PEC OPP charge eight impaired drivers in less than three weeks

Members of the Prince Edward County (PEC) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been busy this month, charging eight individuals with impaired driving related offences in just over two weeks.

The incidents, which occurred from Sunday, Jul. 9 to Tuesday, Jul. 25, 2023, are as follows, according to a release from the OPP.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jul. 9, 2023, officers responded to a report of a single vehicle collision on Wesley Acres Road. The OPP said that an approved screening device was administered as a result of the subsequent investigation. The driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

James Earnshaw, age 46, from Frankford was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

Two days later, on Tuesday, Jul. 11, 2023, OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Bridge Street in Picton when, shortly before 1:30 a.m., a vehicle entered the RIDE checkpoint. An approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to detachment.

Eric Pearsall, age 33, from Prince Edward County was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

That same week, on Thursday, Jul. 13, 2023, shortly after 3 a.m., officers were conducting another RIDE program, this time on Highway 62 near Rossmore, when a vehicle entered the checkpoint. According to the release, an approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Jacob Doxtator, age 22, from Prince Edward County was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit, and driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor.

The following week, on Tuesday, Jul. 18, 2023, OPP officers responded to a report of a traffic complaint on Highway 62 shortly after 1 p.m. According to the release, officers located the vehicle and an approved screening device was administered.

Kirk Tripp, age 59, from Limerick, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

Shortly before 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jul. 22, 2023, a traffic stop on County Road 1 and subsequent investigation by OPP officers led to the administration of an approved screening device on the driver. According to the OPP, a search of the vehicle led to the seizure of suspected cocaine. The driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

David Boultbee, age 25, from Prince Edward County was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, operating a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit, and possession of a Schedule 1 substance — cocaine.

The next day, Sunday, Jul. 23, 2023, shortly before midnight, officers conducted another traffic stop on County Road 1 and spoke to the driver, leading to the administration of an approved screening device. The OPP said that the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Justin Hannah, age 25, from Belleville was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

On Tuesday, Jul. 25, 2023, shortly after 10 p.m., officers responded to a call for service at an address in Picton and observed an individual on an ATV. According to the release, an approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Ryan Scanlon, age 36, from Prince Edward County was charged with the following offences:

• Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs
• Operating a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Operating a motor vehicle while prohibited under the Criminal Code

Lastly, on Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023, shortly before 2:30 p.m., OPP officers received a report of a traffic complaint on County Road 10. Police located the vehicle and officers spoke to the driver. According to the release, an approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.

Bradley Goodridge, age 49, from Loyalist Township was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol/drugs — alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

All eight of the accused drivers had their licences suspended for a period of 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days.

“Impaired driving has real dangers. Plan a safe ride home and do not drive impaired,” the OPP said. “To report impaired drivers, call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit a tip online at www.crimestoppersquinte.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.”