(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH, ON) – An Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh resident is facing nine criminal charges following an investigation conducted by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment and members of the OPP Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU). Additionally, the investigative efforts have led to the discovery and seizure of an estimated $100,000 in stolen property.
On May 27, 2021 Huron OPP officers were notified of a break, enter and theft of copper wire from a wind turbine site located on Tower Line in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. Two large spools of copper wire valued at approximately $41,000 were taken. Following some investigation officers were able to develop some suspect information and a judicial search warrant was authorized.
On May 28, 2021 members from the Huron OPP Detachment, OPP Huron-Perth CSCU and West Region OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed two search warrants at property located on Belfast Road. As a result of the search warrant police seized the following stolen items: Copper wire valued at $41,000, a bin full of scrap metal valued at $7,500, two motorcycles and two pickup trucks. Additionally, police seized an improperly stored shotgun and a significant quantity of suspected crack cocaine.
John VANDIEPENBEEK, 40 years of age from Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh has been charged with the following offences:
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Six Counts
· Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
· Careless Storage of a Firearm
· Fail to Comply with Recognizance
The accused has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for July 26, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.
This is an ongoing investigation, if you have any information about this investigation please 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 tip online at www.p3tips.com , where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.