Four impaired drivers charged over the weekend in Prince Edward County

Members of the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were busy this past weekend, and four individuals are now facing impaired driving charges. 

The first driver was located on Friday, Apr. 28, 2023, just before 5 p.m., when officers responded to a traffic complaint on Ontario Street in Prince Edward County. According to a release from the OPP, further investigation led to an approved screening device being used and, as a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Gerald Denton, age 81, from Picton, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration of over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

Half an hour later, at approximately 5:30 p.m., OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on Low Street in Prince Edward County. According to the release, further investigation led to an approved screening device again being used and, as a result, this driver was also arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Barbara Murdoch-Brien, age 70, from Picton, was charged with:

• operating a motor vehicle while impaired
• operating a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration of over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood

On Sunday, Apr. 30, 2023, around 2:30 a.m., officers were conducting a ride program on Highway 62 in Prince Edward County. According to the release, officers spoke to a driver and further investigation led to an approved screening device being utilized. As a result, the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing. 

Mark Siebert, age 21, from Kingsville, was charged with:

• operating a motor vehicle while impaired
• operating a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration of over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood

Later Sunday evening, at approximately 10:03 p.m., officers conducted yet another traffic stop on Highway 62 in Prince Edward County. As a result of this investigation, an approved screening device was utilized, the OPP stated. The driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Mark Cody Gillard, age 37, from Picton, was charged with:

• operating a motor vehicle while impaired
• operating a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration of over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood

Each driver is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on various dates in May 2023. All four drivers also had their licences suspended for a period of 90 days and vehicles impounded for a period of seven days. They will each be responsible for their own fees and fines.

“Highway safety is a team sport, do your part and plan a safe ride home,” the OPP said.