Two collision related investigations over the weekend by members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment resulted in two Midland area drivers being charged criminally with Impaired driving related offences.
The OPP Communication Centre received a call from a community member at approximately 11:00 a.m. February 10, 2024 reporting a two vehicle crash with no injuries in the Huronia Mall, Midland parking lot. Attending officers located the involved vehicles and drivers with one of the drivers passed out in the involved vehicle.
An impaired driving investigation was commenced once the driver was awakened by the officer and attending EMS and as a result of this investigation and a further Controlled Drug and Substances Act investigation, Raymond Keith Land 48 years of Midland has been charged criminally with the following driving offence.
- Operation while impaired – drugs
And Further with the following offences contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Heroin (three counts)
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Heroin (two counts)
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
The accused was released from police custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 28, 2024.
SECOND CRASH INVESTIGATION
Officers responded at 4:28 p.m. February 9, 2024 after community members called the OPP Communications Centre reporting that a white Jeep was in the ditch at the intersection of Highway 12 and Gervais Road, Tay Township. Attending officers upon speaking with the uninjured driver entered into an impaired driving investigation. As a result of this investigation, Frederick George Lewis has been charged criminally with the following offences.
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from police custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 22, 2024, and also faces a 90 day driver’s licence suspension along with a tow and impound invoice for seven days as per the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines).
From February 9 through to February 12 , 2024 Detachment officers conducted set up and conducted the Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) program in 10 seperate locations in the Detachment area checking for signs of impairment of 152 motorists who passed through the check stops.
Educating the public about safe driving, boating and ORV practices with our community safety partners is a priority, if you see a possible impaired operator 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.