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NEWS RELEASE
HURONIA WEST OPP
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Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a male who was in possession of a loaded firearm.
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, at approximately 8 a.m. members from the Huronia West OPP responded to a call for service involving a male outside with a firearm within the Town of Wasaga Beach.
Shortly after, the male was located by police in a vehicle where he then fled the area. Subsequently a pursuit was initiated where the vehicle was followed into a local parking lot. Further attempts to flee police resulted in the suspect vehicle becoming disabled in a ditch.
Multiple officers flooded the area and a high-risk takedown was conducted on the vehicle. After the suspect refused to obey commands, he was successfully controlled by the use of a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) and taken into police custody without further incident. A search of the vehicle resulted in locating a loaded firearm.
As a result, James Hodgkinson, 23-years-old, of Wiarton, has been charged criminally with the following:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - BAC 80 plus
- Dangerous operation
- Flight from peace officer
- Careless storage of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Carrying concealed weapon
- Firearm - Use while committing offence
- Criminal Harassment
- Failure to Comply with Undertaking
The accused was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody.
This incident can be a reminder to the public of what police officers locally and beyond respond to without hesitation to ensure public safety is kept at the highest level possible.
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