7:30am, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a disturbance here.

Police say officers “entered into an intimate partner violence investigation,” noting the victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries. 

A 40-year-old Wellington North resident was charged with sexual assault,  uttering threats, assault, three counts of mischief and three counts of assault causing bodily harm.

The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing. 

Aggravated assault

PALMERSTON – On July 7 at about 6:45am, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a disturbance at a business here. 

Police say one person was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Neeraj Negi, 24, of Kitchener, was charged with aggravated assault and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was held pending a bail hearing. 

Business damaged

WELLINGTON NORTH  – On June 29 at about 10pm,  Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a disturbance at a business on Wellington Road 109 here.

Police say “a person had caused damage to the business.”

Dmitri Milinkovich, 44, of Toronto, was charged with mischief under $5,000 and being intoxicated in a public place. He is scheduled to appear in Guelph court on Aug. 25.

Tools taken

ELORA – On July 6, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a theft from a vehicle on Halls Drive here.

Police say that sometime between 2:10 and 2:30am, someone stole approximately $10,000 worth of tools from the victim’s vehicle before leaving in a dark-coloured vehicle.

Mini-bike stolen

MAPLETON – On July 5, Wellington County OPP received a report of a blue, gas-powered mini-bike that was stolen from a business on Wellington Road 86 here.

Police say two people in a pickup truck stole the mini-bike on July 3 at about 6pm.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two individuals and the vehicle involved. 

One person is described as male with white hair, larger build, wearing blue-topped skate shoes and a hunter orange baseball cap.

The second is described as a male with short hair and wearing dark clothing. 

The vehicle had a tow-mirror secured to the passenger side mirror and a large chrome upright two-way trailer hitch.  

Road Safety Week charges

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Between June 24 and July 2, Wellington County OPP officers took part in the Canada Day week traffic campaign. 

This year, the Road Safety Week campaign focused on impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and on life-saving equipment such as seatbelts, helmets and life-jackets.   

Wellington County OPP officers laid a total of 166 charges, including:

– 75 for speeding;

– six for stunt driving;

– five for impaired driving;

– 15 for seatbelt violations;

– one cellphone charge;

– one Canada Shipping Act violation; and

– 62 other traffic-related charges.

A total of 147 warnings were also issued. 

“The Wellington County OPP would like to thank those traveling on our roadways and waterways who continue to operate their vehicles safely and with all of the necessary safety equipment,” police stated in a press release.

“Although this specific campaign has ended, the Wellington OPP is committed to road and water safety year-round and will continue to do its part through proactive patrols, enforcement, and education.”

* * *

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.