Impaired driving has been a big concern for Prince Edward County OPP this month.
Police have dealt with nine impaired drivers so far this month in the County.
On Sunday July 9, 2023 shortly before 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a single vehicle collision on Wesley Acres Road. As a result of subsequent investigation, an approved screening device was administered. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. James Earnshaw, age 46 from Frankford was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
On Tuesday July 11 shortly before 1:30 a.m., officers were conducting a RIDE program on Bridge Street in Picton when a vehicle entered the program. An approved screening device was administered. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment. Eric Pearsall, age 33 from Prince Edward County was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
On Thursday July 13 shortly after 3:00 a.m., officers were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 62 near Rossmore when a vehicle entered the program. An approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Jacob Doxtator, age 22 from Prince Edward County was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor.
On Tuesday July 18 shortly after 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a traffic complaint on Highway 62. Officers located the vehicle and an approved screening device was administered. Kirk Tripp, age 59 from Limerick, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
On Saturday July 22 shortly before 3:00 a.m. officers conducted a traffic stop on County Road 1 and subsequent investigation led to the administration of an approved screening device. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of an amount of suspected cocaine. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. David Boultbee, age 25 from Prince Edward County, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and possession of a schedule one substance – cocaine.
On Sunday July 23, shortly before midnight, officers conducted a traffic stop on County Road 1 and spoke to the driver, leading to the administration of an approved screening device. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Justin Hannah, age 25 from Belleville was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
On Tuesday July 25 shortly after 10 o’clock, officers responded to a call for service at an address in Picton and observed an individual on an ATV. An approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Ryan Scanlon, age 36, was charged with the following offences:
Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Dangerous operation
Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
On Wednesday July 26 shortly before 2:30 p.m., officers received a report of a traffic complaint on County Road 10. The vehicle was located and officers spoke to the driver. An approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Bradley Goodridge, age 49 from Loyalist Township, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The drivers had their licences suspended for a period of 90 days and vehicles impounded for seven days.
Police urge people to plan a safe ride home and to not drive impaired.
To report impaired drivers, call 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit a tip online at www.crimestoppersquinte.ca.
