NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Community members continue to call in suspected impaired drivers to the OPP Communications Centre observed on roadways here in north Simcoe over recent days.
Officers from Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment responded at 10:49 p.m. Oct. 25 to a report of a possible impaired driver in the area of Midland Avenue, Midland. The suspect vehicle was located and upon officers speaking with the driver, an impaired driving investigation was commenced resulting in a criminal charge of operation while impaired (blood-alcohol concentration 80-plus) against Raymond Joseph Hubbert, 69, of Hamilton.
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Nov. 17 and as well faces 90-day driver’s licence suspensions as per the Ministry of Transportation guidelines and a seven-day vehicle impound.
Another report of a suspected impaired driver was received by the OPP Communications Centre at approximately 5:35 p.m. Oct 24, after a green Toyota was observed in the area of Highway 12 and Reeves Road, Tay Township, with the driver slumped over the steering wheel. Responding officers located the suspect vehicle with the driver slumped over the steering wheel and entered into an impaired driving investigation resulting in Ryan Bruce Witheridge, 38, of Penetanguishene being charged criminally with operation while impaired (drugs) and further with operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code.
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Jan. 12 and as well faces 90-day driver’s licence suspensions as per the Ministry of Transportation guidelines and a 45-day vehicle impound.
Officers conducted seven RIDE check programs between Oct. 22 and 26 and checked 216 drivers for signs of impaired driving and investigated 15 vehicle collisions.
Educating the public about safe driving practices with our community safety partners is a priority. If you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways or trails please make the call and dial 911 as impaired driving never ends well. Please make a plan to get home safely.
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