The Northumberland Detachment of the OPP has charged one individual following an investigation into a report of a stolen vehicle in Brighton.
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 1:15 a.m., police received a report that a vehicle had been stolen from a location on Dean Drive. It was further reported that multiple individuals had taken the vehicle and that the driver had been subjected to violence and could not be located.
The unoccupied vehicle was recovered a short time later at a commuter parking lot off Highway 401.
Due to concerns for the well-being of the driver, an investigation assisted by the Northumberland OPP Crime Unit was initiated. A parallel missing person investigation was also launched.
Residents in the Dean Drive area may have noticed an increased police presence as officers conducted inquiries throughout the day.
Shortly before 7:00 p.m., police located the unharmed person at a residence on Main Street in Brighton. As the investigation progressed, officers sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the original report, resulting in the same individual being taken into custody.
Jahlid Melo, 29, from Brampton has been charged with obstructing a peace officer and is set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in April 2026.
This investigation is continuing. Further updates will be provided when available.
