Three people have been charged after a vehicle that fled from an attempted traffic stop was later linked to a shooting that damaged a business in Bancroft.
Last Friday morning, shortly after 3:00 a.m., a member of the Bancroft OPP observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Monck Street in Bancroft. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver failed to stop and fled the area.
Bancroft OPP officers, with assistance from Peterborough County OPP, later located the vehicle and safely stopped it on Highway 28 in Apsley. Three occupants were arrested.
Police also received reports that a shooting had occurred at around 3:00 a.m., at a business in Bancroft associated with the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club that caused damage to the building.
No injuries were reported.
During the investigation, officers seized several items, including a handgun.
Investigators determined the vehicle and its occupants were connected to the shooting.
As a result of the investigation, Preston Kowalchuk, 48 years old of Toronto has been charged with:
· Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
· Firearm – use while committing an offence
· Discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
· Careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Mischief under $5,000
· Flight from peace officer
· Dangerous operation
· Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
· Possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
Nicholas Mourtzis, 29 years old of Toronto has been charged with:
· Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
· Firearm – use while committing an offence
· Discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
· Careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Mischief under $5,000
· Flight from peace officer
· Dangerous operation
Jacob Sirett, 39 years old of Niagara Falls has been charged with:
· Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
· Firearm – use while committing an offence
· Discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm
· Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
· Careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
· Mischief under $5,000
· Flight from peace officer
· Dangerous operation
· Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
· Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the Bancroft OPP with assistance from the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit and the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, including video footage that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Bancroft OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
