NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TINY TOWNSHIP - The Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program started across the province at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 26, 2020 and members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been doing their part by setting up 12 separate R.I.D.E. check stops since Nov. 26, 2020 on roadways here in North Simcoe.
Officers have checked over 284 drivers and vehicles resulting in one driver being charged for impaired driving and one driver registered a "pass" reading on the Roadside Screening device.
The officers are participating in a road safety effort to reduce the incidence of impaired driving on area roadways here in North Simcoe by conducting R.I.D.E. check stops and proactive traffic patrol.
The following incident of impaired driving was reported as a result of R.I.D.E. check stop.
On Nov. 26, 2020 at 10:31 p.m. OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. check stop on Provincial Highway 93 in Wyebridge when they spoke with a driver of a pick up truck. Officers entered into a drinking and driving investigation after noting the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages resulting in Giacinto Mule 45 years of Barrie being charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada driving offences:
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired - alcohol
A further investigation of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine resulting in a further charge of
- Possession of a schedule I substance- cocaine
contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act
The accused was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on Jan. 7, 2021. The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days and the accused's driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days under the conditions of the Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS).
Police remind motorists that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways. Educating the public about safe driving practices with our community safety partners is a priority, if you see a possible impaired driver or operator please "make the call and dial 911 and help prevent a crash.
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