THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Provincial Police are reporting on some of the incidents they have been dealing with over the past few days.
On December 13, 2018, at approximately 3:02 p.m., officers from the Highway Safety Division (HSD) and the Armstrong Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot check on Highway 587.
The driver of a pick-up truck approached the spot check and while speaking with the driver, officers determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.
Erik HANSEN, 65 years of age, from Shuniah, was arrested and charged with:
-Fail or Refuse to Provide Sample contrary to section 254(5) of the Criminal Code,
He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on January 15, 2019, to answer to the charge.
On December 13, 2018, at approximately 7:32 p.m., officers from Thunder Bay OPP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 61. The driver of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was southbound on Highway 61 when the driver suddenly conducted a U-turn on the highway and collided with a southbound Thunder Bay Police Service vehicle.
While speaking with the driver, it was suspected that the driver was impaired by a drug. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.
Joseph ASHPANAQUESTCUM, 57 years of age, from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with:
-Driving While Impaired – Motor Vehicle (Drug) – contrary to section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,
He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on January 29, 2019, to answer to the charge.
On December 15, 2018, at approximately 8:20 am, officers responded to a report of an erratic driver on Highway 61, near Highway 608.
Officers located the vehicle on Highway 61 and conducted a traffic stop. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.
Peter BEARDY, 22 years of age, from Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with:
-Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,
-Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle with Over 80 mgs of Alcohol contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on January 22, 2019, to answer to the charges.
Motorists who drive impaired by alcohol or drugs are subject to drivers licence suspensions, fines, vehicle impoundments, criminal records and increased insurance costs. Please drive responsibly and don’t drink and drive.
The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.
