(ESPANOLA, ON) – Two males were arrested and charged following a traffic stop that lead police to locating stolen property, a large quantity of drugs, an imitation firearm, and weapons.
On October 29, 2024, the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), received a theft call, reporting that a historic bell was stolen from a public school in Massey. On October 31, 2024, police conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle and observed two males inside the vehicle. Further investigation led to officers locating the stolen historic bell, as well as several other items suspected to be stolen.
Additionally, police seized over 35 grams of suspected Fentanyl (estimated street valued of $14,000), over 10 grams of suspected cocaine (estimated street value of $1,000), an imitation firearm, weapons, break and enter tools, and Canadian currency.
As a result, the driver, David ECCLESTON, 38-years-old from Massey, was charged with:
- Possession of break in instruments
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – two counts
- Failure to comply with probation order – two counts
- Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
- Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (other than heroin)
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle
- Driving while under suspension
- Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
The passenger, Joseph DEMERS, 40-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:
- Possession of break in instruments
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – two counts
- Mischief over $5,000
- Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
- Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (other than heroin)
Both accused individuals appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on October 31, 2024, and were remanded into custody.
The Manitoulin OPP is looking to identify the owners of the recovered stolen property. If you have experienced a theft, please reach out to the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122 with a description of your stolen item.
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