The following was sent by the Ontario Provincial Police.
Members of the Prince Edward County OPP have laid charges in seven different impaired investigations so far in November.
On November 10, 2023 around 9:30 p.m., Prince Edward County officers received a traffic complaint on Farrington Crescent in Picton. Officers attended the scene and observed a pickup truck and spoke with the driver. An approved screening device was administered and as a result, the driver was transported to detachment for further testing. A 17-year-old was char ed with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired- alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Person under 19 years consuming liquor
The driver was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date. The identity of the accused is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
On November 11, 2023 shortly before midnight, officers observed a vehicle parked in a parking lot near Mary Street in Picton. Officers spoke with the driver and issued an approved screening device demand. As a result, the driver was arrested. A subsequent search led to the seizure of suspected cannabis. Nickolas Rittwage, age 23 from Deseronto, was charged with failure or refusal to comply with demand, having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available and have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available. The individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 13, 2023.
On November 18, 2023 officers were conducting proactive patrols when a vehicle was stopped on Loyalist Parkway. After speaking with the driver, an approved screening device was administered. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Garrett Cleave, age 33 from Prince Edward County, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and speeding. The driver was released from custody and is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 13, 2023.
On November 20, 2023 around 11:00 p.m., officers stopped to check on a vehicle on Highway 62. After speaking with the driver, an approved screening device was administered. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Zachary MacDonald, age 28 from Napanee, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus). The driver was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 20, 2023.
On November 23, 2023 shortly before 6:00 p.m., officers responded to a single vehicle collision on County Road 1. Officers attended the scene and spoke with the driver. As a result, an approved screening device was administered. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. A subsequent search led to the seizure of suspected psilocybin. Holly Crain, age 42 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 three substance. The driver was released from custody and is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 6, 2023.
On November 24, shortly before 9:30 p.m., officers responded alongside Hastings Quinte EMS to a single vehicle rollover on Loyalist Parkway. The driver sustained minor injuries. Officers spoke with the driver and an approved screening device was administered. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing. Ashley Smith, age 28 from Quinte West, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and dangerous operation. The driver was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 6, 2023.
All of the drivers had their vehicles impounded for seven days and licences suspended for 90 days.
