County man dies in Hallowell Ward crash

A Prince Edward County man is dead after his passenger vehicle collided with a propane truck on Saturday afternoon on County Rd. 17.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. officers from the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on County Road 17 in Hallowell Ward about a kilometre southeast of the junction between County Rds. 17 and 8. 

Hastings Quinte EMS and Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue also responded.

The section of roadway between County Rd. 8 and Lucks Crossroad was closed for approximately six hours.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene  while the driver of the commercial vehicle was not seriously injured.

Police announced Monday that the deceased has been identified as Joshua Heise, 30, from Prince Edward County.

As a result of the investigation, charges are not anticipated and County Rd. 17 has been fully reopened.

In other police news: 

•The OPP have charged a 64 year old Prince Edward County motorist after a vehicle sideswiped a school bus with students on board. 

On Wednesday January 22, 2020, just after 2:30 p.m. officers from the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on Elm Street in Picton.

There were no injuries as a result of the collision and the driver of the passenger vehicle was charged with failing to yield to traffic under the Highway Traffic Act.

Prince Edward County OPP are reminding drivers to park only in designated parking areas, especially around school zones. School bus drivers have a very important job to do and need room to operate the bus safely. This decreased congestion will allow students of all ages to arrive and return from school safely.

•  On Sunday Jan. 26, 2020 just after 10:00 a.m. Prince Edward County OPP received a report of an erratic driver. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Burr Road in Ameliasburgh Ward. As a result of the investigation, the driver was arrested and taken to detachment for testing.

Scott McConkey, 48, from Prince Edward County has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Operation While Impaired – 320.14(1)(a); Operation While Impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) 320.14(1)(b)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date in Picton. He was also given a 90 day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Prince Edward OPP are thanking motorists for remaining vigilant and reporting impaired drivers. To report impaired drivers, call 1.888.310.1122. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit a tip online at www.crimestoppersquinte.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

-Staff