**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins Police Service, in partnership with the OPP and the local MADD chapter and the Porcupine Health Unit undertook the annual festive RIDE campaign again this year throughout the holiday season.

The Timmins Police Service laid a total of five Criminal Code – Impaired Driving related charges during the 2018 Festive RIDE campaign which ran from November 26th of 2018 to January 2nd of 2019.
A total of six such charges were laid in last year’s RIDE campaign which ran from November 26th, 2017 to January 2nd of 2018.

Timmins Police Service – Traffic Section Constable Darren McGaghran articulates his concerns by stating “Despite our best efforts to make the local driving population aware of the goals of the Timmins Police Service and its like-minded community partners in regards to Impaired Driving, a small but persistent segment of drivers insist on indulging in behavior that places themselves and others at risk. This is a cause for concern for the general public and the Timmins Police Service as well. Vigilance in regards to Impaired Driving is expected of the Timmins Police but the driving population must do its part as well to make area roadways as safe as possible.”

During the early morning hours of December 25th, a Timmins Police Service officer came upon a vehicle parked at the intersection of Bruce Avenue and Goldmine Road with a lone male occupant allegedly slumped over the wheel.

The driver was awoken by the officer. Based on the observation made by the officer, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and taken into custody to perform breath tests.

As a result of those tests, Marcel ECHUM, 23, of Moose Factory, Ontario was charged with:
– Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
– Operate Motor Vehicle – Concentration over 80 Mgs of Alcohol in 100 Mls of Blood contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused was released from custody and is required to attend Provincial Court in Timmins on January 8th to answer to the charges laid against him.

On December 27th, a Timmins Police Service officer observed a passenger vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Balsam Street North. The officer caught up to the vehicle as it had become stuck in a snow bank when it left the travelled portion of the roadway.

The driver was identified and interviewed by the Timmins Police Service officer
Based on the observation made by the officer, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and taken into custody to perform breath tests.

As a result of those tests, David JONES, 30, of Timmins , Ontario was charged with:
– Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
– Operate Motor Vehicle – Concentration over 80 Mgs of Alcohol in 100 Mls of Blood contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused was released from custody and is required to attend Provincial Court in Timmins on January 8th to answer to the charges laid against him.

During the late evening hours of December 31st , a Timmins Police Service officer came upon a vehicle that had struck a hydro pole near the intersection of Bruce Avenue and Hwy 101 with a lone male occupant attempting to extricate his vehicle. The driver was interviewed by the Timmins Police Service officer.

Based on the observation made by the officer, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and taken into custody to perform breath tests.

As a result of those tests, Joshua KELLAR, 27, of South Porcupine was charged with:
– Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
– Fail or Refuse to Comply With Demand contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused was released from custody and is required to attend Provincial Court in Timmins on January 15th to answer to the charges laid against him.

Filed under: Local News