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.
On October 23 shortly after 3:00 a.m., a Bancroft OPP officer 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. The shooting 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 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.
QUOTES
“These arrests and charges reflect the swift actions of our officers. Violence and the reckless use of firearms have no place in our communities, and we remain committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible while continuing to ensure public safety.” – OPP Staff Sergeant Trevor Pitts, Bancroft Detachment Commander
“Police are aware of ongoing tensions between outlaw motorcycle gangs and continue to monitor the situation closely. The OPP’s Biker Enforcement Unit actively investigates criminal activity linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs across the province. The unit remains focused on proactively identifying, investigating and disrupting criminal activity associated with these groups.” – OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Gerrit Brouwer, Biker Enforcement Unit
