FERGUS – One woman has been charged and police are searching for a male accomplice after two suspects pushed their luck by stealing makeup and fragrances from a store twice within 12 days.
Wellington County OPP responded to the store on Tower Street on Jan. 13 at about 9:30am.
Police say that on Jan. 10 at about 1:45pm a male suspect distracted an employee while a female suspect concealed several cosmetic products in her clothing.
“The suspects then left the store making no attempt to pay for the stolen property,” police stated, adding the stolen goods were valued at over $2,000.
On Jan. 21 at about 4:30pm the same two suspects returned to the store and stole a quantity of fragrances.
“Employees contacted police after recognizing the suspects from the previous theft,” police stated in a press release. “One (female) suspect was arrested by police shortly after leaving the store.”
Pennel Keysan Hunter, 33, of Toronto, was charged with two counts of theft under $5,000 and is to appear in Guelph court on Feb. 23.
Police say the male suspect fled the area and the investigation is ongoing.
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 cash reward.
Woman charged with assault, uttering threats
PUSLINCH – On Jan. 12 at about 3:40am Wellington County OPP responded to a 911 call involving a male and female arguing.
Police say the man, who “was yelling put the knife away,” said he was assaulted.
At about 4am police located the couple in a motor vehicle on Wellington Road 32 in Puslinch.
“While speaking with the occupants, police noted that the driver had visible injuries to his face and the passenger was taken into custody,” police stated.
“The accused was searched subsequent to arrest and a folding knife was seized.”
A 30-year-old woman from Puslinch was charged with assault and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on February 16, 2021 to answer to the charges.
Homeowner assaulted
ERIN – On Jan. 23 at about 2pm Wellington County OPP responded to a report of an assault in progress on the 9th Line here.
Police say the victim had just arrived home when they observed a man exiting an unlocked basement door.
“The victim was assaulted after confronting the suspect” and “received minor injuries,” police stated.
The suspect was last seen getting into a dark-coloured sedan travelling southbound on 9th Line towards 10th Sideroad.
The suspect is described as a man in his early 20s with a dark complexion, six feet tall, with a thin build. He was wearing a blue “puffer” jacket and black track pants.
Anyone with information about this incident, or with dashcam footage from the area, 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.
Multiple charges
ELORA – On Jan. 5 at about 2pm, a Wellington County OPP officer was monitoring traffic on Wellington Road 7 at South Street.
Police say the officer observed a black passenger van that appeared to be travelling above the posted speed limit.
The vehicle was allegedly clocked on radar at about 100km/h in a 50km/h zone.
“The driver provided a false name and identified themselves as the owner of the motor vehicle,” police stated in a press release.
“The driver was released at the scene and issued a summons.”
Police later discovered the true identity of the driver, who did not have permission from the owner to be operating the vehicle.
Marie Sandy Morrow, 58, of North Bay, was charged with:
– obstructing a peace officer;
– taking a vehicle without consent;
– personation with intent;
– racing a vehicle;
– speeding; and
– driving while suspended.
She is to appear in Guelph court on Feb. 12.
Driver flees crash scene
CENTRE WELLINGTON – On Jan. 11 at about 6:50pm Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch at the intersection of Wellington Road 18 and the 1st Line here.
Police say an eastbound motor vehicle left the roadway, entered the ditch, struck a fence and came to rest in a snow bank.
“The driver subsequently fled the scene on foot,” police stated.“Officers canvassed nearby residences while the Wellington County OPP Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers tracked fresh footprints in the snow to a residence approximately one kilometre away from the collision scene.”
Officers spoke with the home owner, determined the driver was there and took the man into custody. Drug paraphernalia and suspected purple fentanyl was seized, police say.
Kyle Michael Rochon, 31, of Elmira, was charged with three counts of driving while prohibited and possession of fentanyl.
He is to appear in Guelph court on Feb. 19.
