Ontario Provincial Police briefs

Members of the Oxford OPP Auxiliary Unit recently helped out at a food drive in Ingersoll. (OPP photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Police searching for suspect after fatal hit and run

A fail to remain collision involving a tow truck operator in Oxford County has claimed one life.

Members of the Oxford OPP, Paramedic Services and Fire Services responded to a collision on Highway 401, in the westbound lanes, west of Oxford Road 3 in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim. The incident occurred just after 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Emergency crews located a tow truck operator who was struck by an unknown vehicle while assisting a motorist. The tow truck operator was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The westbound lanes of the 401 between Cedar Creek Road and Oxford Road were closed for several hours as members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team investigated.

Any person with information or dashcam footage of the collision should contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Norwich man faces fraud charges

A police investigation has resulted in a charge of fraud over $5,000.

Police received a report of a fraud on March 23, 2023, and further investigation revealed the accused was involved in fraudulent activity where six victims were defrauded of a total of approximately $223,000. It is alleged that the accused was selling items to the victims but never received the items. On Nov. 20, 61-year-old Abraham Koolmees was arrested and charged.

Koolmees was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on Jan. 6, 2026.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Oxford OPP assist with local food drive

The Oxford OPP’s Auxiliary Unit recently helped with a Cram-A-Cruiser event.

On Nov. 22, members of the Oxford OPP assisted at a cram-a-cruiser event at a local grocery store in Ingersoll. All food collected from the food drive goes straight back to the community, supporting the Ingersoll Salvation Army, local community members and families.

Approximately 1000 pounds of food and approximately 300 bags were donated over the course of the day. Auxiliary members were there assisting from 8:30 a.m., to 2:30 p.m.

"Thanks to the incredible support from OPP, our food bank is stocked with much-needed items through Cram-a-Cruiser Food Drive that was organized last Saturday,” said Lovish Sharma, Community Ministries Coordinator with the Ingersoll Salvation Army.

“We collected just under 300 bags of food and an additional $160.00 dollars. These donations will go directly to helping local families. With our Food Bank supporting more than 250 families in Ingersoll, this truly makes a difference in our community. Thanks to all who participated. We're very grateful," she added.