(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 224 calls for service during the previous week, including animal complaints, family disputes, and motor vehicle collisions.
Fatal Injuries in Dirt Bike Collision
One male suffered fatal injuries in a dirt bike collision on Sunday May 1 in the Township of Greater Madawaska. The collision happened on Bartraw trail off Clyde Lake Road at approximately 1:00pm. The male was the lead driver in a group of 4 drivers when he lost control and was ejected from his bike. He died at the scene. He has been identified as Blake MACMILLAN 36 of Ottawa. Provincial Constable Joel Cobb is leading the investigation under the direction of the Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office.
Stunt Drivers on Highway 17
Four drivers recently had their vehicle impounded for 7 days and their driver’s licence suspended for 7 days as a result of stunt driving charges on Highway 17. The highway is a posted 90km/hr. zone in this area. Sgt. Derek McLeod stopped the first driver Tuesday April 12 at 8:35am on Highway 17 near Campbell Drive in McNab Braeside Township. Cristina SIMO 42 of Laurentian Valley Township was issued a summons to appear in court in Renfrew on May 20 charged with stunt driving – speeding in excess of 50 km/hr. above the posted limit. Sgt. McLeod stopped another speeder on Sunday April 24 on Highway 17 near Gillan Road in Horton Township. Mark PANFILI 39 of Pembroke was issued a summons to appear in court in Renfrew May 20 charged with stunt driving – speeding in excess of 50 km/hr. above the posted limit. Sgt. Mcleod stopped the next driver on Wednesday April 27 at 10:30am on Highway 17 near Bruce Street in Horton Township. Jessica TURGEON 21 of Ottawa was charged with the same offence. She was issued a summons to appear in court in Renfrew on May 20. Later the same day Sgt. McLeod stopped another driver going in excess of 50km/hr. above the posted speed limit. This driver was stopped on Highway 17 near McCallum Drive in McNab Braeside Township at 12:50pm. Joseph HICKEY 21 of Nepean was issued a summons for the offence and will appear in court in Renfrew on May 20.
Drivers are reminded that having a drivers licence comes with the responsibility to obey the rules of the road and drive responsibly. Drivers who endanger others risk losing their licence on the roadside through automatic licence suspensions when they are charged with stunt driving. Many of our area roadways will be construction zones through the summer months and speeding fines are doubles in construction zones when workers are present. Driving is a privilege not a right, everyone is encouraged to respect that privilege, or be prepared to explain yourself to a Justice of the Peace in traffic court.
Domestic Violence
Renfrew and Arnprior OPP officers responded to four domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with assault. No other criminal offences occurred.
Fraud
Area citizens are warned the OPP has received numerous calls about fraudsters attempting to trick people out of their money. Beware anyone phoning you threatening to have you arrested because you owe tax money, and a lien has been placed on your home. Do not send these fraudsters money. Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if you receive these calls at 1-888-495-8501.
Mischief
One of the food booth buildings located on the Fair Grounds in Renfrew was damaged. The damage was reported to the OPP on Thursday April 28. Some boards were kicked in to gain access. Provincial Constable Tina Hunt is investigating.
Theft
A quantity of fishing tackle and several rods/reels were stolen from a boat in storage in Arnprior. Sometime between October 2015 and April 2016 someone entered a pontoon boat in storage at the Arnprior Fair grounds. Stolen property includes 2 tackle boxes and 5 rod/reel sets. There are no suspects.
A gym bag was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on River Road in McNab Braeside Township overnight on April 26-27. The gym bag contained clothing and a bank card. There are no suspects. Everyone is reminded to remove all valuables from vehicles parked overnight and lock your vehicle when not in use.
A large Pizza Pizza air balloon was stolen from outside the business in Arnprior early Sunday morning, shortly after midnight. The owner exited the store at the Arnprior Shopping Centre at 12:20am and the balloon was gone at that time. There are no suspects at this time.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information on any criminal offence that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000.00. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. Our telephones are answered 24 hours a day. Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.