Skip to content

Four charged in local catalytic converter thefts (3 photos)

Police say they seized 10 stolen catalytic converters and a quantity of cocaine after responding to report of suspicious vehicle in Westmount Drive lot

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
Members of the Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested four suspects and seized 10 stolen catalytic converters and a quantity of cocaine in the City of Orillia.  

On June 9, 2021, just before 11 a.m., officers received a report of a suspicious vehicle in a Westmount Drive parking lot. Officers attended quickly and located a vehicle matching the description given.

Four individuals were observed in the vehicle and an investigation was commenced. As a result, the four occupants were arrested and a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine, Canadian currency and ten stolen catalytic converters.  

As a result, Matthew Baetsen, age 50, of Orillia, Shashaunie McQuaid, age 27, of Orillia and Catherine Watters, age 23 of Midland have been charged with:     

  • Ten counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 
  • Possession of break in instruments • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine  

All three were released from custody on Form 10 Undertakings and are set to appear on August 17, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.  

In addition, John Strachan, age 33, of Orillia, has been charged with the same offences and was held for a bail hearing on June 10, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.  

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have information on any crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

*************************