The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges for two separate impaired driving investigations.
On May 6, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 401, Quinte West. An investigation led to the driver being arrested.
Paul POWER, 27 years old from Toronto, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while im paired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
On May 7, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded to the Ontario Street boat launch, Quinte West for reports of a driver doing donuts in their car. An investigation led to the driver being arrested.
Matthew PIDGEON-WALLACE, 24 years old from Mariposa Township, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Personation with intent to avoid arrest
- Fail to comply with release order – three counts
- Fail to comply with probation – two counts
- Fail to comply with undertaking
POWER was released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on May 25, 2023. Additionally, his vehicle was impounded for seven days, and his licence was suspended for 90 days. PIDGEON-WALLACE was held in custody for a bail hearing.
If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it. You could save a life.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
