NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
Members of the Huronia West detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in relation to a mischief incident involving OPP vehicles in Wasaga beach last weekend.
Officers have worked tirelessly to identify the suspects responsible for the damage of two OPP vehicles in the early morning hours of Aug. 28. Officers and an OPP canine were inside the vehicles when the suspects mounted the vehicles and smashed the windows. Thankfully, the officers and dog were unharmed.
The OPP issued a statement advising that officers would conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation leading to the arrests of these individuals and hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
The Huronia West OPP Crime Unit has identified one of the suspects from this incident. The investigation will continue to identify the second individual.
As a result of the investigation, Huronia West OPP Crime Unit with the assistance of the Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement unit have arrested and charged Anthony Houle, 25, from London with the following charges: assault a peace officer (two counts), causing a disturbance, participating in riot, mischief over $5,000, forcible entry, theft under $5,000 (shoplifting), and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
The accused was brought back to the Huronia West OPP detachment, where he will be held pending a bail hearing tomorrow (Friday) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.
The safety of our community and our officers is our number one priority and the safety of both was jeopardized during this incident. We want to make it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Thank you to the many community members for their support and assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Huronia West OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify, and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. Tips may also be provided through the Crime Stoppers website by visiting ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
*************************
