B&E SUSPECTS CLAIMED TO BE OPP

Two Orillia men claiming to be police were arrested after an attempted armed break-in Sunday.

Provincial police arrested them March 29 after getting a 911 call at 4:20 a.m. about a break and enter in progress at a residence on Front Street South.

They say suspects approached the house, attempted to gain entry and yelled they were members of the OPP.

The victim called the Orillia OPP for help, but the suspects fled before police arrived.

Officers, who were in the area got descriptions of two males who covered their faces and were carrying edged weapons.

A short while later police located the suspects.

Charged are Joshua Williamson, 30, and Devon Demaine, 26, both of Orillia with:

Personating Peace Officer contrary to Section 130(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;

Break and Enter contrary to Section 348(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;

Disguise with Intent contrary to Section 351(2) of the Criminal Code; and,

Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose contrary to Section 88 of the Criminal Code.

Both were released on a Form 10 Undertaking and set to appear next on June 16, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.

Police say criminals will go to great lengths to trick you, putting yourself in a tough situation including pretending to be police officers.

If you are in a situation where someone says they are a police officer and you want to be extra cautious please contact the Provincial Communications Centre at 1-888-310-1122 to inquire if the police are currently at your residence or ask the officer to identify himself or herself with their police issued photo identification.

Your personal safety is important and all reasonable precautions that can be taken should be taken.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime.

Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.