NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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A uniform officer on patrol from the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a possible impaired driver west bound on Vindin Street in the Town of Midland at 9:58 a.m. Dec. 7, 2020. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle which then turned north bound onto Simcoe County Road 93 as the vehicle did not respond to the marked police car's lights and siren. The suspect vehicle did stop without incident at the entrance to the Town of Penetanguishene and a number of marked OPP cruisers attended the scene blocking a north bound lane to provide safety for the officers assisting in the investigation.
The officer spoke with the driver who exhibited signs of impairment and requested the assistance of a drug recognition officer (DRE) to conduct an impaired driving by drug investigation. The officers at the scene also noted street drugs in the vehicle and requested the OPP Central Region K-9 Unit to attend to assist in a vehicle search for drugs.
Officers seized from the vehicle a quantity of a substance believed to be heroin and a further search of the passengers resulted in a seizure of a quantity of substances believed to be that of heroin and cocaine. Officers also seized over $3,000 in cash and assorted drug paraphernalia.
As a result of this investigation the driver of the vehicle Ryan Witheridge, 36 years of Penetanguishene, has been charged with the following drug and driving related offences:
• Operation while impaired - drugs and
• Dangerous operation Contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, and further with
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - heroin contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on Dec. 17, 2020. The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days and the accused's driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days under the conditions of the administrative drivers licence suspension (ADLS).
Two other occupants in the vehicle were also charged in the investigation as follows.
Cheryne Roote, 28 years of Christian Island, was charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - heroin, and
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance - cocaine contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
The accused was held in custody to appear before a video bail hearing and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland at a future date.
The second passenger Warren Edwards, 37 years of Tay Township, was also charged in this investigation with:
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - heroin contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on Jan. 14, 2021.
Police remind motorists that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways. Educating the public about safe driving practices with our community safety partners is a priority, if you see a possible impaired driver or operator please "Make the Call" and dial 911 and help prevent a crash.
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