Investigators with Wellington County OPP have recovered 55 stolen guns during an investigation into a burglary in Harriston.
Wellington County OPP responded to a break and enter at a residence in Harriston back in March where $50,000 worth of goods were stolen including a number of firearms.
On August 6, the Major Crime Unit, the Community Street Crime Unit and uniform members executed a Criminal Code search warrant at a property located on Highway 89 west of Mount Forest. 55 stolen firearms, including two handguns, were recovered.
On August 7, a suspect was arrested at a residence located on Grange Street in the City of Guelph by Wellington County OPP, along with West Region Criminal Operations, West Region Support Team, Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Aviation Services, West Region Tactical Response Unit (TRU), Canine Unit (K9) with the assistance the Guelph Police Service Tactical Unit.
A warrant was executed and during the search, a handgun and a quantity of methamphetamine were recovered.
Edward (Ted) Petsinis, 55, of Guelph, is charged with possession of firearms obtained by a crime and possession of a prohibited weapon, as well as possession of methamphetamine. The accused was held for a bail hearing.
On August 8, Wellington County OPP executed a third search warrant at a residence on Elizabeth Street in Harriston. As a result, a second suspect was arrested and a firearm was seized.
Gregory A. Gibson, 55, of Harriston is charged with possession of firearms obtained by a crime, careless storage of a firearm and possession of restricted firearms. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on September 10.
The OPP continue to investigate and have not recovered all the stolen firearms. Any person with information regarding this should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
