GUELPH, ONTARIO — Three people have been arrested and a fourth is being sought by police in connection with a fatal kidnapping and assault that occurred on the Hanlon Expressway on May 14, which led to the death of Jason Richardson, 40, of Cambridge.
Griffin Kerfoot, 19, of Elora, Jacob Schafer, 20, of Guelph, and a 16-year-old male from Guelph have all been charged with assault with a weapon and kidnapping. Due to his age, the teen’s identity is protected under Canadian law.
Police are actively searching for Ian Brown, 51, of Guelph, who faces the same charges. He was last seen in the downtown Guelph area. Authorities warn the public not to approach him and to contact police with any information about his whereabouts.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), what was initially reported as a two-vehicle crash turned into a criminal investigation. They believe Richardson was abducted earlier that day from a residence on Fife Road. While traveling southbound on the Hanlon Expressway, Richardson exited or was forced from a Toyota Venza SUV and was then struck by a Dodge RAM pickup truck that was following closely behind.
Kerfoot and the youth have been released from custody, while Schafer remains in custody pending further proceedings.
