(NORTH MIDDLESEX, ON)- On Sunday May 4, 2014 at 2:29 a.m. members of the Middlesex OPP observed an ATV travelling westbound on Broadway Street near Ann Street in Parkhill. At the time the officer noted that the ATV was being operated by a male driver and had three passengers, all of whom were observed not wearing helmets. A traffic stop was completed at which time two males fled the scene on foot. Police also confirmed that the driver had been drinking. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Strathroy OPP detachment for further tests. As a result of an investigation police have charged William RITCHIE, age 23 of North Middlesex with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving a Motor Vehicle with More than 80 mgs. of Alcohol in his Blood, as per Section 253 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The accused was released from police custody by way of a Promise to Appear (PTA) and is scheduled to appear in a London court room on July 10, 2014 to speak to the charges.
Every day, four more Canadians are killed and 175 more are injured due to crashes related to alcohol and/ or drugs. The Middlesex OPP is committed to working with all our local stake holders and community partners to stop impaired driving. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired you are encouraged to contact the OPP anytime anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 911 or 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000