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Four charged during local RIDE checks

Southern Georgian Bay OPP lays charges in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny
2022 opp ride program stock
File photo

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have been busy with traffic enforcement and RIDE spot checks, which has resulted in charges in recent days.

On Feb. 25, 2023, just after 10 a.m., a member of the public reported to police that an individual who was displaying signs of alcohol impairment was driving in the area of Maple Road in Tiny Township. A short time later, officers located the vehicle travelling on Balm Beach Road and stopped it. The officer spoke with the driver and noted strong signs of impairment. The individual was placed under arrest and transported to detachment to provide a breath sample.

As a result of this investigation, Jonathan Barber, 32, of Tiny Township was charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code: operation while impaired and operation with a blood-alcohol concentration 80-plus.

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on March 16, 2023. When charged with impaired driving, the driver’s licence of the accused is suspended for 90 days and the vehicle they were operating is impounded for seven days.

On Feb. 28, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., officers were conducting a RIDE spot check on Lafontaine Road in the Town of Penetanguishene. As a vehicle approached the spot check, an officer observed it swerving toward the shoulder and approaching at a very slow pace. Despite being told by the driver that no alcoholic beverage was consumed, the officer detected the smell of alcohol inside the vehicle. A demand was made to the driver to provide a sample of breath into an approved screening device on the roadside. As a result of the reading, the individual was placed under arrest and transported to detachment for further investigation. During a search of the vehicle an open can of alcohol was located.

As a result of this investigation, a 35-year-old male from Penetanguishene was charged with an offence under the Liquor Licence Act.

On the evening of Feb. 24, 2023, officers were conducting RIDE spot checks on Highway 12 in the Town of Midland. During the spot check of approximately 80 vehicles, officers identified two drivers with a suspended drivers licence. Two males in their 20s were charged with driving while suspended, an offence contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.

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