(PERTH COUNTY, ON) A number of drivers have been charged following impaired driving investigations throughout Perth County, and some are thanks to the public.
Just before 4:30 a.m. on June 9,2024, a Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer conducted a traffic stop on Henry Street, in the Municipality of West Perth. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was administered and as a result, and the driver was taken into custody for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Jamie MOTT, 38, of West Perth, has been charged with:
Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 8, 2024, to answer to the charges.
Just after 12:30 a.m. on June 13, 2024, a motor vehicle was observed travelling on Line 71, in the Municipality of North Perth, when it appeared to evade police by pulling into a rural laneway. The homeowner assisted with detaining the driver, who was arrested by police shortly after and transported to an Operations Centre for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Shawn SKINNER, 23, of Stratford, has been charged with:
Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
Obstruct Peace Officer
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 15, 2024, to answer to the charges.
Following a traffic complaint from a member of the public just before 1:30 a.m. on June 14, 2024, police located the motor vehicle in question shortly after, on Queen Street, Atwood, in the Municipality of North Perth. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested. They were transported to an Operations Centre for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Donna HOPPER, 60, of North Perth, has been charged with:
Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 8, 2024, to answer to the charges.
On June 16, 2024 at approximately 2:30 a.m., a Perth County OPP officer on patrol observed a motor vehicle hit a parked vehicle on Ontario Road at St. George, in Mitchell, Municipality of West Perth. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested.
As a result of the investigation, John NOVAK, 67, of Embro, was charged with:
Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
Possession of a Schedule I Drug Other Drugs
Careless Driving
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 29, 2024, to answer to the charges.
On June 17, 2024, just after 8:00 p.m., a Perth County OPP officer stopped an All-Terrain Vehicle on Road 150, in the Municipality of West Perth, as the driver was observed to be not wearing a helmet. During the investigation, the operator refused an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand, and was placed under arrest.
As a result of the investigation, Cole KELLY, 34, of Perth East, was charged with:
Failure or refusal to comply with demand
Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code
Fail to Wear Proper Helmet
Drive Motor Vehicle Not Equipped with Ignition Interlock Device
Driver Fail to Surrender License
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on July 15, 2024, to answer to the charges. The ATV was impounded for 45 days.
*Anyone charged with Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) or Failing to Comply with Demand receives a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and a 7-day Vehicle Impoundment as per statute.
The Perth County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver, you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately. Anyone with information about this, or any investigation, is asked to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone.
Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.