A single vehicle collision has resulted in two people being arrested and approximately $9,000 of suspected drugs seized.
On January 9 at approximately 4:30 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Birch Island. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance, and an arrest was made.
Additionally, a search resulted in police seizing approximately 40 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4,000, approximately five grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $800, and approximately 15 grams of suspected fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $4,500.
As a result, the driver of the vehicle, Amanda Peltier, 42, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory was charged with operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration, operation while prohibited under the criminal code, dangerous operation, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance-opioid, fail to provide required document.
The passenger, Leroy Eshkawkogan, 37, from Wiikwemkoong, was charged with possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-cocaine, possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking-opioid, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 25.
Three people facing drug trafficking charges
A traffic stop on Highway 6 in Little Current has resulted in three individuals being arrested.
On December 31, at approximately 3:30 am, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with assistance from the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service (UCCM), were made aware of a vehicle travelling southbound on Highway 6 that may be in possession of drugs.
OPP officers located the suspect vehicle in Little Current and initiated a traffic stop. Three people were arrested, and a search resulted in officers seizing approximately 120 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $12,000.
As a result, all three people, the driver Jay Pitawanakwat, 50, from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, passenger, Darcy McComber, 45, from Garson and the second passenger in the vehicle, George Corbiere, 63, from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, were charged with possession of a schedule one substance, cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking.
The three accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 25.
Impaired driver arrested after collision
One person is facing charges after the vehicle they were driving rear-ended another vehicle.
On January 5 at approximately 11 am, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP responded to a motor vehicle collision, in which a person was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Highway 17 in the Town of Walden. During their interaction with the driver, police determined that an intoxicating substance had been consumed. A subsequent arrest was made, and the driver was transported to the Espanola detachment for further testing.
No injuries were sustained. As a result, the driver, Chelsea Tremblay, 25, from Markstay, was charged with operation while impaired by drugs, dangerous operation, and two counts of driving while under suspension.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on February 3.
The OPP has highly trained drug recognition evaluator officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to make the call and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.
Suspended driver arrested for impaired
One person has been arrested and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle resulting from a traffic stop on Meredith Street East, in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI).
On January 9, at approximately 3 am, the Manitoulin OPP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle when the automated licence plate recognition alerted officers to a suspended driver. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested.
As a result, the driver, Jordan Pitawanakwat, 20, from Birch Island, was charged with: operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), driving while under suspension, driving motor vehicle with unsealed container of liquor.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 11.
Drugs seized following sobriety check on
New Year’s Eve
One person has been arrested and charged after a traffic stop in Espanola.
On December 31 at approximately 8 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a sobriety check. During the stop, police detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. As a result of the investigation, the driver was arrested for impaired operation.
Additionally, a search of the vehicle resulted in police seizing approximately 50 suspected hydromorphone pills, with an estimated street value of $130, and approximately 0.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $75.
As a result, the driver, Sabrina Mishibinijima, 38, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, was charged with operation while impaired blood drug concentration, possession of a schedule one substance-cocaine, possession of a schedule two substance (other drugs), and drive vehicle with cannabis readily available.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on February 3.
Traffic complaint leads to impaired arrest
One person is facing impaired charges following a traffic complaint in Assiginack township.
On January 4 at approximately 9 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver on Clover Valley Road in Assiginack township. Police located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver was arrested for impaired operation and transported to the Little Current detachment for further testing.
As a result, the driver, Timothy Peltier, 55, from Wiikwemkoong was charged with operation while impaired alcohol, and operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on February 11.
