Media Release
July 25, 2024 ‑ (GREY BRUCE, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit were out on patrol on the waters in the Grey Bruce area.
Officers were on patrol on Lake Eugenia, Chesley Lake, Colpoys Bay, Georgian Bay and the Oliphant Fishing Islands. Officers stopped and inspected a total of 178 watercrafts including stand up paddleboards (SUP’s), kayaks, sailboats, and personal watercraft (PWC’s). Three individuals operating paddleboards were charged under Small Vessel Regulations for failing to have safety equipment including a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and one individual was warned for operating pleasure craft without copy of licence on board.
The OPP want to remind the public that paddleboards, kiteboards, kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, and other beach launched craft are vessels under the Canada Shipping Act and all require a lifejacket or PFD and other safety equipment specific to the craft they are operating. Fines for not having the required equipment can far exceed the cost of the safety equipment purchase, not to mention the potential cost of lives lost in not having safety equipment when it’s needed.
Find out what equipment you need to have for the type of craft you are using by searching: Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
Remember, Lifejackets save lives, but only if they are worn – buckle one on.
LOCAL OPP AUXILIARY MEMBER RECOGNISED AT AWARDS CEREMONY
(GREY BRUCE, ON) – On July 11, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) held the Ontario Provincial Police 2023 Accolade Award Ceremony at OPP General Headquarters (GHQ) in Orillia.
An auxiliary officer who works with the OPP in Grey Bruce was among those honoured for their exceptional efforts in service with the OPP. The Auxiliary Member of the Year Accolade Award was presented to Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Tom Buckley. In 2023, Tom has volunteered over 1,000 quality hours with the Auxiliary Unit for the betterment of his community and the OPP. These hours consisted of ride-a-longs with officers, community events and training new auxiliary members at OPP GHQ.
OPP Accolade Awards are presented each year to OPP uniform, civilian and auxiliary members who have distinguished themselves with their outstanding service. These members are nominated by their peers or supervisors, and the winners (comprised of individuals and teams) are selected by a panel of reviewers from various ranks.
“Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Tom Buckley has been a dedicated auxiliary member since 1995, devoting countless hours every year. He is a highly respected member of the Grey Bruce OPP and takes immense pride in his position. We are lucky to have him leading our Grey Bruce Auxiliary program, that participates in so many events in our communities. He is very deserving of this prestigious award.” – Staff Sergeant Marla Barfoot.
If you are interested in joining the Grey Bruce OPP Auxiliary Unit please visit Ontario Provincial Police – Auxiliary Policing Program (opp.ca). If you have any questions, please contact your local OPP detachment, and ask to speak to their recruit ambassador.
CHARGES LAID FOLLOWING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE INVESTIGATION
(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On July 22, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP responded to an address in South Bruce Peninsula and initiated an intimate partner violence investigation. Police attended and determined that the suspect threatened to kill an ex-partner’s new partner. Investigation revealed historic domestic incidents.
A 22-year-old from South Bruce Peninsula was charged with:
· Forcible confinement
· Assault – spousal
· Uttering threats – cause death of bodily harm – spousal
· Uttering threats
The accused is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
The OPP will not release names to protect the identity of the victim.
Individuals experiencing intimate partner violence are not alone. If you or someone you are aware of requires assistance, there are local resources ready to provide support. Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth can be contacted at 1-866-376-9852.
The OPP is available at 1-888-310-1122 throughout the Province of Ontario. In case of immediate danger please call 911.
IMPAIRED DRIVER CRASHES INTO GEORGIAN BLUFFS HOME
(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – One person is facing charges after the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call for service that a vehicle struck a residence.
On July 17, 2024, at 11:48 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP received a call that a vehicle drove into a residence on Sir Johns Crescent in Georgian Bluffs. The Grey Bruce OPP learned that the homeowners were sitting in the room that the vehicle crashed into at the time of the collision. The homeowners received no injuries. As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected.
As a result, a 48-year-old from Toronto was charged with:
-Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
-Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
-Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
The accused was transported to hospital as a precaution and released.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Owen Sound on August 8, 2024.
If you suspect an impaired driver, please call 911.
BREAK AND ENTER SUSPECT ARRESTED
(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – One person is facing charges after a residence was broken into and alcohol stolen from a property in Wiarton.
On July 14, 2024, at 4:34 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP responded to a report of a “dine and dash” on two separate occasions. Through video surveillance police observed the suspect and was able to identify the individual.
On July 14, 2024, at 10:36 p.m. the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a complaint that their garage has been broken into and alcoholic beverages have been stolen at a residence on Gould Street in South Bruce Peninsula. The accused was known to the complainant.
On July 16, 2024, at 10:36 a.m., the Grey Bruce OPP received a call that a garage has been broken into and alcoholic beverages have been stolen at a residence on Dawson Street in South Bruce Peninsula. The accused was known to the complainant.
On July 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP received a call that a different garage has been broken into and alcoholic beverages have been stolen at a residence on Dawson Street in South Bruce Peninsula. The accused was known to the complainant and advised that the accused was located in the neighbours garage the same day.
A 39-year-old from South Bruce Peninsula was charged with:
-Break, enter a place – with intent to commit indictable offence X3
-Theft under $5000 X3
-Possession property obtained by crime under $5000
-Food and lodging fraud X2
The accused was held pending a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.
