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Male charged at RIDE check is stopped later

On Sunday, April 8, officers from the Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checks on Highway 6 in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.

At approximately 3:56 pm, officers checked a vehicle and determined that there were suspected controlled drugs inside. Police seized a quantity of suspected marijuana.

Several hours later at approximately 12:53 am, an officer from the Manitoulin-Espanola OPP Detachment was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 6 in Curtain Township. The officer observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.

As a result of the investigations, a 20-year-old male of Onaping Falls has been charged with: possession of a Schedule II substance, cannabis marijuana, under 30 grams and race a motor vehicle, excessive speed.

The accused’s vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days. He is scheduled to appear at the Provincial Court of Justice in Espanola on June 7 in relation to the speeding charge and at the Provincial Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 8 in relation to the criminal charge.

March statistics for Manitoulin-Espanola OPP

During the month of March 2018, officers with the Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 499 calls for service. Officers conducted numerous patrol hours, as well as Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checks. Included in the calls for service were the following:

37 Motor Vehicle Collisions (four with injuries)

2 drug related calls

24 property related calls

4 impaired driving related charges

Through the OPP Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) program, the OPP’s goal is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers who are impaired by drugs.

Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb reminds motorists that, “Drivers need to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair one’s ability to drive.”

Traffic stop results in several charges

On Saturday, April 7, an officer from the Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 540 in Billings Township.

At approximately 3:10 pm, the officer observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. Investigation revealed that the driver was unlicenced and the owner of the motor vehicle did not have the vehicle insured.

As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old male of M’Chigeeng First Nation has been charged with: use plate not authorized for vehicle and drive motor vehicle, no licence.

The owner of the motor vehicle, a 24-year-old female of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation has been charged with: owner permit motor vehicle to operate, no insurance.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Provincial Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 3.

Two Wiikwemkoong men charged with sexual assault

On August 9, 2017 the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service requested the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to investigate a historical sexual assault complaint on the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.

The OPP North East Region Crime Prevention and Criminal Investigation Unit responded to the complaint under the direction of Detective Inspector Randy Wright, OPP Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB). During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a second sexual assault, unrelated to the first complaint, had also taken place.

On Thursday, March 28, 2018, two males, aged 74 and 72, were arrested and charged in conjunction with the sexual assault complaints. Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on April 17. 

In order to protect the identity of the victim, the names of the accused are not being released.

Victims of sexual assaults are not alone. If you have been sexually assaulted or know someone that has, there are local resources here to help. You can visit the Manitoulin Family Resources website at www.mfresources.net for assistance. A toll free call can also be placed to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 where your information will remain anonymous and confidential. If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 9-1-1.

Female arrested for impaired driving in Little Current

On Sunday, April 1 at approximately 12:32 am, officers from the Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a traffic violation on Water Street in Little Current.

A traffic stop was conducted and the officers determined that the driver of the motor vehicle had been consuming alcoholic beverages.

As a result of the investigation, a 21-year-old female of Little Current has been charged with: drive while ability impaired by alcohol; driving with over 80 mg of alcohol in blood; novice driver blood alcohol concentration above zero; and with Class G1 licence holder unaccompanied by a qualified driver.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 8, 2018.

Impaired driving is a serious issue on Ontario roads. Every year, the OPP investigates a significant number of fatal motor vehicle collisions that are attributed to alcohol/drug-impaired drivers. Please call 9-1-1 if you suspect an impaired driver.

Thefts and mischief in Sheguiandah 

On March 28, officers from the Manitoulin-Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received several reports of theft and vandalism in the Sheguiandah. The occurrences are believed to have occurred between March 27 and March 28.

Investigation determined that sometime during this period a golf cart was stolen from a residence on Townline Road. In addition, a resident on Limit Street reported vandalism to a shed and a theft from a vehicle was reported from Mill Street. 

Officers are continuing their investigation with the assistance of an OPP Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO). 

If you have information about this crime or any criminal activity and you want to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at sudburycrimestoppers.com. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Article written by

Expositor Staff
Expositor Staffhttps://www.manitoulin.com
Published online by The Manitoulin Expositor web staff