A tip from a 911 call led police in Bonfield, Ont., to surround a railyard, where three suspects were inside stealing copper. It later emerged that all three were already on probation. The call came in Oct. 29 at 11:50 a.m., the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Nov. 3. The caller reported a theft in progress near the intersection of Greenwood Drive and Sunnyside Road in Bonfield. “An employee of a rail company reported observing three individuals removing copper from railway property and carrying the material away.” Police said. OPP surrounded the area “Officers established containment in the area and requested assistance from the OPP emergency response team and OPP canine unit. During the search, all three individuals were located and arrested.” Police recovered several lengths of cut copper wire, pliers and cutting tools. “During the investigation, officers seized suspected methamphetamine from two of the accused,” police said. Two residents of Mattawa, ages 22 and 40, have been charged with theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, drug possession, failing to comply with a probation order and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. A third suspect, 30, also from Mattawa, was charged with theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, failing to comply with a probation order and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. All three accused were held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on Oct. 30.
