Search Warrant On County Border Yields Illegal Drugs, Weapons Stolen Vehicles And Cash

An investigation conducted by the Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crimes Unit, West Region OPP Emergency Response Team, West Region OPP Bail Support Team, West Region OPP K-9 Unit and Huron County OPP detachment resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs, weapons, cash, and stolen property with a total value exceeding $123,000.

An investigation was initiated by members of the Huron County OPP detachment which led investigators to an address on Huron-Bruce Road.

On Tuesday, September 10th, police attended the rural address and observed a newer model vehicle drive immediately into a farmer's field, damaging crops as it tried to evade officers. The vehicle drove into a tree stump and caused heavy damage to the vehicle. The lone driver fled and was apprehended shortly after and arrested. The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen. A search of the path driven by the accused revealed a 9mm revolver and 9mm ammunition. A search of the vehicle following the arrest resulted in officers locating methamphetamine, $1,300 in Canadian currency, a prohibited knife and a container of exploding rifle mix. 

While officers were at the address, they observed a stolen vehicle and arrested a second person on the property. A search warrant was later executed for the property which resulted in the seizure of more weapons, stolen property and other offence-related items. Two individuals have been arrested and charged.

As a result of the investigation, police seized other items including a stolen enclosed trailer, stolen snowmobile, stolen pickup truck, crossbows, compound bows and ammunition. 

The combined estimated value of the recovered stolen vehicles and property is $117,000.

The combined estimated value of the seized drugs is $500.

The combined estimated value of the seized property, weapons and ammunition is $4,950.

Total Canadian currency seized is $1,300. 

Matthew CHARLTON, 40 years of age from South Bruce has been charged with:

• Unauthorized pos session of a restricted firearm,

• Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtain by crime,

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000,

• Possession of a firearm and ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order - (twenty counts),

• Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition,

• Possession of a Prohibited Device - (two counts),

• Dangerous Operation,

• Driving while Prohibited,

• Mischief over $5000,

• Mischief under $5000,

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order - (three counts),

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine.

The accused was processed and is being held for a bail hearing scheduled at the Goderich Ontario Court of Justice.

Vincent FITZSIMONS, 45 years of age from South Bruce has been charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,

• Altering/Destroying/Removing a veh icle identification number,

• Altering/Destroying/Removing a vehicle identification number - (two counts),

• Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition,

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order - (three counts).

Any person with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a web tip at "P3tips.com" where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.