MORRIS-TURNBERRY — A pair of alleged ATV thieves got caught in the act as they tried to flee in the stolen machine across a cropped field — only to get stuck and arrested by an officer who took after them on foot.
Huron County OPP apprehended the duo June 19 after receiving a call from a Brussels Line landowner who reported that their all-terrain vehicle (ATV) had been stolen moments earlier. The victim, who contacted police around 8 a.m., said they could hear the machine in the woods behind their property.
Police quickly responded to the scene and observed the ATV in a field with crops. One officer sensed the thieves wouldn’t get far, ran after them and caught up when the ATV became mired in a shallow waterway.
Arrested were Victor Johnson, 34, of Morris-Turnberry and Jess McCabe, 23, of Elmira, according to the detachment.
The investigating officer observed that the driver was displaying several signs of drug impairment, and a Drug Recognition Expert came to the same opinion after an assessment of the individual. Additional checks revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and was serving a probation sentence.
The accused parties also possessed a stolen nail gun and a stolen wallet.
Police report that Johnson has been charged with:
- Theft Under $5,000;
- Mischief Under $5,000;
- Operation While Prohibited;
- Operation While Impaired;
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order – 2 counts.
Police report that McCabe has been charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – 3 counts;
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid.
Both accused were released from custody to appear July 12 and August 9 at Goderich court.
