General News

Suspects arrested following armed robbery investigation

October 28, 2022   ·   0 Comments

Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Central Region have laid charges in connection to an armed robbery investigation in the Town of Innisfil.

Last Wednesday (Oct. 19) at approximately 12:49 a.m., officers from the South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS) responded to an armed robbery in the area of Coleman Crescent and Ferguson Street in the Town of Innisfil. Two victims reported being robbed at gunpoint while sitting in a parked vehicle. No injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.  

Upon officer arrival, two males were observed fleeing the area on foot and into a residence on Huron Crescent. The residence was contained by police. One male complied with demands to exit and was subsequently arrested without incident. The second male did not cooperate with police demands. 

As part of an existing commitment to temporarily provide front line police service in SSPS jurisdiction, the investigation was turned over to the OPP.  

Members from the OPP’s Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Crisis Negotiation, Canine and Emergency Response Team (ERT) were deployed to the scene. The area was contained and safely evacuated with no threat to the general public.

Around 10:00 a.m., the OPP made contact with the male who surrendered to police and was taken into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation led by the OPP Central Region Crime Prevention and Investigations Unit, James SLOK, 21, of Innisfil, was charged with:

• Carrying a concealed weapon

• Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose

• Imitation firearm – use while committing offence

• Mischief under $5,000

Henricus SLOK, 28, also of Innisfil, was charged with:

• Robbery using a firearm

• Carrying a concealed weapon

• Pointing a firearm

• Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose

• Assault with a weapon

Both accused were held for a Bail Hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie. These charges have not been proven in court.

Stolen vehicle recovered by police

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation.

On Sept. 17, at approximately 9:53 a.m., Caledon OPP entered into a stolen vehicle investigation. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Toronto area and was believed to be located at a storage facility in the Town of Caledon.

Uniform members, with the assistance of Caledon OPP’s Community Street Crime Unit, located the storage locker and authored a search warrant. Once the authorization was granted, the search was conducted, and a stolen vehicle was recovered.

On October 13, 2022, as a result of the investigation, Kimo CHRISTIE, 26, of Welland, was charged with:

• Theft over $5000 of a motor vehicle

• Possession property obtained by crime over $5000

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on December 29, 2022, to answer to the charges. These charges have not been proven in court.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

“Caledon OPP is working actively with its various partners to combat the growing trend of auto thefts in the Region and across the province. If you observe unusual activity in your community, report it immediately to police by calling 911. Make note of vehicle licence plates if you can. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2000 upon an arrest,” said Caledon OPP in a press release.

“Caledon OPP is committed to enforcement initiatives targeting this issue and will continue to educate residents on crime prevention strategies to minimize victimization.”

Auto theft crime prevention tips:

Today’s auto thieves are increasingly turning to technology that bypasses security systems allowing vehicles to be stolen. Electronic auto theft is on the rise as more vehicles are equipped with technology such as keyless entry fobs. In fact, the insurance industry has seen the growing trend that thieves are able to copy fob information and steal cars right from your driveway. The term “relay thefts” involves the use of equipment designed to boost and exploit the signals sent out by a vehicle’s legitimate key fob. This allows for a thief to unlock and start an engine of a vehicle remotely. 

Residents can help protect their vehicles by taking any of the following crime prevention measures:

• Ensure your vehicle keys are kept well away from doors and windows

• Use a signal blocking pouch/box – they can block your key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle as the pouch is lined with layers or metallic material

• Turn off the keyless fob wireless signal at night (refer to your car manual for instructions)

• Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm – this could add a significantly delay or be a deterrent for thieves

• Consider a secondary audible car alarm – which works by using sensors placed in different points of your vehicle

• Park in the garage (if possible)

• Insert a car tracker – unusual activity is monitored, and car can be tracked using GPS if stolen

Police and its insurance industry partners also want to raise public awareness about the opportunities for criminals who intend to steal personal identification from unsecured vehicles. Licenses, insurance, vehicle ownerships, passports, as well as mobile devices or laptops, offer criminals the opportunity to further victimize individuals who do not lock their vehicles, or who leave their valuables in plain view.

Vehicle owners/passengers can do simple things to decrease the risk of being victimized, such as:

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended

• Lock your doors

• Roll up your windows

• Keep valuables out of sight

• Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet or purse, not in the glove box

• Pocket your keys

• At night or during extended parking periods, always park in a well-lit area.

Tips on avoiding wildlife collisions: OPP

Every year in Ontario, there are about 12,000 deer and wildlife collisions, leading to approximately 400 human injuries per year, according to Central Region OPP.

These collisions tend to happen one hour before dawn or after dusk. Although collisions with wildlife happen year-round, the most dangerous conditions occur in October and November, which is peak breeding season for deer, the OPP added. 

By being aware of this and following the simple tips below drivers can give themselves the driving advantage and help avoid a collision:

• Pay extra close attention when driving through areas where wildlife signs are posted. These areas have a high frequency of animal crossings. 

• Monitor your speed. By obeying the posted speed limit, you increase your reaction time and decrease your vehicles braking distance – helping you avoid a possible collision. 

• Be careful at the ends of fence lines. Animals may be following the fence line and looking to cross the roadway at their first opportunity. 

• Be alert at all times. Scan your surroundings constantly and look ahead of you as you drive. It is common for animals to wait alongside the roadway or in the ditch, prior to crossing. 

• Use your high beams when possible and look for the glowing eyes of animals. 

• Never swerve suddenly. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or head into oncoming traffic. 

• Brake firmly but maintain control of your vehicle if you see an animal standing in or crossing the roadway. 

• Deer rarely travel alone. If you see one, there is a good chance there are more.

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