OPP Seeking Public Assistance Locating Stolen Handgun
On April 8, 2020 the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were contacted regarding the theft of a firearm. The complainant reported that at approximately 2:00 a.m. his son and nephew removed a handgun that was stored in a locked safe in the residence and then made arrangements on social media to be picked up by an acquaintance to go and shoot the firearm.
The firearm is described as a 9mm Ceska Zbrojovka CZ75 with a red handle and a Canadian flag on the handle.
The acquaintance attended the residence in a motor vehicle, along with 2 other youths that were unknown to the son and nephew. All the youths traveled to a field near the Morriston Car Park near Highway 401 and took turns shooting off approximately 20 rounds of ammunition. The youths all got back in the vehicle and traveled to Concession 2 just west of Side Road 20 South in Puslinch and fired off more rounds.
During the course of fire, one of the youths grabbed the firearm out of the nephew’s hand, ran back to the vehicle and sped off, leaving the son and nephew behind. The youth’s returned home and told the complainant what occurred and police were notified.
Following a thorough investigation, a 16-year-old male from Kitchener has been charged with Theft Under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code. The Accused is schedule to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph in July 2020.
The Wellington County OPP Major Crime Unit is continuing to investigate this incident and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two youths as well as locating the outstanding firearm.
Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
