Vehicle Thief Caught And Charged In Puslinch

At approximately 6:00 a.m. January 15, 2020, Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a stolen vehicle being tracked in the area of Concession 11, near Wellington Road 34, Puslinch. A white pick-up truck, stolen from the County of Haldimand, was being monitored by global positioning satellites and was suspected to be entering a horse track compound in the area.

The vehicle was located at the compound with a trailer attached to it that was loaded with a mini excavator and a skid steer. The suspect was standing next to the vehicle and when officers approached, the suspect re-entered the vehicle and attempted to flee. When the suspect became cornered they reversed the trailer into a cruiser causing significant damages. Officers were able to gain physical control of the suspect and remove them from the vehicle. Search incident to arrest uncovered a quantity of methamphetamine and stolen property including electronics and car rims. The trailer and excavating equipment were also confirmed to be stolen.

As a result of the investigation, Ryan Neal ELLERKER, 41-years-old of Haldimand, has been charged with Assault Peace Officer with a Weapon, Resist Arrest, Possession of Methamphetamine, four counts of Possession of Stolen Property over $5000, three counts of Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 and Suspended Driving. The accused was held for bail.

A number of items recovered have not been returned to the rightful owner. Any person with information regarding this incident 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.