A combined police effort results in the apprehension of two males involved in vehicle thefts.

On April 25, 2019 two males, involved in vehicle thefts, were arrested and charged with multiple offences as a result of the combined efforts of Grey County Ontario Provincial Police, South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police, Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine Unit, as well as Hanover Police Service and West Grey Police Service.

On April 24, 2019 at approximately 11:49 p.m., Grey County OPP responded to a report of a Dodge pick-up truck that had just been stolen from a residence on Southgate Road 41 in the Township of Southgate by two unknown males.

While patrolling the area, police came upon an abandoned Chevrolet pick-up truck in a ditch. This truck was found to be stolen from the Municipality of South Bruce (Kincardine).

Wellington County OPP eventually observed the stolen Dodge. Several police services were involved in an attempt to stop the vehicle. In an effort to evade police, the vehicle drove into a farmer's field in the area of Hwy. 9 and Concession 12 in the Municipality of South Bruce. After the vehicle became stuck, the driver fled on foot. The passenger was arrested at the scene. Shortly after, the second male suspect was arrested nearby, with the assistance of the OPP Canine.

An 18-year old male from Wellington North Township (passenger) was charged with the following offences:

- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (x2)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fail to Comply with Sentence YCJA (x3)

He is scheduled to appear in Walkerton Court on May 22, 2019.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, 27-year old Shane Matthew Decunha, of Hanover, was charged with the following offences:

- Theft Over $5000 of a Motor Vehicle
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (x2)
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order (x2)

He is in custody pending a video remand scheduled for April 29, 2019.

Anyone with information which may assist is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

source: media release, OPP