(MIDLAND,ON) – Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were tasked to investigate a number of impaired driving complaints over the past week, either reported by community members to the OPP Communication Centre or simply by officers uncovering incidents during their patrol of our communities. The following are those investigated incidents.
An officer patrolling on Overhead Bridge Road, Penetanguishene at approximately 12:40 a.m. September 28, 2024 observed a vehicle that had left the roadway into a treed area. The officer located an uninjured male driver and passenger with a Toyota Rave with Ontario plate CBEP887 and upon speaking with driver the officer commenced an impaired driving investigation.
Further investigation at detachment employing an OPP Drug Recognition Expert officer has resulted in Kristopher INESON 50 years of age of Wasaga Beach being charged criminally with the following offences.
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 10, 2024 and was served a 90 day driver’s licence suspension along with a 7-day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.
Officers attended the area of Smiths Camp, Midland after OPP Communication Centre received numerous complaints of the driving actions of a male operating a silver Dodge Ram with Ontario plate BK33500 at approximately 5:39 p.m. September 28, 2024. This investigation is still ongoing and officers wish to thank those community members who contacted the police in this investigation.
On September 30, 2024 at approximately 1:19 p.m. a community member observed a silver Nissan with Ontario plate DARV776 stopped at the Baxter Community Centre with the driver slumped over the steering wheel and contacted police.
Officers attended the location to observe the vehicle being operated in the area of the community centre, stopping the vehicle and spoke to the lone driver. An impaired driving investigation was commenced at the scene which resulted in the seizure of a quantity of cocaine, heroin, cannabis along with associated drug paraphernalia and Canadian currency (see attached photograph).
As a result of this investigation Isaiah DISTEFANO 26 years of age of Barrie has been charged criminally with the following offences.
- Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court (two counts)
And Further with the following drug offences
- Possession of over 30g dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place
- Possession of illicit cannabis
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule IV substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
And Further with the following Provincial Offences violations
- Fail to have insurance card
- Drive motor vehicle – no licence
- Driver – fail to properly wear seat belt
The accused was held for bail and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date. The impaired driving investigation is continuing awaiting a forensic analysis report.
On October 2, 2024 at approximately 7:06 a.m. Southern Georgian Bay Detachment officers responded to a report of a possible impaired driver behind the steering wheel of a white and black Mini Cooper in the Huronia Mall, Midland parking lot. The vehicle was stopped by dispatched officer at 7:07 a.m. and located the driver slumped over the steering wheel. The officer was able to awaken the driver who was known to officer and attempted to flee the scene once out of the car. An impaired driving investigation was commenced at the scene resulting in the seizure of an edged weapon and a quantity of drugs believed to be fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
The investigating officer was assisted by an OPP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer with the Impaired Operation investigation. The Mini Cooper vehicle used in the incident had been reported stolen at 12:41 a.m. October 2, 2024 from a Hugel Avenue, Midland residence and as a result of this investigation a number of criminal driving, property related charges have been issued to 31 year old Penetanguishene male. (Previous release dated October 3, 2024)
During the time of this report, officers in the interest of enhancing road safety conducted 15 separate reduce impaired driving everywhere (R.I.D.E.) programs checking 150 drivers for signs of impairment.
Educating the public about safe driving, boating and ORV practices with our community safety partners is a priority, if you see a possible impaired operator on our roadways, waterways or trails please “Make the Call” and dial 911 as impaired driving never ends well, please make a plan to get home safely.
