The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 244 calls for service during the past week.
Domestic Violence
Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated three domestic disputes during the past week. One female was charged with assault. No other criminal offences were alleged. 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. In emergencies call 9-1-1.
RIDE Spot Checks
Police are looking for assistance from the public in identifying a driver who stopped briefly at a RIDE spot check and then fled the scene. On Saturday March 24 at approximately 9:15 pm police were conducting RIDE on Bruce Street at Maloney Road in Renfrew. A male driver in a 4 door black Pontiac Grand Am or G6 briefly stopped, and then drove off when directly to pull off the road by the police. Open alcohol was seen in the vehicle. Patrols were conducted but officers were unable to locate the vehicle. If you have information on this vehicle or driver please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. PC Jodi Burns is leading the investigation.
Impaired Driver
On Tuesday March 20 at approximately 5 pm PC Kayla Couture stopped a vehicle in Arnprior for a traffic offence. The male driver had been drinking and failed a roadside alcohol screening test. Following further breath tests at the detachment Ralph Pedley, aged 62 of McNab Braeside Township, was charged with impaired driving, and driving over 80 mgs. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on April 18.
March and April bring Tax Scams
Scammers are very busy this time of year with tax related scams intended to frighten victims and trick you into sending them money. Fraudsters will claim they are calling from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and that either you owe them taxes, or that a refund is due. Their preferred payment form for taxes owed is in iTunes cards, so that is your first clue that something is not right. The CRA would never call you, they always correspond by mail, and secondly they do not accept payments in the form of iTunes cards. They will also claim you may be arrested immediately if you don’t pay today. The police in Canada would never arrest you for not paying taxes. Should the scammers be telling you a refund is owed, they are trying to get your banking information, claiming they will may a deposit. In fact, they will empty your bank account if you share this information with them. Protect yourself and your money. Learn more from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca
Road Rage
Police responded to a dispute that brought traffic to a halt on Raglan St S in Renfrew on Tuesday March 20 at approximately 11:15 am. The investigation revealed one driver cut another off at the intersection of Raglan and Hall Ave. The lead driver then stopped their vehicle on the roadway and a dispute between two drivers erupted. Paul Chapeski, aged 37 of Renfrew, was charged with failing to yield to traffic on a through highway, and unnecessary slow driving, under the Highway Traffic Act. One vehicle was towed from the scene. PC Lindsey Moore led the investigation.
Fail to Yield to School Bus
A tragedy was narrowly avoided when a driver failed to yield to a school bus with lights flashing unloading children in Arnprior. Witnesses advised on Thursday March 22 at approximately 2:53 pm on Division Street in Arnprior a school bus was stopped, lights activated and the stop arm out unloading children when a male driver proceeded through the lights and almost struck a parent. The male driver then started to reverse his vehicle almost striking several children crossing the road. He then drove off. Following an investigation into the matter, PC Denys Baranovskiy identified the male driver as Elmer Leeck, aged 88 of Arnprior and issued him a provincial offence notice for failing to stop for the school bus when lights activated.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information on any criminal offence that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000.00. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day. Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca
