RENFREW COUNTY – Despite endless messaging, myriad RIDE programs and ongoing enforcement, alcohol and drugs remain an issue in police enforcement on Renfrew County roads.

 The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 173 calls for service between Jan. 11 and Jan. 17.

Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated 10 domestic disputes during the past week.

“One accused is charged for two counts of assault causing bodily harm with a weapon, two counts of mischief, one count of utter threats, assault and injure or endangering animals,” OPP media relations officer Const. Amanda Carruthers released in a statement today (Jan. 18). “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 911.

“On Jan. 17, at approximately 8:20 p.m., an officer with the Renfrew OPP was advised a vehicle hit a fence and proceeded on Castleford Road in Horton Township,” Carruthers said. “The officer located the vehicle not far from the incident location and initiated a traffic stop.”

As a result, Cody Gale, 19 of Douglas, was charged with impaired driving and driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80 as well as novice driver having a blood alcohol concentration above zero; failure to have insurance card; and failure to report accident. The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Feb. 17.

On Jan. 15, at approximately 8:30p.m., a Renfrew OPP officer was conducting traffic enforcement in the Town of Arnprior. The officer initiated a traffic stop and a 21-year-old driver was charged for having cannabis readily available and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

On Jan. 17, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a member of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in Whitewater Township. The officer initiated a traffic stop and as a result, Nicole Shanks, 32 of Shawville, QC, was charged with three counts of failure to comply and one count of personation; obstruct peace officer; speeding; and suspended driving. The accused will appear in front of the Ontario Court of Justice for a bail hearing today (Jan. 18).

Renfrew OPP officers conducted 14 Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checks over the week.

On Jan. 13, at approximately 6 p.m., Renfrew OPP was conducting a RIDE check on Opeongo Road in Admaston-Bromely Township. A 62-year-old driver was issued a three-day suspension.

On Jan. 15, at approximately 11 p.m., Renfrew OPP was conducting a RIDE check on Highway 132 in Admaston-Bromely Township. A 54-year-old driver was charged with operating a motor vehicle with cannabis readily available.

Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 613-735-8477 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.