Oxford OPP briefs

Lee Griffi, Editor

Police searching for suspect in another grandparent scam

Members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking help in identifying a suspect who attended a residence in Oxford County as part of a Grandparent Scam.

“On July 31, an alleged scammer contacted a South-West Oxford Township couple and claimed their grandson had been arrested. The suspect convinced the victims that their grandson required bail money and instructed them to gather approximately $6,900 in cash,” said an OPP press release.

The suspect further advised them not to call anyone else as it could interfere with the proceedings.

“The victims were asked to place the cash in an envelope and write a reference number on the outside. The suspect advised that a representative would attend their residence to collect the money,” added the release.

Sometime between 5:25 p.m. and 6 p.m. on July 31, a male attended the residence, collected the cash and left in a passenger vehicle.

The suspect is described as having brown skin, being 30 to 40 years old, approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8 with a slim build, a short beard and a moustache. The suspect vehicle is described as a newer-model black Audi sedan with dark-tinted windows.

Members of the public are asked to contact Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122 if they have any information about this incident, including video footage of the suspect or suspect vehicle. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Members of Oxford County are reminded that a legitimate organization, like a police service, would never come to your home to collect money for any reason.

To help educate yourself and your loved ones about scams, visit https://antifraudcentre.ca.

SIU invokes mandate following Embro incident

The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate following an incident in Embro.

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, shortly before 4:40 a.m., Members of the Oxford OPP received a call for assistance from emergency medical services for a person in medical distress. Police interacted with the individual, who was transported to hospital for treatment.

The OPP notified the SIU, which invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide further information. The Echo did reach out to the SIU and received the following statement from spokesperson Monica Hudon.

“At approximately 4:45 a.m. on August 9, OPP officers were dispatched to a medical assist call at a residence in the area of 37th Line and Commissioner Street. A man was having a medical episode and refusing assistance. Officers took control of the man and handcuffed him. He was then taken to a stretcher and transported to hospital.”