August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is the combined efforts and partnerships of several services that have led to the success of locating and arresting a wanted man who has evaded police for over five years.
In May, 2015, the Halton Regional Police began a thorough search for Donald MUGFORD, 44 years, from Newfoundland.
It is alleged, in February 2009, MUGFORD committed a break and enter at Main Street Donuts in the Town of Milton and stole money from the cash register. It is suspected that he may be responsible for numerous other break and enters in Halton. A warrant was issued for his arrest, however efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
MUGFORD was also wanted on four additional warrants held by the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and Peel Regional Police for a variety of offences including Theft over $5000, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from a Police Officer, Fail to Appear Court, Theft under $5000, Breach of Probation and Break and Enter.
As a result of ongoing efforts, the search led police to St. John’s, Newfoundland where it was believed the accused was residing. Officers from the Halton Regional Police Criminal Investigations Bureau worked closely with the Halton Crown Attorney’s office and the Harbour Grace detachment of the RCMP in Newfoundland to confirm MUGFORD’s location.
Working in partnership, and through extensive follow-ups, the accused was located and arrested during a traffic stop on July 28, 2015, in the province of Newfoundland, by members of the RCMP.
On August 3, 2015 Halton officers attended Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and took custody of the accused. MUGFORD was arrested for break and enter and breach of probation.
The accused was escorted back to the Halton Region to face the outstanding charges as well as the other outstanding warrants in the Province of Ontario.
Question: How much money did the Regional police spend in getting this suspect back to Burlington; will he be given bail and if not how much time will he spend in a remand centre at significant cost to taxpayers. Would it not have been better to just leave him in Newfoundland and wait for him to commit a crime there?