April 8-April 14
The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 245 calls for service.
Domestic Violence
Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated 11 domestic disputes during the past week.
- One male was charged with mischief and three counts of assault,
- One male was charged with criminal harassment,
- One male was charged with possession of a schedule three substance and four counts of fail to comply with conditions of undertaking.
If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available. Contact Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930. The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060. You could also attend the emergency department of any hospital in Renfrew County and ask to speak to a member of the Assault Response Team. Victim Services of Renfrew County is also available to provide emotional and practical assistance to people who have experienced domestic violence. They can be reached at 613-649-2852 or toll free at 1-877-568-5730. In emergencies call 9-1-1.
Assault
On Tuesday, April 9, officers with the Renfrew OPP responded to an unwanted person call at a business in Renfrew. Officers attended the location and the male party had left the location. Officers located the male at a different location in the town. During the interaction with the male, the male became assaultive with officers. As a result of the investigation Michael Lewis, 44 years old of Renfrew, has been charged with obstruct peace officer, fail to comply with recognizance, three counts of assault peace officer and three counts of uttering threats.
Drug
On Thursday, April 11, officers with the Community Street Crime Unit, investigated a drug possession call. As a result of the investigation Terrence Goodwin, 29 years old of Horton Township, has been charged with possession of a schedule one substance. He was released on a promise to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, in Renfrew on Wednesday, June 5.
Theft
On Monday, April 1, officers with the Renfrew detachment responded to a theft call at a business in the Town of Renfrew. As a result of the investigation, Joshua Harrington, 36 years old of the city of Pembroke, has been charged with theft under $5,000. He was released on a promise to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, in Renfrew on Wednesday, May 22.
Distracted Driving
Ontario’s distracted driving laws apply to the use of hand-held communication/entertainment devices and certain display screens. It is important to understand the consequences for these offences.
While you are driving, including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, it is illegal to:
- use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial (you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency)
- use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console
- view display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video
- program a GPS device, except by voice commands
First conviction (For A-G licences):
- a fine of $615, if settled out of court (includes a victim surcharge and the court fee)
- a fine of up to $1,000 if a summons is received or if you fight the ticket in court and lose
- three demerit points
- 3-day suspension
- subsequent offences result in increased fines, demerit points and suspensions.
Novice drivers
If you hold a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, and are convicted of distracted driving, you’ll face the same fines as drivers with A to G licences. But you won’t receive any demerit points. Instead of demerit points you’ll face longer suspensions:
- a 30-day licence suspension for a first conviction
- a 90-day licence suspension for a second conviction
- cancellation of your licence and removal from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for a third conviction
To get your licence back you’d have to redo the GLS program
For further information go to www.ontario.ca (distracted driving).
