(HALIBURTON, ON) – In spite of the ongoing efforts of community partners and policing agencies to educate the public on the dangers and potentially disastrous outcomes of impaired driving, some people are still not getting the message.
During the time period of April 23 -April 26, 2016, Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three drivers with Impaired Driving related charges during separate interactions.
On April 23, 2016 just shortly after 6:00 p.m., members from the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped the driver of a black GMC pick-up truck after observing the vehicle being driven erratically and running a red light on Highway 35 at the intersection of Highway 118 in the Township of Minden Hills.
Upon speaking with the male driver, the officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. A roadside screening test was performed and the driver registered a fail. He was placed under arrest and was transported to the Haliburton Highlands OPP Detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Brett HICKS 23 years-old of Algonquin Highlands has been charged with:
· Drive with more than 80mgs of alcohol in blood contrary to sec 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)
· Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle contrary to sec 249(1)(a) of the CC
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 1, 2016.
On April 23, 2016 just shortly before 9:30p.m., members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting R.I.D.E. on Bobcaygeon Road at McKnight Street in the Township of Minden Hills when a white Chevrolet Blazer stopped. Officers found that the driver had been drinking alcohol.
The male driver, Kevin MEWHIRTER, 52 years-old from Minden Hills Township has been charged with:
Drive with more than 80mgs of alcohol in blood contrary to sec 253(1)(b) of the CC
· Fail to Surrender Insurance Card contrary to section 3(1) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA)
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 1, 2016.
On April 26, 2016 just shortly before 2:00 p.m., members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a single motor vehicle collision on County Road 503 in the Township of Minden Hills.
Upon arrival on scene the officer determined that the female driver had been consuming alcohol.
Pia ROYLANCE, 41 years old of Minden has been charged with:
· Impaired Driving-sec 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)
· Driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in her blood -sec 253(1)(b) CC
· Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle- sec 7(5)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
The accused was released from custody and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden on July 6, 2016.
In all cases, the accused operator received an immediate 90 day driver’s licence suspension and further had their vehicle towed and impounded for seven days.
If you suspect someone is driving or about to drive impaired contact the OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.