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Spike belt helps OPP nab man in Severn for cottage 'mischief'

Police received numerous reports of an individual causing a disturbance in front of cottages near the 'Little Chute' on the Trent Severn Waterway
2020-04-01 OPP stock
File photo

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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At approximately 7:56 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2022, the OPP Communication Centre received numerous reports of an individual causing a disturbance in front of cottages on the Trent Severn System near the 'Little Chute.' A report was also received of a possible structure fire at a cottage possibly belonging to the same individual on the Severn Township side of the waterway.

The fire was extinguished by OPP officers and Georgian Bay Township Fire Service, and the suspect fled the scene. Through investigation, the suspect was located shortly thereafter operating a vehicle on White's Falls Marina Road, Severn Township.

Officers were able to safely stop the vehicle by deploying a tire deflation device. The driver, Thomas DiBaise, 41, of Toronto, was arrested and transported to Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment. After further investigation, the accused was charged with the following criminal offences.

  • Mischief - obstructs, interrupts or interferes with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property (two counts)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Failure to comply with undertaking (four counts)

and further

  • Drive motor vehicle - Perform stunt contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

The accused remains in custody and will appear before the Ontario of Justice at a future date.

If you have any information of a crime in your neighbourhood or workplace, please contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca if you have any information on this or any other 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 $2,000.00.

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