Birch Island resident charged with impaired driving
A Birch Island resident was charged with impaired driving in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands on July 9, shortly after noon.
Members of the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service responded to a complaint of a possible impaired driver leaving a residence in Whitefish River First Nation.
“Police located the vehicle at a store on Manitowaning Road in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands,” the OPP release continued. “It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol and was arrested for impaired driving. The driver was then returned to Little Current detachment for further tests.”
A 49-year-old man from Birch Island, Daniel Pitawanakwat was charged with operation while impaired, alcohol and drugs, and operation while prohibited. He was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on September 13. The vehicle was impounded for seven days.
“Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving,” the OPP said. “If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan not to drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver or take a taxi. If you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 immediately and report it.”
The charge was the 38th person the Manitoulin OPP have charged with impaired driving this year.
Wikwemkong Tribal Police Service calls for service
The Wikwemkong Tribal Police Service responded to 42 calls for service during the period July 14 to 16.
Wikwemkong Tribal Police Service conduct RIDE Program
During the weekend of July 14 to 16 Wikwemkong Tribal Police Service conducted RIDE checks at various locations in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.
Approximately 60 vehicles were checked, resulting in one Highway Traffic Act warning and no criminal code infractions were encountered.
The Wikwemkong Tribal Police Service would like to remind the community that summer RIDE checks will continue and encourages drivers not to drink and drive and should alcohol be consumed to not get behind the wheel, to call for a ride or stay for the night.
Further, it is also a criminal offece to be driving while under the influence of marijuana or any illicit drugs.
