(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Officers from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals with impaired related charges this past weekend.
The OPP)Festive R.I.D.E (Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign kicked off on November 21, 2024, and runs until January 1, 2025.
On November 23, 2024, at approximately 5:35 p.m., police responded to several traffic complaints regarding a van unable to maintain its lane travelling eastbound on Highway 401 in the Township of Cramahe.
Police observed a vehicle matching the description provided, parked in the parking lot of a service station on County Road 30 in the Municipality of Brighton. Upon speaking with the driver, officers entered into an impaired operation investigation. As a result, the individual was arrested and transported to a local detachment for further tests.
Andrew CUTLER, 39-years-old, from Harwood, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.
On November 24, 2024, at around 12:40 a.m., OPP, Cobourg Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to a report of a collision involving two passenger vehicles on Elgin Street West in the Township of Hamilton.
One of the drivers involved was treated by EMS for minor injuries. Upon speaking with the other driver, officers were led into an impaired operation investigation. The person was arrested and transported to a local police station for further tests. There were no other injuries reported.
As a result, Shakespeare NICHOLASPILLAI, 55-years-old, from Cobourg, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Drive motor vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available.
In addition to future court dates for both the accused, a further 90-day Administrative Driver Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impound was initiated as per statute.
The Northumberland OPP urges everyone to plan ahead and arrange for a safe ride home rather than drive while impaired. Call a friend, call a cab or call Operation Red Nose. Remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.
If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1.
The Northumberland OPP values your contribution to buildi ng safe communities. If you have information about persons repeatedly driving while impaired and want to remain anonymous, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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
