LEAVE THE PHONE ALONE CAMPAIGN
(RENFREW, ON) – Renfrew County Partners Against Distracted Driving is conducting a week long campaign urging drivers to “Leave the Phone Alone while driving”. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is involved in the Renfrew County Partners Against Distracted Driving Committee. From December 4-11 all police officers in Renfrew County and the City of Pembroke will be conducting focused patrols to enforce the distracted driving legislation.
What this will mean for drivers is officers will be focusing their attention on drivers who continue to use cell phones while driving. Officers will be encouraged to issue tickets rather than warning and strictly enforce the law.
Campaign members will also be bringing education to young drivers. All grade 11 and 12 students will participate in the Drive Wise program. This interactive program simulates distracted driving to educate people about the dangers of using your phone while driving.
Distracted drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Distracted driving is now the leading cause of death in collisions on OPP patrolled roads in Ontario. All drivers need to “Leave the Phone Alone while driving”. Stop texting, stop talking, and stop snapchats. None of these should be happening while driving. We all need to do our part for the safety of all road users.
OFF-DUTY OPP OFFICER APPREHENDS BREAK AND ENTER SUSPECT
PEMBROKE – On the evening of November 21, 2016 in the City of Pembroke an off-duty OPP officer returned home to find a man exiting his residence.
The suspect, who had stolen a purse from the house, fled on foot and was pursued and apprehended by the off-duty officer a short distance away.
On-duty officers attended and took the male into custody after a passerby called for assistance on behalf of the off-duty officer.
As a result 40-year-old Shawn Patrick Drummond of Laurentian Valley Township is charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences: Break and Enter; Theft Under $5000; Possession of Break-In Instruments and Breach of Probation.
In addition to the Criminal Code charges the man was also charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) with Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine.
He was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody until his next appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice on December 1.
STUFF THE CRUISER
PEMBROKE — On Saturday December 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Auxiliary Unit will be holding its ninth annual “Stuff a Cruiser” event to collect food and toys.
All donations received will go directly to the St. Joseph’s Food Bank and the Pembroke Branch of the Salvation Army for distribution in our community.
Members of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Auxiliary will be on hand at Giant Tiger, Wal-Mart, Food Basics, Moncion’s Metro, No Frills and the Independent Grocers in Petawawa.
There will be a cruiser present at each location for your donations. Help Stuff a Cruiser!
