​South Bruce OPP report vehicle thief nabbed; and impaired driver arrested

STOLEN VEHICLE RESULTS IN ARREST

(KINCARDINE, ON) - Jan. 9, at 9:59 p.m., the South Bruce OPP received the report of a stolen vehicle at a parking lot along Huron Terrace in Kincardine.

The complainant had driven into the lot in a Buick crossover when a man operating a Dodge SUV abandoned that vehicle, entered the Buick and fled the area. Minutes later, the Buick was seen in a parking lot along Philip Place, where a man exited and entered another vehicle which prompted a commotion with bystanders.

At the time, an officer was on scene at the opposite end of the parking lot and observed the commotion, followed by the man returning to the Buick, jumping the curb and fleeing at a high rate of speed through the parking lot. The Buick was then observed running a red light at the intersection of Highways 21 and 9, and continuing eastbound on Highway 9. Officers did not pursue out of concern for public safety.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., another responding officer observed the stolen Buick travelling westbound on Highway 9 from the Kinloss area. Additional units set up on Highway 9 outside of Kincardine, and successfully deployed a tire deflation device on the stolen Buick on its approach. The vehicle continued on with a deflated tire until eventually colliding with a snowbank on South Street, where the driver was promptly arrested. A search incident to arrest led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, Mark HOLTBY, 36, of the Municipality of Kincardine was charged with:
 

• Theft of motor vehicle, CC 333.1
• Flight from peace officer, CC 320.17
• Operation while impaired, CC 320.14(1)(a)
• Dangerous operation, CC 320.13(1)
• Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, CDSA 4(1)

The accused was held for a bail hearing, Jan. 10 and subsequently, released from custody.

Jan. 11, at 6:31 p.m., the South Bruce OPP was called to a disturbance at a residence in Kincardine. The same individual was located and placed under arrest, and additionally charged with:
 

• Uttering threats, CC 264.1(1)(a)
• Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, CDSA 4(1)

The accused was again held for a bail hearing and subsequently, released from custody.

DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER DITCHING VEHICLE

(KINCARDINE, ON) - Jan. 11, at 8:17 p.m., a member of the South Bruce OPP was on general patrol along Highway 21, north of Kincardine, when the officer observed a vehicle leave the roadway and enter the ditch.

The investigating officer stopped to render assistance to the driver and detected signs of impairment. The driver was placed under arrest and taken to a Drug Recognition Expert for further testing.

Sheena GALLAGHER, 43, of no fixed address, was charged with Operation while impaired, CC 320.14(1)(a).

The accused is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Walkerton, March 11, to answer to the charge.

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.