Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged two individuals following a report of a suspicious vehicle in Severn Township.
On June 1, 2024, at approximately 4 :00 p.m., Orillia OPP responded to a traffic complaint on McClelland Road, Severn Township in response to a suspicious vehicle in the middle of the roadway with two individuals slumped over. Upon arriving on scene, officers observed a female speaking with EMS and a male party leaning into the passenger side of the vehicle. As officers approached the male, several CDSA items were observed in the vehicle. As officers attempted to place the male under arrest, he became aggressive with police. During the incident an officer was assaulted by the individual.
Robert Merkel (36), of Huntsville On, was charged with the following:
- Adult Resist Peace Officer
- Adult Uttering Threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm
- Adult Fail to Comply with Probation Order X2
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Ashley Peavoy (33), of Gravenhurst ON, was charged with the following:
- Adult Poss of a Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs
- Adult Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges at a later date in July 2024.