NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Despite the Festive RIDE kickoff by police services across Ontario on Nov. 17, 2022, members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment have been busy with five impaired driving investigations between Nov. 15 and 18, 2022.
A single vehicle into the ditch on Don Street, Penetanguishene, at approximately 4:38 p.m. Nov. 18, 2022 after investigation by officers has resulted in Ashley Wilson Burgess, 37, of Penetanguishene being charged criminally with operation while impaired — blood-alcohol concentration 80-plus and drive while under suspension.
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Dec. 8, 2022 and as well faces a 90-day driver’s licence suspension as per the Ministry of Transportation guidelines and a seven-day vehicle impound.
A concerned motorist called the OPP Communications Centre to report a possible impaired driver at approximately 3:13 p.m. Nov. 18, 2022 on King Street, Midland. The suspect shortly after crashed into a vehicle in the LCBO, Midland, parking lot. Attending officers conducted a impaired driving investigation resulting in Christopher Michael Moreau, 37, of Midland being charged criminally with the following driving-related offences of operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs, and further operation while impaired — blood-alcohol concentration 80-plus.
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Dec. 1, 2022 and as well faces a 90-day driver’s licence suspension as per the Ministry of Transportation guidelines and a seven-day vehicle impound.
A previously reported single-vehicle crash on Simcoe County Road 93, Midland, at 11:17 a.m. Nov. 18, 2022 resulted in impaired driving charges for a 42-year-old Penetanguishene resident.
A concerned citizen called the OPP Communications Centre at approximately 10:27 a.m. Nov. 18, 2022 to report a possible impaired driver in the area of Honey Harbour Road and the King’s Highway 400, Georgian Bay Township. Officers located the described vehicle nearby on Lone Pine Road and commenced an investigation. As a result of this investigation a quantity of fentanyl and cocaine was seized as well as related drug paraphernalia. Charged is the driver, Cody Blue, 43, of Barrie with possession of anything for use in, production of/trafficking in Schedule 1 or Schedule 3 substance and further driving while under suspension, and the passenger, Ishneet Sidhu, 22, of Barrie with possession of a Schedule 1 substance — cocaine. The involved vehicle was also towed from the scene.
Both accused persons were released from custody after being treated by Simcoe County Paramedic Services personnel for drug-related complications to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Jan. 6, 2023.
A previously reported report by a motorist of a possible impaired driver on Highway 12, Midland, at 12:19 p.m. Nov. 15, 2022 resulted in impaired driving-related charges for a 63-year-old Severn Township driver.
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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