Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three individuals with impaired driving and other traffic-related offences over the Victoria Day weekend. Each driver received a 90-day licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
First Incident on County Road 20
The first incident occurred on Friday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m., when OPP officers responded to a traffic complaint on County Road 20 in Essex. A 38-year-old resident of Kingsville was arrested and charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams, dangerous operation, having care or control of a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor, possessing more than one licence, and driving with a windshield obstruction.
Second Incident on Highway 3
Around 1:48 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 3 near County Road 8 in Essex. The investigation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old LaSalle resident, who was charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams, and dangerous operation.
Third Incident in Leamington
Just after 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, officers stopped a vehicle on Talbot Street East near Wigle Avenue in Leamington. The 37-year-old driver now faces seven charges, including two impaired driving charges, driving as a novice driver with a blood alcohol level above zero, failing to apply for a permit, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and driving with liquor readily available.
Consequences and Enforcement
All three accused received an immediate 90-day licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment. They must appear in court to answer to the charges. The OPP stated that officers will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep roads safe. The public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately if they have an urgent traffic complaint or suspect someone is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. For non-emergency traffic complaints, individuals can call 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
