The Family Day long weekend saw no relenting in the alarming trend of alleged impaired drivers on local roadways.

Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police charged a pair of motorists with impaired driving in separate occurrences. On Saturday February 18, 2023 shortly after 9:00 a.m. officers responded to a report of a vehicle that had rolled over on County Road 23. Officers responded alongside Hastings Quinte Paramedic Service who transported the driver to hospital.

The driver was arrested and further testing was conducted.

As a result, Alex Dodson, 23, from Prince Edward County, was charged with the following offences: Operation while impaired – CC 320.14(1)(a) Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration – CC 320.14(1)(b) Dangerous operation – CC 321.13(1) Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero – HTA 44.1(3)

The driver was released on an appearance notice and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 15, 2023. They also had their drivers licence suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

On Monday February 20, 2023 officers observed a vehicle on Highway 62 travelling at 146km/h. A traffic stop was conducted and in speaking with the driver an approved screening device was administered. As a result the driver was taken to detachment for further testing.

Bradley Michaud, 21 from Cameron, ON was charged with the following offences: Operation while impaired – CC 320.14(1)(a) Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration – CC 320.14(1)(b) Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – CC 320.18(1)(a) Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed – HTA 172(1) The driver was released on an undertaking and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 15, 2023. They also had their vehicle impounded for a period of 45 days.

In other OPP news: •Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are looking for to speak with an individual following reports of a suspicious person incident. On Tuesday January 31, 2023 and Thursday February 1, 2023 an individual attended an address on Wellington Main Street asking for a youth. The individual is described as Caucasian male, approximately 40-50 years of age, long dark hair, smaller stature, unshaven with a white cast on one arm in a blue sling. The individual was wearing black or blue shoes and light grey track pants with a light coloured shirt. The OPP is looking to identify and speak with this person. 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.

•Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a driver with impaired after a Valentine’s Day crash in the north end of the County.

On Tuesday February 14, 2023 shortly before 4:00 p.m. officers responded alongside Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services to a motor vehicle collision near Rossmore.

Officers arrived on scene where the driver was treated for minor injuries. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the driver who was then taken to Detachment for further testing.

Ryan Haydon, 27 from Belleville, was charged with the following offences: Operation while impaired – CC 320.14(1)(a) Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration – CC 320.14(1)(b) The driver was released on an undertaking and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 8, 2023. They also had their drivers licence suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

-Staff