NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On March 5, 2019, Wellington County OPP responded to a break and enter at a residence in Harriston. A door was forced open and a quantity of property was stolen including a number of firearms.
Estimates put the value of property stolen at over $50,000. An investigation into the stolen property was undertaken.
As a result of the above investigation, on Aug. 6, 2019, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Major Crime Unit, the Community Street Crime Unit and uniform members executed a Criminal Code search warrant at a property located on Highway 89 west of Mount Forest. 55 stolen firearms, including two handguns were recovered.
On Aug. 7, 2019, Wellington County OPP, along with West Region Criminal Operations, West Region Support Team, Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Aviation Services, West Region Tactical Response Unit (TRU), Canine Unit (K9) with the assistance the Guelph Police Service Tactical Unit, arrested a suspect at a residence located on Grange Street in the City of Guelph.
A warrant was executed and during the search a hand gun and a quantity of methamphetamine were recovered. Edward (Ted) Petsinis, 55-years-old of Guelph was charged with Possession of Firearms Obtained by a Crime and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon contrary to the Criminal Code, as well as Possession of Methamphetamine contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The accused was held for a bail hearing.
On Aug. 8, 2019, Wellington County OPP executed a third search warrant at a residence on Elizabeth Street, Harriston. As a result a second suspect was arrested and a firearm was seized.
Gregory A. Gibson, 55-years-old of Harriston was charged with Possession of Firearms Obtained by a Crime, Careless Storage of a Firearm and Possession of a Restricted Firearms contrary to the Criminal Code. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice - Guelph, September 10, 2019.
OPP continue to investigate and have not recovered all the stolen firearms. Any person with information regarding this 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.
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