Fraud
A local resident is out $2,500 after a series of unauthorized transactions were sent from his bank account. The individual was alerted by his financial institution that two large transfers had been made without his knowledge; those amounts were quickly reversed. However, a third transfer for $2,500 was processed before it could be stopped. That loss remains under investigation as officers work to determine how the account was accessed and where the funds were sent. ST26002063.
In a separate, unrelated incident, a former local resident reported receiving calls from a collections agency about an account they had no knowledge of. The agency advised that approximately $800 was owing on the fraudulent account. Police are gathering additional information to continue the investigation. ST26001074.
Assault
Police responded to a report of an assault involving a resident who was approached and struck by an unknown individual while snow‑blowing a neighbour’s driveway. The complainant provided a general description of the suspect, and officers conducted a video canvass in the area with no immediate results. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the STPS at 519‑631‑1224 or submit a tip to www.stthomas‑elgincrimestoppers.ca. ST26002071.
Prohibited Driving
A 71‑year‑old St. Thomas man was arrested following a traffic stop on Friday afternoon. A query of the licence plate by police revealed the registered owner of the vehicle was a prohibited driver as a result of a previous conviction for impaired driving. The driver was charged with Operation While Prohibited, along with several provincial offences including operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failing to have a permit for the vehicle, and using an unauthorized licence plate. The driver’s vehicle was impounded and he was released with a future court date. ST26002082.
Warrant Arrest
A St. Thomas female was arrested Friday afternoon on the strength of an endorsed warrant for Assault Cause Bodily Harm and Fail to Comply with Probation. The arrest is in relation to an incident that occurred the previous day. The female was later released with a future court date. ST26002084.
Counterfeit Money
Police are investigating multiple incidents of individuals using counterfeit bills at businesses on Talbot St. Video is being reviewed in each case to identify the suspects. ST26002089, ST26002101, ST26002116.
Reasonable Grounds Arrest
Following a child‑abuse investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Bureau, a 28‑year‑old female and a 49‑year‑old male have been arrested and charged with one count of Assault. Both parties were released on an Undertaking with conditions. ST26002103.