Dirt-bike crash linked to thefts

Provincial police have linked a fatal dirt-bike crash to a series of motorcycle thefts over the past week, but are refusing to say if the dead man was involved in the crimes.

Stephen Cardillo, 22, from Windsor, was killed Oct. 2 when he crashed a motorbike in a farmer’s field on County Road 23 in Essex. Police said the bike had no headlight and he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

The crash happened around 11 p.m. Cardillo later died in hospital.

While investigating the crash, police learned of a rash of dirt-bike thefts, but they are not releasing details.

Police didn’t say if the bike Cardillo was riding had been stolen. They also refuse to say if Cardillo was involved in the bike thefts. But they did arrest four other people.

Jonathan Grellette, 23, of Essex, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obstructing justice. Joshua Mancini, 21, of Essex is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obstructing justice. Brian Dahl, 20, of Essex is charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, three counts of break and enter and obstructing justice. C.J. Owens, 22, of Windsor, is charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, three counts of break and enter and obstructing justice.

Police ask anyone with information about the thefts to call 519-326-2544. Tips can be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477(TIPS).