(BONNECHERE VALLEY TWP, ON) – A driver is facing several charges after a vehicle was stopped as a result of a RIDE Program in Bonnechere Valley Township (BVTP).
On April 18, 2025, at just after 11:00 a.m., officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a vehicle that appeared to avoid a RIDE Program on Augsburg Road. Police stopped the vehicle a short distance away and began an impaired driving investigation. As part of the investigation a Roadside Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing. Further investigation found that the involved vehicle had been stolen the previous night from a residence in North Algona-Wilberforce Township. Alcohol was seized from the vehicle during the investigation.
As a result of this incident 34-year-old Ryan SMITH of BVTP has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC), Liquor Licence Control Act (LLCA) and Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offences:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80mg plus
· Theft of a motor vehicle
· Operation while prohibited
· Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
· Driving while under suspension
The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was returned to the owner. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on May 5, 2025.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is committed to making our roadways safe with RIDE programs throughout the year, at any time of the day or night.