(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH SOUTH, ON) – On Friday July 15, 2016, around 9:30 p.m., a Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was dispatched to a traffic complaint involving a possible impaired driver along Perth Line 20 near Hwy 23.
The officer observed a vehicle matching the description of vehicle involved in the traffic complaint travelling on Perth Line 20, East of St.Pauls. The vehicle, a Cadillac SUV was followed by police as it turned towards Stratford on Hwy 7. The SUV was observed driving erratically and a traffic stop was conducted on Perth Line 26.
It was determined that the male driver had been drinking alcohol. He was placed under arrest, and was transported to the Perth County OPP Detachment in Sebringville for breath tests.
As a result of the police investigation, 66-year-old Theodorus MARISSINK of South West Oxford has been charged with driving while ability impaired – motor vehicle (alcohol), and driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in blood, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
The accused was released from police custody by way of a Promise to Appear (PTA), and is scheduled to answer the charges in the Stratford Criminal Court of Justice on August 08, 2016. He was issued an automatic 90 day driver’s licence suspension and his vehicle has been impounded for seven days.
This incident is another example where a call from the public resulted in the arrest of an impaired driver. The public is always encouraged to report impaired or erratic drivers. Calls can be made to police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).