SUDBURY MEDIA RELEASES DETACHMENT COMMANDER – S/SGT GARRY MILLS (705) 564 - 6900 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM/DE: Sudbury Detachment DATE: September 1, 2010 KEEP SAFETY IN MIND THIS LABOUR DAY WEEKEND (Sudbury, ON) - Members of the Sudbury & Espanola OPP Detachments want you to have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend. Our key objective is to reduce fatalities and injuries on Ontario roads, trails and waterways this long weekend. Lives can be saved, if drivers and boaters take responsibility for their personal safety, that of their family, friends and others travelling on Ontario highways, trails or waterways. "A moment’s inattention can result in injury and death," states Inspector Mark Andrews - Traffic and Marine Commander, North East Region. "Drivers are drifting across the centre line for whatever reason, possibly distraction or fatigue and slamming into oncoming traffic. Drivers seem to let down their guard in sunny weather and are less alert to what's going on around them." Officers will be focusing their enforcement on those who fail to comply with the seatbelt/child restraint or helmet legislation, watching for impaired drivers/boaters, distracted drivers, and aggressive driving behaviours. If you are boating – boat sober and always wear your lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD), which will increase your odds of survival in an unexpected mishap. During last year’s Labour Day weekend (September 4, 2009 – September 7, 2009), Northeast Region had a fatality free weekend. Unfortunately, across the province, 3 people died on OPP patrolled roadways and 2 people died while operating an off-road vehicle in OPP patrolled area. Sudbury and Espanola OPP officers issued 55 speeding charges while officers in the Northeast Region issued a total of 685 speeding charges. A total of 142 alcohol related (Impaired Driving and/or Over 80) charges were issued by OPP officers across the province. As of August 29, 2010 in Ontario, 205 people have died on OPP patrolled roadways in 2010. Excessive speed, non compliance with occupant restraint systems and alcohol were factors in 121 deaths of the roadway fatalities. Meanwhile, 9 people have died while operating an off-road vehicle on OPP patrolled area this year. The core contributing factors in 7 of these deaths were alcohol and not wearing a helmet. As well, 17 people have died in marine incidents on OPP patrolled waterways this year. The number one contributing factor for 11 of these deaths was as a result of not wearing a lifejacket or PFD and alcohol was second. “As summer draws to a close, everyone is geared up to make the most of the holiday weekend – heavy roadway traffic, more vehicles with trailers in tow - and sometimes too little attention is paid to the demands of driving”, states Staff Sergeant Garry Mills, Detachment Commander-Sudbury & Espanola OPP Detachments. “Motorists need to slow down, watch for signs of fatigue, and pay attention to what’s ahead on the road, trail or water.” Be prepared, expect the unexpected! Remember the Operation Lookout Program – Call 911 or *OPP (*677) to report suspected impaired drivers. - 30 - Contact: Constable Michelle Coulombe Phone : (705) 564-6900 ext. 6955 Community Services Officer/Media Relations 1-888-310-1122 Sudbury OPP Detachment FROM/DE: Sudbury Detachment DATE: September 1, 2010 BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS (Sudbury & Espanola) – It's that time of year again when summer draws to a close and area schools will soon open their doors for another school year. On that note, members of the Sudbury and Espanola OPP Detachments are urging drivers, children and their parents to think “safety” as students will be heading back to school next week. Back to school means more children walking and biking on our roads. Therefore; motorists need to take special care while driving. Help our children walk and bike safely to school by following these important safety rules: Be aware of school zone signage. Reduce speed in school zones. Be ready to stop at all times. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic. Always try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road. Be patient and wait for children to complete their crossing before proceeding. Stop when directed to do so by a crossing guard. In Ontario, the law requires motorists to stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. Whether on a city street, highway or county road, and regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes, motorists travelling in both directions must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. A flashing stop arm will swing out while passengers are boarding or leaving the bus. The only exception: on highways separated by a median, traffic travelling in the opposite direction is NOT required to stop. Once all passengers have boarded, the “STOP” arm will fold away. Do not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move. Drivers or the owner of the vehicle can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and receive a total fine of $490 and up to $2,000 and six (6) demerit points. Each subsequent offence includes a fine of $1,000 up to $4,000, six (6) demerit points and possible jail time up to six (6) months. Younger children often lack the skills to negotiate traffic safely. Although injuries to school bus passengers are rare, they most often happen outside the bus as students are boarding and leaving the bus or crossing the street. Children should be reminded of the following safety tips: Walk on sidewalks where available. Always cross at intersections or with assistance of a crossing guard. Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Always walk your bicycle across a roadway. …/2 Page 2 When crossing intersections without signals or crossing guards, children should: Stop before stepping onto the road Increase your visibility and indicate your crossing intention to motorists Look in all directions before crossing Stop, Look and Listen for traffic Cross safely when the road is clear Walk, don’t run, across the road Where possible, use the buddy system By following these practices & safety tips we can help make this back to school season a happy and safe experience for everyone. Back to school should be a time of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming year. One moment of inattention by a driver could result in tragedy. Make going back to school safe for everyone by staying alert at the wheel and discussing bus safety with your children. The safety of our children should be our number one priority and school bus safety should be on our minds 365 days a year, not just at this time of year. For more information on back to school safety tips go to: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/schoolbus/safebus.shtml or http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/schoolbus/schoolbus.shtml “Let’s Remember Adam - Stop for the school bus”! - 30 - Contact: Constable Michelle Coulombe Community Services Officer/Media Relations Sudbury OPP Detachment Phone: 705-564-6900 ext. 6955 1-888-310-1122 FROM/DE: Sudbury Detachment DATE: August 31, 2010 REQUEST FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE Motor Vehicle Collision (Sudbury, ON) - On Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10:15 a.m., Sudbury OPP officers responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 17(4-lanes near Regional Road 55-Walden), City of Greater Sudbury. Investigation revealed while the driver of an eastbound Dodge Neon car was overtaking two tractor-trailers, one of the tractor-trailer units began to enter her passing lane, forcing her to drive off the left side of the roadway and into the median area, which is comprised of large rocks. The tractor-trailer did not stop and continued eastbound. The only descriptor for the said tractor-trailer was a yellow tractor hauling a white box-type trailer. Witnesses were unable to obtain any other information. Fortunately all five (5) occupants (3 adults & 2 kids) in the car were not injured. The vehicle sustained moderate damage and had to be towed. Officers are requesting assistance from the public and would like to speak to any witnesses who may have information in regards to this collision. Please call the Sudbury OPP at 1-888-310-1122 ext. 6930 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. - 30 - Contact: Constable Michelle Coulombe Community Services Officer/Media Relations Sudbury OPP Detachment Phone: 705-564-6900 ext. 6955 1-888-310-1122 FROM/DE: Sudbury Detachment DATE: August 31, 2010 POLICE BEAT (Espanola, ON) – The Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to sixty-four (64) calls for service between August 23, 2010 and August 30, 2010. THEFT OF GAS – Nairn Centre On August 26, 2010 at 9:50 a.m. officers were advised of a theft of $46.36 in gas from the Rainbow Esso located on Highway 17 in Nairn Centre. The only description provided was that the suspect vehicle was dark blue in colour with tinted window and unknown direction of travel. If anyone has any information in regards to this theft, please call the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text TIP267 and your message to CRIMES (274637) or submit your tip online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com. OWNER OF ATV CHARGED On August 26, 2010 at 3:45 p.m., while on patrol, officers stopped an ATV they observed being operated on Highway 17 in Nairn Centre. The 15-year-old female driver was warned. The 47-year-old owner from Nairn Centre was charged with Permit Unlicenced Person to Drive Motor Vehicle. MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION On August 27, 2010 at 9:15 p.m., Espanola OPP officers responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 17, Shakespeare Township (east of Webbwood) involving a car and an SUV. One person was trapped and had to be extricated from the vehicle. A total of 3 people were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the car, a 19-year-old woman from Sudbury, was charged with Fail to Drive in Marked Lane. The highway was closed for two hours. POLICE CALLED TO HOUSE PARTY - TWO PEOPLE CHARGED On August 28, 2010 at 10:45 p.m., officers were requested to attend a house party on Agnew Lake Rd. in Webbwood in order to remove an intoxicated and unwanted female. Further investigation revealed the female had threatened two people prior to police arrival and she was arrested. Charged with two counts of Utter Threat to Cause Death is Victoria ABREU, age 45 of Barrie. She will appear in Espanola Court on October 13, 2010. As well, while at the residence, officers were also asked to remove an intoxicated male who was being verbally aggressive towards his girlfriend. While investigating this matter, his girlfriend reported she had been assaulted by this man the previous evening while at his residence in Chelmsford. As a result, the 39-year-old man was arrested and charged with Assault. He will appear in Sudbury Court on October 20, 2010. …/2 Page 2 YOUTH INJURED DURING MOTORCROSS EVENT AT MASSEY FAIR On August 29, 2010 at 10:10 a.m., officers received a report that a 15-year-old male was injured after he was thrown from his motorbike during the Motorcross event on the grounds at the Massey Fair. The youth was transported to hospital with serious head injuries. The investigation is continuing. TWO INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISION On August 29, 2010 at 10:45 a.m., officers responded to a collision on Highway 17 just east of Nairn Centre. Investigation revealed a motorcycle struck a deer. A 60-year-old male and a female were transported to hospital with back and neck injuries. TRAFFIC COMPLAINT - IMPAIRED DRIVER FACING SEVERAL CHARGES On August 29, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., Espanola OPP officers received a traffic complaint regarding an eastbound vehicle on Highway 17, Nairn Township, weaving all over the road, driving dangerously, forcing motorists to take evasive actions to avoid collisions and subsequently colliding with another vehicle and not stopping. Shortly thereafter, officers were advised the driver had pulled over just west of Nairn Centre where he was observed walking towards Nairn Centre with two kids and possibly impaired. Officers attended the scene and arrested the driver. The 39-year-old man from Sudbury was charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Impaired Driving, Over 80, Fail to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, Resist Peace Officer and Fail to Provide Necessities of Life to Child. MAN FACING SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE On the evening of August 29, 2010, officers received a report that a 16-year-old female was touched inappropriately by male while at a residence in Spanish River Township the previous evening. Upon further investigation located and arrested the suspect. A 22-year-old man from Espanola was charged with Sexual Assault. He will appear in Espanola Court on October 5, 2010. BICYCLE PATROLS Between August 26 and August 28, 2010, officers conducted bicycle patrols at the Massey Fair grounds, Chutes Provincial Park and throughout the Town of Massey. - 30 - Contact: Cst. Michelle Coulombe Community Services Officer/Media Relations Sudbury Detachment Phone : 705-564-6900 ext. 6955
Web space provided by London's 1st Internet Service Provider