Categories
Middlesex OPP Police Press Releases

Brittney BELAN – Drunk Driving

(MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ON) – Driver charged with Impaired after vehicle leaves road and enters ditch.

On December 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to Glendon Drive, East of Komoka Road in Middlesex Centre, for the report of a vehicle that left the roadway and entered the ditch.

The driver was arrested and transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment.

As a result, Brittney BELAN, a 37-year-old of Camlachie, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on January 8, 2025.

The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Essa OPP Police Press Releases

Christian VALIANT – Drunk Driving

(ESSA, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver for driving while impaired in the Township of Essa.

On December 8, 2024, just before 4:00 a.m., a Nottawasaga OPP officer was conducting general patrols South Bound on County Road 27, when a passenger vehicle travelling North Bound suddenly crossed over the lane towards the Officers vehicle having to avoid a collision.

The Officer continued to follow the vehicle for a moment observing speeds to be 60 km/hr. in a posted 80km/hr. zone. the vehicle continued to cross over the center lane into live traffic. The officer conducted a traffic stop and as of a result of the investigation,

Christian VALIANT, 28 years-old, of Scarborough, was charge with:  

• Adult Operation while Impaired- alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration (80 plus)

In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. 

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on January 9, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving 

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Minto OPP Police Press Releases

Shawn D. WHITTEN – Impaired Operation

(MINTO, ON) – On December 7, 2024, at approximately 3:15 p.m. members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Wellington County Detachment attended the scene of a single motor vehicle collision on 12th Line, Minto Township.

As a result of the investigation, Shawn D. WHITTEN, 50 years-old of Mount Forest, was charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – alcohol and drugs contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Operation While Impaired – blood concentration 80 plus contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Dangerous Operation contrary to the Criminal Code

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on December 20, 2024.

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Centre Of Wellington OPP Police Press Releases

Sahil CHADHA Facing Numerous Charges

(CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON) – On December 8, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m. members from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Wellington County Detachment attended the scene of a single motor vehicle collision on Wellington Road 7, Nichol Township.

As a result of the investigation, Sahil CHADHA, 27 years-old of Brampton, was charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – alcohol and drugs contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Driver fail to surrender licence contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
  • Fail to properly wear seatbelt contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor contrary to the Liquor licence and Control Act
  • Drive motor vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available contrary to the Cannabis Control Act
  • Fail to surrender insurance card contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on December 17, 2024.

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases South Huron

Andrew DELANGE – Assault, Hit & Run, Fraud

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – A tow operator was injured on December 4th after being struck by a vehicle that failed to remain at the scene in the Municipality of South Huron.

On December 4th, 2024, just before 5:30 p.m., the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Huron County Paramedic Services responded to a report of a truck vs pedestrian collision on Airport Line between Huron Street and Thames Road East in South Huron.

Emergency responders located one person who had been struck by a truck that fled from the scene. The injured tow operator was transported by Huron EMS to a local hospital where their injuries were deemed non-life threatening.

The involved vehicle was last observed leaving the scene northbound on Airport Line.

The police investigation revealed that the tow operator had removed the suspect vehicle from the ditch earlier, where it had been stuck in the snow. While waiting for payment, the driver of the suspect vehicle sped off and struck the tow operator, launching them into the ditch.

The OPP identified the involved vehicle and driver that fled the scene. Several criminal charges were laid against the vehicle driver on December 6th.

Andrew DELANGE, 21 years of age from London has been charged with:

–      Dangerous Operation,

–      Assault With a Weapon,

–      Failure to Stop After an Accident,

–      Fraud Under $5,000.

The accused was arrested and charged on December 6th, then released with a court appearance scheduled in the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on January 27th, 2025.

The Huron OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call 1-800-222-TIPS or leave a secure web tip at P3TIPS.com.

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Alliston OPP Police Press Releases

OPP Cruiser Involved In Collision

(ALLISTON, ON) – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a two-vehicle collision in the Town of New Tecumseth.

On December 7, at approximately 9:40 a.m., members of the Nottawasaga OPP, New Tecumseth Fire Department and Simcoe County Paramedics responded to a collision involving a passenger vehicle and an OPP Cruiser at the intersection of Highway 89 and County Rd 10.

The initial investigation revealed that an OPP Cruiser was travelling West Bound on Highway 89 approaching the intersection on route to a call for service with its lights and sirens activated. A passenger vehicle was travelling South Bound on County Rd 10 approaching the intersection at Highway 89 when the vehicles collided within the intersection. 

The OPP officer and drive of the passenger vehicle were both transported to hospital by EMS precautionary. In conclusion, both drivers sustained no injuries.

The road was closed at the intersection of Highway 89 and County Rd 10 for several hours while the OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team processed the scene, and was re-opened at 2:00 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage in the area between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 Ref (E241615676).

Categories
Arran-Elderslie OPP Police Press Releases

Brian GEMBUS – Drunk Driving

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) – On December 7, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program on Queen Street North, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

During the operation, a vehicle was stopped and checked by police. 

As a result of the investigation, Brian GEMBUS, 51-years-old from Arran-Elderslie, has been charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired (80 plus), CC 320.14(1)(b)

The accused is set to appear at the Walkerton Court of Justice on January 15, 2025.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Categories
Kincardine OPP Police Press Releases

Kory BROWN – Drunk Driving

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On December 6, 2024, at approximately 11:14 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program on Broadway Street, Municipality of Kincardine.

During the operation, a vehicle was stopped and checked by police. 

As a result of the investigation, Kory BROWN, 31-years-old from Kincardine, has been charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired (80 plus), CC 320.14(1)(b)

The accused is set to appear at the Walkerton Court of Justice on January 15, 2025.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Gordon KALVERDA – Drunk Driving

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged the driver of a vehicle that slid onto someone’s front lawn with impaired operation.

On December 4, 2024, shortly after 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a vehicle that slid onto someone’s front lawn. No injuries were sustained. During the investigation, officers formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.

As a result, Gordon KALVERDA, 50, of Alton, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on December 19, 2024, to answer to the charge. The driver’s licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

The OPP is counting on citizens to help ensure that no one in their presence gets behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or taken drugs. The more people who do so, the fewer impaired drivers they will be sharing the road with. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

Additionally, the Festive RIDE Campaign is currently running until January 1, 2025. The Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign is an annual police enforcement and education initiative aimed at taking impaired drivers off Ontario roads during the holiday season.  

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases Tay

2 Facing Impaired Charges

(TAY TOWNSHIP, ON) –  Credit goes to a community member who placed a call to the OPP Communication Centre near 3:27 p.m. December 7, 2024 reporting a possible impaired driver in the commercial area of Pine Street near Highway 12, Waubaushene in Tay Township.

Officers from Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended the area at 3:35 p.m. and located the suspect vehicle, a black Volkswagen plated as Ontario CZMC397 parked tightly next a white Mazda with Ontario plate CTTT350 in a commercial parking lot off Pine Street.

The operators of these two vehicles upon being woken up by the officers were spoken to and detained at the scene then transported to Detachment for further investigation along with a quantity of suspected methamphetamines, Canadian currency, aerosol cans and assorted drug paraphernalia which was seized. (see attached photograph)

Investigating officers were assisted by an OPP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer and as a result of these investigations the following persons have been charged.

Joey Bernard GRAVELLE 36 years of South Glengarry Township and Erika Karla QUESNEL-SEFCSIK 31 years of Williamstown have each been charged with Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

Both accused persons were released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on the December 19, 2024, and were each served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved two vehicles were towed and are both subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

Categories
OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Jose BARCELOS – Impaired Driving

(ORILLIA, ON) – A traffic complaint by a member of the public has led to an impaired arrest by the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

On December 7, 2024, just after 7:00 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint on Highway 12 near Horseshoe Valley Road in Oro-Medonte Township. Upon arriving, officers located the accused who was attempting to get back into their vehicle and was being spoken to by several concerned citizens. The accused was arrested and brought to the Orillia OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jose BARCELOS, 64-year-old from Severn Township, has been charged with the following:

·      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand (CC)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date. Their drivers licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

Categories
Alerts Anonymous WFP

Your Rights for Citizen’s Arrest in Wingham #NWO

In Wingham, Ontario, within the Municipality of North Huron, the rules around citizen’s arrests are primarily governed by Canadian federal law, specifically the Criminal Code of Canada. Here’s how a citizen’s arrest might apply in your region and how you could justify your actions:


Legal Basis for a Citizen’s Arrest in Canada

Under Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada, a private citizen may arrest someone if:

  1. You find them committing an indictable offense.
    • This includes serious crimes such as assault, theft over $5,000, or actions endangering public safety.
  2. A crime is being committed on or in relation to your property.
    • Example: If someone is actively damaging or stealing from your property, you may arrest them.
  3. Reasonable grounds exist to believe the person has committed an indictable offense.
    • You must have witnessed the crime or have strong evidence supporting the belief.

Additional Conditions for Citizen’s Arrest in Ontario

  1. Immediate Action Required:
    The arrest must happen either during the commission of the crime or soon after.
  2. Involvement of Law Enforcement:
    After making the arrest, you are legally required to hand the individual over to law enforcement without delay.
  3. Proportionate Force:
    Any force used must be reasonable. Excessive force could lead to charges against you.

Legal Defenses to Justify a Citizen’s Arrest

  1. Preventing Immediate Danger:
    If the individual’s actions posed an immediate risk to lives (e.g., reckless driving, violent behavior), you can argue that intervention was necessary to prevent harm.
  2. Reasonable Grounds:
    Show that you had strong, reasonable grounds to believe the individual was committing a serious offense. Witness testimony, video evidence, or other proof can support this.
  3. Necessity Defense (Common Law):
    Claim that your actions were necessary to avoid a greater harm. In situations where lives were endangered, courts are often sympathetic to this defense.
  4. Compliance with Section 494:
    Highlight that your actions were in line with the specific requirements of the Criminal Code (e.g., you acted promptly, used reasonable force, and handed the individual to the authorities).

Example Scenario: Reckless Driving Endangering Lives

If you witness someone driving recklessly through Wingham, posing an immediate threat to pedestrians:

  1. Attempt to call 911 and report the incident to the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police).
  2. If it’s impossible to wait for police due to the imminent danger, and you manage to stop the vehicle (e.g., blocking their path), you could perform a citizen’s arrest.
  3. Notify the authorities immediately after detaining the individual.

Potential Risks and Precautions

  • Legal Risks: If you misjudge the situation or use excessive force, you could face charges such as assault or wrongful confinement.
  • Civil Liability: The arrested individual could sue you for damages if your actions are deemed excessive or unjustified.
  • Personal Safety: Confronting someone committing a crime can put you in harm’s way.

Best Course of Action

  • Always prioritize calling law enforcement first.
  • Only intervene directly if it is safe to do so and if the situation demands immediate action to prevent harm.
  • Clearly document the incident (e.g., record video or take witness statements).

Categories
Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a three-vehicle fatal collision on Highway 10, in the Town of Caledon.

On December 6, 2024, just before 12:00 a.m., Caledon OPP and emergency crews responded to a three-vehicle collision on Highway 10, near Old School Road. One driver and sole occupant, a 44-year-old of Caledon, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants from the second vehicle were transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre for serious injuries, and two others from the third vehicle were taken local hospital.

Highway 10 Between King Street and Old School Road was closed for several hours while the OPP Technical Collision Investigators and Reconstructionists assisted with the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Caledon OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

If you are affected by this incident or witnessed the collision and wish to speak to victim services, Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services can be reached at 905-951-3838.

Categories
OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Orillia OPP Arrests: Impaired Driving Cases on December 6, 2024

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the OPP have arrested and charged three drivers in the span of one night for separate impaired operation investigations.

On December 6, 2024, just after 6:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia. Upon arriving, officers located the driver, who upon demand, provided a false name and date of birth. Further investigation lead police to believe the driver was intoxicated. After confirming their identity, the driver was arrested and brought back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Nathan BISH, 27, of Ramara Township has been charged with:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) (CC),

·      Obstruct Peace Officer (CC),

·      Operation While Prohibited (CC),

·      and Driving while Under Suspension (HTA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date.

On December 6, 2024, just after 8:00 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint near Harvie Settlement Road and University Avenue, City of Orillia. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect vehicle stuck in a nearby snowbank. Through investigation, officers suspected that the driver of the vehicle was impaired, and they were subsequently arrested and brought back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jayson POWER, 37, of Angus has been charged with:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand (CC),

·      Driving while Under Suspension (HTA),

·      and Obstruct Plate (HTA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date.

On December 6, 2024, just after 11:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a two vehicle collision on Lightfoot Drive in the City of Orillia. The suspect vehicle had fled from the scene of the collision and then left on foot at an address on Neywash Street in Orillia. The driver was located shortly after the collision by officers, arrested, and brought back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing. No injuries were reported by any involved party as a result of the collision.

As a result of the investigation, Mari KORAKHASHVILI, 32, of Toronto has been charged with:

·      Dangerous Operation (CC),

·      Failure to Stop after Accident (CC),

·      Impaired Operation (CC),

·      Impaired Operation – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) (CC),

·      and Operate a Motor Vehicle without Insurance (CAIA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

All three accused have had their driver’s licences suspended for 90 days, as well as a vehicle impoundment for at least 7 days.

Members of the Orillia OPP are committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

Categories
WFP

Official News Alert: Wingham Closed Until Further Notice

ALERT: Wingham Shutdown Due to Unsafe Conditions – #ExtendedXmasVacation

Effective immediately, all residents and visitors are advised to avoid Wingham or remain indoors until further updates are provided by Reeve Paul Heffer (519) 357-3594.

A state of constant disrepair has made the town unsafe for pedestrian navigation.

NOTICE

  • Schools are always closed except for those that can safely get there. Children should not play in traffic, or have to walk in traffic to get to school.
  • Non-functional crosswalk signs and beepers, posing risks to pedestrians.
  • Obstructed tactile bump pads for the visually impaired.
  • Snow intentionally piled to block sidewalks.
  • No sidewalks cleared on streets running North-South, forcing pedestrians to walk in traffic.
  • Handicap Parking Spots blocked.
  • Sidewalks around handicap parking spots are blocked.
  • Increased risks of pedestrian collisions, slip-and-falls, and injuries.
  • Trails in the area are unmaintained and hazardous for use.

Urgent Context:
Ontario is experiencing an 82% increase in pedestrian fatalities, and Wingham’s current conditions are exacerbating this trend. It is not safe for residents to walk to schools, local businesses, or even traverse the town.

Stay tuned for updates and instructions on when Wingham will be deemed safe again. In the meantime, prioritize your safety and avoid unnecessary travel in the area.

Issued by Local NGO Authorities

For confirmation on the above conditions please contact your Representative on council.

North Huron Council Contact Info:
Paul Heffer

280 Manor Road
(519) 357-3594
[email protected] 
Mitch Wright
63 Bristol Terrace
(519) 357-9497
[email protected] 
Lonnie Whitfield
94 John St. West
(226) 222-2585 
[email protected] 
Anita van Hittersum
84012 Hoover Line
(519) 523-4492 
[email protected]
Chris Palmer
39331 Belfast Road
(519) 357-3385 
[email protected] 
Kevin Fascist  Falconer
303 King Street
(519) 955-0301 
[email protected]
Ric McBurney
202 Thuell St, Blyth
(519) 441-7415 
[email protected]