OPP officials allege: On October 3, 2023, at 10:12 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were performing a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) Program on Hagerty Road in Southwest Middlesex.
A vehicle entered the R.I.D.E program and failed to come to a stop.
The vehicle then sped away.
Officers patrolled the area and later observed the vehicle partially in the ditch on Cameron Road in Lambton County.
One occupant was observed discarding an item not far from the scene of the collision.
OPP K9 was requested to assist with an evidentiary search.
As a result of the search, illicit drugs and a loaded handgun were located.
As a result, a 35-year-old man from Welland, has been charged under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Highway Traffic Act with:
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
· Carry Firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
· Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited or restricted weapon
· Poss of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order (two counts)
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
· Careless driving
As a result, a 20-year-old woman from Calgary, has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:
· Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
· Carry Firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
· Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
· Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited or restricted weapon
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
· Poss of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
· Poss of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs (two Counts)
· Poss of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
· Poss of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine
The accused were held for bail.
The R.I.D.E program began in 1977 and is used by police throughout the province.
The goal of the program is to identify and deter impaired drivers on our OPP patrolled highways and roadways.
R.I.D.E spot checks usually consist of several cruisers, with emergency lights activated and pylons to direct cars into the area. If you are operating a vehicle and approach a R.I.D.E Program, slow down and come to a stop as directed by police.
The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.
If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.
