Stolen licence plates lead to charges
A Windsor man faces numerous criminal charges after police spotted a vehicle with stolen licence plates this week.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Windsor police property crimes unit eyed the vehicle on Ottawa Street.
The suspect driver parked in the street's 1300 block and exited the vehicle, police said in a news release on Wednesday. When he noticed the officers, he started to run, but police quickly arrested him without incident.
Police discovered a firearm in the suspect's possession, as well as multiple shotgun shells inside the vehicle. Charles Hetry, 46, of Windsor, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of a firearm knowingly without a licence, occupying a motor vehicle with a firearm, two counts of possessing a firearm while prohibited, and two counts of possessing ammunition while prohibited.
Investigators determined the suspect had recently purchased the involved vehicle through a private sale, but the vehicle ownership was never switched over through Service Ontario. As a result, the vehicle remained in the seller's name without their knowledge until police contacted them.
Police remind the public that, when selling a vehicle, they are responsible for providing a used car package to the buyer. The buyer must register themselves as the new owner of the vehicle within six days of purchase. However, police recommend that the seller and buyer attend a Service Ontario location at the time of the sale to confirm the immediate transfer of ownership.
“This recommendation could prevent many persons selling vehicles from becoming part of police investigations if the vehicle becomes involved in criminal activity and the vehicle remains registered in their name,” police said.
“Please also remember to never keep original copies of ownership and other vehicle documents inside of the vehicle.”
The Windsor police property crimes unit continues to actively investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.