More Impaired Drivers Arrested – Names Released

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Three individuals are facing impaired driving charges in three separate occurrences.

On August 16, 2024, at 7:34 p.m., the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a collision on St. Andrews Street West in Fergus. The Wellington County OPP located the vehicle and driver.  As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. 

As a result, Jason Heustis, 53-years-old from Guelph was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine
• Possession of a schedule I substance – opioid (other than heroin)

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 27, 2024.

On August 17, 2024, at 10:55 p.m., the Wellington County OPP was conducting traffic enforcement on Wellinton Road 109 in Wellington North. The officer observed a vehicle that was travelling 134km/hr in an 80km/hr zone. A traffic stop was conducted. As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected.

As a result, Daniel Mercedes, 31-years-old from Toronto was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
• Speeding 50+km/hr over posted limit

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 30, 2024.

On August 18, 2024, at 12:32 a.m., the Wellington County OPP received a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver on Tower Street South in Fergus. The Wellington County OPP located the motor vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. As the police officer was speaking to the driver, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. The driver refused the approved screening device (ASD).

As a result, Cheryl Clarke, 49-years-old from Halton Hills was charged with:

·      Failure or refusal to comply with demand

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Guelph on August 27, 2024.

If you suspect an impaired driver, please call 911.

Existing legislation allows an officer to make a demand for a roadside breath sample when they have reasonable suspicion. The legislation gives officers who have an Approved Screening Device (ASD) the authority to make a demand for a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver to determine whether a person has alcohol in their body. It is mandatory for drivers to comply with this demand, or they can be charged with failing or refusing to provide a breath sample.

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.