Police Beat: Palmerston man faces charges for damaging cruiser
Tried to evade police
MINTO – A Palmerston man faces several charges after damaging a cruiser while trying to evade police.
On Oct. 2 at about 3:30pm, a Wellington County OPP officer attempted to stop a vehicle on 3rd Line in Minto for an alleged driving violation.
“The driver of the vehicle initially stopped before driving away, causing damage to the cruiser,” police stated in a press release. “Officers located the driver a short distance away and subsequently placed them under arrest.”
Adam Richard Swartz, 33, of Palmerston, was charged with dangerous driving, flight from a peace officer, using unauthorized plates, driving while suspended and driving without insurance.
He is to appear in Guelph court on Nov. 24.
Drug charges
MOUNT FOREST – Two people are facing drug charges after police responded to a report of a theft from a business here on Oct. 1.
“The complainant advised that the suspect was on scene with their vehicle,” police stated in a press release.
Daniel John Morris, 49, of Guelph, was charged with impaired driving, failure or refusal to comply with demand for a breath sample and three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine, opioid other than heroin and methamphetamine).
Jennifer McNutt, 46, of West Grey, was charged with three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine, opioid other than heroin and methamphetamine).
Both are to appear in Guelph court on Nov. 24.
‘Serious injuries’
PUSLINCH – On Oct. 6 at about 5pm, Wellington County OPP responded to a serious vehicle collision at Fife Road and Township Road 1 here.
“Initial reports indicated that two vehicles were involved, and that one person was transported to a trauma centre with serious injuries,” police stated.
Stolen vehicle leads to charges
MAPLETON – On Oct. 3 at about 2:30pm, Wellington County OPP officers were conducting a RIDE check on Wellington Road 9 here.
Police say one vehicle that entered the checkpoint was stolen.
Xavier Harold Raithby, 21, of Listowel, was charged with theft of a vehicle over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, failing to comply with an undertaking, driving without a licence and driving without a compliant seat belt.
He is to appear in Guelph court on Dec. 1.
Dog bites, owner flees
ELORA – Police are looking for a dog owner who fled a local park after their animal allegedly bit a child.
Wellington County OPP officials say police were called to Harold Chambers Park in Elora on Oct. 6 at about 5pm.
“A 7-year-old had been injured by an unidentified, Airedale terrier-type dog,” police stated in a press release.
“An individual, who is suspected to be the owner, fled prior to identifying themselves. The injuries to the child were treated at a hospital.”
The suspected owner of the dog is described as female, Caucasian, heavy set, tall, wearing a light-coloured skirt and top.
Careless driving
FERGUS – On Oct. 3 at about 7:45am, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a collision involving a sedan and a school van with students on board on Courtney Street here.
No injuries were reported.
The driver of the sedan, a 34-year-old from Woodstock, was charged with careless driving.
‘Partner violence’
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Police have laid a number of charges in “intimate partner violence” investigations recently.
On Sept. 21, a 15-year-old from Mapleton was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
On Sept. 21, a 43-year-old from Wellington North was charged with three counts of spousal assault.
On Sept. 25, a 75-year-old from Mapleton was charged with two counts of spousal assault.
On Sept. 24, a 41-year-old from Erin was charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
In the above incidents, the accused individuals are to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
No helmet, no licence, no insurance
PALMERSTON – On Oct. 2 at about 9am, an officer observed a youth operating a mini-motorcycle on Webster Street here.
“The vehicle did not have the necessary equipment to be on a roadway and the driver was not wearing a helmet,” police stated in a press release.
A 14-year-old from Palmerston was charged with failing to wear a proper helmet on a motorcycle.
“The youth also received several warnings regarding driving a motor vehicle with no permit, with no license plates and with no insurance,” police stated.
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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.
