NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid 29 impaired driving charges since January 1, 2023.
On April 24, 2023, shortly after 2:00 a.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a report of a Jeep in the ditch on Lee Valley Road in Espanola. It was determined the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages. They were arrested and returned to detachment for further tests.
Hunter Chiblow, 22-years-old, from Blind River was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on May 15, 2023.
On April 26, 2023, shortly before 4:00 p.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a complaint of a possible impaired driver at a business in Mindemoya. Police located the vehicle and driver on Lakeview Drive in M'Chigeeng First Nation. It was determined the driver had been consuming drugs and they were arrested and returned to detachment for further tests.
Anthony Migwans, 24-years-old, from M'Chigeeng First Nation was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Driving while under suspension
- Driver fail to surrender licence
- Fail to have insurance card
The accused was released and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 17, 2023.
On May 5, 2023, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a traffic complaint of a car passing dangerously on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and they were arrested and returned to detachment for further tests.
Steven Neshkiwe, 27-years-old, from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 14, 2023.
On May 7, 2023, shortly before 6:00 p.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a complaint of an impaired driver leaving a golf course in Espanola. The driver was located and it was determined they had been consuming alcoholic beverages.
Shawn Shannon, 59-years-old, from Espanola was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Failure or rufusal to comply with a demand
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 12, 2023.
On June 3, 2023, shortly after 4:00 a.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a single vehicle in the ditch on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. It was determined the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and they were arrested and returned to detachment for further tests.
Jayden Ritchie, 19-years-old, from Massey was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Failure or rufusal to comply with a demand
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on July 5, 2023.
On June 7, 2023, shortly after 11:00 p.m., Manitoulin OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision on Highway 6 in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. The involved pickup truck was located in the ditch. It was determined the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and they were arrested and returned to detachment for further tests.
Franklin FORREST, 49 years old, of Whitefish River First Nation was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while prohibited
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on July 12, 2023.
Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in their system is safe when driving. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan not to drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver or take a taxi.
If you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 immediately and report it.
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