A man in Petrolia is facing dozens of property-related charges following an OPP investigation.
Members of the Lambton OPP Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) spotted a stationary stolen vehicle and trailer on Courtright Line the morning of March 1.
Authorities say the suspect was seen with the vehicle, but tried to flee when officers approached. After a struggle with police, the suspect was taken into custody.
Police had been investigating a series of thefts and break-and-enters throughout the county and were able to link the accused to several cases.
Over $500,000 worth of property has been recovered and returned to rightful owners.
The 32-year-old has been charged with the following:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (six counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (seven counts)
- Break and enter (six counts)
- Theft over $5000 of a motor vehicle (three counts)
- Theft over $5000 (four counts)
- Theft under $5000
- Flight from peace officer
- Resist peace officer
- Possession of break-in instruments
- Mischief over $5000
- Fail to comply with probation order
The accused was held in custody following a bail hearing and has since been released. He is scheduled to appear again before the Ontario Court of Justice-Sarnia at a later date.
The arresting officer had been facing a Special Investigations Unit probe due to injuries the suspect suffered while being taken into custody. The officer has now been cleared of any wrong-doing.