(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – The Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a local man with seven counts of mischief and one count of failing to comply with a probation order following a thorough investigation into a series of fibre optic wire-cutting incidents in Collingwood, ON.
Between February 16 and April 26, 2025, Collingwood OPP investigated seven separate incidents of mischief involving the deliberate cutting of Rogers and Bell Canada fibre wires on hydro poles at various locations throughout Collingwood. These acts disrupted essential communication services and posed risks to public safety.
In collaboration with community members, the Collingwood OPP identified 44-year-old Gary GARBUTT as the suspect. On April 26, 2025, GARBUTT was arrested by members of the Collingwood OPP and held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice. This bail hearing occurred on April 27, 2025 with GARBUTT answering to the charges of:
- Seven counts of Mischief under $5000under section 430(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- One count of Failing to Comply with Probation Order under Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
The Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP extend their gratitude to the public for their cooperation, particularly through the use of residential cameras, which are vital tools in assisting police investigations. The success of this investigation highlights the OPP’s dedication to resolving crime and the strength of community partnerships.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Collingwood OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.
Sgt Wes Staddon
Collingwood/Blue Mountains OPP
