(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 210 calls for service during the previous week, including animal complaints, family disputes, domestic disputes and collisions.
First Winter Storm Tests Drivers Abilities
Motorists were reminded winter driving can be challenging with a major winter storm on Tuesday December 29. OPP officers responded to several collisions, vehicles in ditches and large trucks stuck in the snow on area roads. Motorists were required to slow down, increase distance between vehicles, and give themselves plenty of stopping distance if they wanted to arrive safely. Drivers are encouraged to install winter tires if they haven’t already, as they greatly increase traction on cold, and in the snow and icy conditions. Remember see snow, go slow!
Domestic Disputes
Renfrew OPP officers responded to 15 domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with overcoming resistance by choking, assault and domestic mischief. No other criminal offences occurred.
Theft of Baby Jesus Statue in Renfrew
Renfrew OPP officers are investigating after the Baby Jesus statue in the manger display at Low Square in downtown Renfrew was stolen. The statue was noticed missing on Saturday December 26 in the evening and reported to police on December 27. Provincial Constable Helen Paterson is investigating.
Break and Enter, Construction Equipment Stolen
On Monday December 21 a report was made to police sometime over the previous weekend a thief attended Town & Country Forming Ltd on Gillan Rd., in the Town of Renfrew forcing entry into a building on the premises. Stolen property included a significant amount of construction equipment and tools. Provincial Constable Dave Peace is investigating.
Repeat Impaired Driver
A driver was arrested on two consecutive days for driving with alcohol in his system and is now facing criminal charges. On Sunday December 20 at 5:27pm OPP officers responded to the LCBO in Renfrew after they refused to serve a suspected intoxicated customer. The male refused the offer of a taxi and drove his vehicle away. Officers located the male nearby at his residence. After investigating and speaking with the male, officers arrested him for impaired driving. He was taken to the detachment for breath tests. Richard DONOHUE 66 of Renfrew was charged with impaired driving and driving over 80mgs. His driver’s licence was seized for a 90 day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS). He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on February 3, 2016. Provincial Constable Marc Bennett led the investigation.
On Monday December 21 at 8:04pm OPP officers received information that a male driver was impaired, and had been arrested for the same offence the day before. Provincial Constable Marc Bennett patrolled and located the suspect. He attempted to stop the vehicle and followed the male driver to a residence. The male had been drinking and failed a roadside alcohol screening test. Following further breath tests at the detachment Richard DONOHUE 66 of Renfrew was charged with driving over 80mgs and driving while under suspension. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on February 3, 2016.
