Timmins_Police_Service_logo_updThe Halloween weekend, and month of October in general, saw several impaired driving charges laid by Timmins Police officers.

Many of these charges were the result of vigilant citizens calling police to report suspected impaired drivers. As this week is Crime Prevention Week, the Timmins Police Service thanks the public for their continued assistance in working together to report suspected impaired driving incidents, which are not only criminal in nature but also extremely dangerous.

On October 31, 2015 at approximately 2:15 a.m., officers observed a vehicle being driven erratically in the area of Third Ave. and Mountjoy St. Police initiated a traffic stop and upon speaking to the driver of the vehicle, noted signs of impairment. Following an investigation, Steven BEETHAM, 50, of Timmins was charged with Fail/Refuse to Provide Breath Sample and Impaired Driving.

On November 1, 2015, at approximately 1:45 a.m., police received a call from a citizen regarding a possible impaired driver in the area of Norman St. in Timmins. Police attended the scene and located the driver in question. Following an investigation, Nicole VISITOR, 25, of Wemindji, QC, was charged with Impaired driving and Driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

On November 1, 2015 at approximately 10:40 p.m., police received a call from a citizen regarding a possible impaired driver in the area of Brunette Rd. and Algonquin Blvd. Officers located the driver in question and upon speaking to him, noted signs of impairment. Following an investigation, Marcel VILLARS, 65, of Timmins was charged with Impaired driving and Driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood.

Aside from the Halloween weekend, there were additional impaired driving charges laid during the month of October.

On October 18, 2015, at approximately 2:34 a.m., police observed a vehicle that was exhibiting erratic behaviour in the area of Second Ave and Balsam St. S. Officers spoke to the driver, and noted signs of impairment. Following an investigation James MITTENDORF, 24, of Brampton, ON, was charged with Impaired driving and Driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

Lastly, on October 18, 2015, at 10:50 a.m., police received a call from a citizen regarding a possible impaired driver in the area of Brunette St. and Algonquin Blvd. Police located the driver of the vehicle and upon speaking to him, noted signs of impairment. Following investigation, Philip HUGHIE, 34, of Timmins was charged with Driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood, and Breach of Undertaking.

For the Timmins Police Service, these impaired driving numbers are alarming. Residents have not yet received the message that impaired driving is not only a criminal offence, but an offence that can cause serious injury, death, and devastate many lives.

We urge the public to remain vigilant in reporting impaired drivers. Call 9-1-1 to report any suspected impaired drivers. With your assistance, it is our hope to eliminate impaired driving incidents, improving public safety for all residents.

Comparing the last few months:

  • November 2015: 2*
  • October 2015: 3
  • September 2015: 5
  • August 2015: 4
  • July 2015: 4
  • June 2015: 4
  • May 2015: 3
  • April 2015: 3
  • March 2015: 3
  • February 2015: 4
  • January 2015: 1

March-December 2014: 41

  • December 2014: 5
  • November 2014: 3
  • October 2014: 1
  • September 2014: 7
  • August 2014: 3
  • July 2014: 3
  • June 2014: 6
  • May 2014: 7
  • April 2014: 3
  • March 2014: 3

* – month still ongoing