Severn Township traffic complaint leads to arrest of Muskoka individuals

From the Orillia OPP Detachment

Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged two Muskoka 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 the 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 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 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 in July 2024 to answer to the charges.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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