Prince Edward County OPP arrest three drivers in less than a week

Over the past week, members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged three drivers across three separate incidents. All of those drivers face charges related to impaired driving, among others.

The first driver was stopped by the OPP on Bond Road just before 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. According to a release from the OPP, officers spoke to the driver and an approved screening device, which detects the presence of alcohol on a person’s breath, was administered. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing

Daniel Prinzen, age 26, from Prince Edward County, was charged with:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs/alcohol
• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit
• Speeding

Two days later, shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, officers received a report of a traffic complaint involving a theft on Loyalist Parkway near Carrying Place.

According to the release, officers attempted to stop a vehicle, but the driver refused to stop. The OPP said that officers continued to patrol for the vehicle and later located it in Wellington, where officers arrested the driver. An approved screening device demand was made, and a subsequent search led to the seizure of a quantity of suspected cocaine.

Todd Goodmurphy, age 53, from Prince Edward County, was charged with the following offences:

• Failure to stop for police
• Failure or refusal to comply with a demand
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance – cocaine

The third incident took place on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, when, shortly before 3 p.m. officers received a report of a traffic complaint near County Road 23 and Victoria Road.

According to the OPP, officers were able to locate the vehicle and speak with the driver. An approved screening device was administered and, as a result, the driver was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing.

William Lee, age 83, from Belleville, was charged with:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs/alcohol
• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit

All three drivers were released from custody and are to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice later this month. The drivers also had their vehicles impounded for a period of seven days and their licences suspended for 90 days, and will be responsible for any related fees and fines. All three will face further licence suspension if convicted.

“Impaired driving has real dangers. The OPP would like to thank folks for remaining vigilant for impaired drivers,” police said. “If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call OPP to report at 1-888-310-1122. Plan a safe ride home and do not drive impaired.”