Man wanted on weapons-related charges

(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH, ON) - The Huron County OPP is seeking the public's assistance in locating a man wanted for weapons-related offences that took place near Dungannon, Thursday, Sept. 28.

A police investigation has determined the owner of a side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) became aware of information that his stolen machine was being stored at a residence located on River Mill Line. With that knowledge, the owner and a friend went to the property to recover the machine but they were met with resistance and a confrontation ensued.

Ultimately, the male victims retreated from the property and as they left in their vehicle, the wanted man fired a shot from a rifle in the direction of their vehicle.

Police were called to the scene but the male suspect fled in a vehicle and managed to evade police. Police were able to later recover a firearm used in this incident along with the getaway vehicle; however, the suspect remains outstanding.

Sept. 29, members of the West Region OPP Tactics & Rescue Unit, Emergency Response Team, OPP Canine Unit, Huron OPP Community Street Crimes Unit and Huron OPP executed a search warrant at the River Mill Line residence. Police seized a prohibited weapon (sawed-off shotgun), ammunition and a quantity of cannabis marijuana.  

Police have since arrested and charged co-accused Sharon PREISS, 44, of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh with Possession of Stolen Property - Over $5,000, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (two counts), Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, Careless Storage of a Firearm, Possession of a Schedule II Substance - Cannabis Resin and Cannabis Marijuana and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. She remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for Oct. 5, at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich.

The Huron County OPP holds an arrest warrant for 29-year-old Kody JOHNSON (right), of no fixed address. He is wanted for the same offences as his co-accused, as well as Assault, Mischief, Careless Use of a Firearm and two counts of Fail to Comply with a Probation Order.  

His present whereabouts are unknown but he has ties to Huron, Perth and Bruce counties.

The accused is described as: white, 6' tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with a medium build and dark hair. 

If located, contact police immediately and make no attempt to apprehend the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect should call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police authority. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*