(THAMES CENTRE, ON) – On June 25, 2015 at approximately 4:09 p.m., the West Region (WR) Highway Enforcement Team (HET) and the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Gore Road and Shaw Road.
A black BMW car had been parked on the north side of Gore Road east of Shaw Road. It began to travel westbound on Gore Road through the stop sign at Shaw Road and entered the intersection. It was struck by a yellow Dodge panel truck which was travelling southbound on Shaw Road.
The driver of the car, a 52 year old male, was transported to hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. He has since been discharged.
The passenger of the car, a 24 year old female, had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Thames Centre Fire Department. She was transported to hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries, and has since been discharged.
The driver of the panel truck was uninjured in the collision.
The OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigation (TTCI) Team attended and the roadways in the area were closed to assist with the investigation.
As a result of the police investigation, the driver of the car, Michael LAEKEMAN, from London, Ontario, has been charged with driving while ability impaired – motor vehicle (drug), and fail to comply with undertaking, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. He was also charged with possession of a schedule I substance – cocaine, and possession of a schedule I substance – other drugs, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). He was further charged with operate a motor vehicle without insurance, contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA).
The male accused was held in custody and is scheduled to answer to the charges in a London court on July 3, 2015.
The passenger of the car, Cassandra DEDAUW, from London, Ontario, has been charged with possession of a schedule I substance – other drugs, contrary to the CDSA. She was released from police custody by way of an appearance notice, and is scheduled to answer to the charge in a London court.