(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Festive R.I.D.E. Team kicked off the season last night with the objective of proactively seeking out drivers who may be impaired by the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. The Wellington County OPP R.I.D.E. team is comprised of 3 experienced officers and is further supported by the Wellington County Traffic Management Unit and regular frontline officers. It will operate from November 28, 2012 to January 5, 2013. The R.I.D.E. unit will set up at various strategic locations and times throughout Wellington County in order to maximize its effectiveness.
O.P.P. Detachment Commander Inspector Lawson reminds us that the holiday season is upon us and R.I.D.E. stops will be highly visible throughout Wellington County. “Impaired driving continues to be the leading criminal cause of death in Canada and Wellington County is no different. This year, over 138 people have been charged with drinking and driving, with over 500 roadside tests being administered and more than 146 roadside suspensions. These numbers should not be acceptable to anyone who lives, works and travels in Wellington Countyâ€, says Inspector Lawson.
On Thursday November 29, 2012 at approximately 1:35 a.m. members of the Wellington County OPP Festive Ride Unit were conducting checks on Highway 6, south of Morriston in Puslinch Twp. At this time and location police investigated 2 male occupants of a vehicle that entered into the checkpoint. Upon speaking with the occupants police detected the odour of marihuana and asked the driver for identification and vehicle documentation. As the officer reached into retrieve the documents the driver suddenly accelerated away at a high rate of speed, jeopardizing the officer’s safety and striking the officer’s arm with the door frame of the vehicle.
Police stopped the vehicle, a 1995 Honda Civic approximately 17 kms south of the checkpoint. 2 OPP police vehicles and the suspect vehicle were damaged in a minor collision resulting from the stop. Both occupants were taken into custody.
Domenic Rodgers aged 23 of Hamilton has been charged with numerous offences including Assault Police with a Weapon, Flight from Police, Drive Disqualified contrary to the Criminal Code and Possession of Marihuana under 30 grams contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. He is scheduled Guelph Court for a Bail Hearing on November 29, 2012.
Kyle Ashbridge aged 20 of Hamilton has been charged with Breach of Probation. He is scheduled to appear in Guelph Court in January 15, 2013 to answer to the charge.
Wellington County OPP is encouraging motorists to call 911 if they observe a possible impaired driver and provide a vehicle description and licence plate number. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle on your own – Never put yourself at risk.