(Orillia, ON) Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have now arrested a male that has been involved in numerous criminal offences in the Central Region area and was possibly in possession of a firearm.
On August 20 2018, OPP released information on a wanted male that was operating a black colored Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck that was last seen on Highway 11 in the Huntsville area. This vehicle was later located burned in the Parry Sound area however the male remained outstanding and was a person of interest in relation to break and enters at various locations and several property thefts as well.
OPP officers continued their investigation to locate the male and on August 22 2018, members of the OPP Central Region Community Street Crimes Unit arrested the male in the Hamilton area, who at the time was operating another Dodge Ram pickup truck recently stolen from the Niagara area.
Charged is 33 year-old Ian JOHNSTON of Hamilton, he is facing numerous charges in relation to break and enters, thefts, flight from police incidents, theft of motor vehicles, arsons and weapons offences which took place in Caledon, Muskoka, Orillia, Parry Sound, South Simcoe as well as Niagara and Hamilton regions.
It was also determined that the firearm mentioned in the initial media release was a replica handgun.
He was held for a bail hearing today at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. Investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Archie Dias or Detective Sergeant Duane McKnight at 905-584-2241.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit your information online at www.p3tips.com or if you have any information on this crime or any other crime.
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