RENFREW COUNTY – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were kept busy keeping the peace on the roads and in the homes of Renfrew County last week.

From May 4 to May 10 the OPP responded to 163 calls for service.

Domestic violence

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

“One accused has been charged with assault, disturbing the peace, uttering threats and possession of a schedule one substance believed to be methamphetamine,” OPP media relations Const. Tina Hunt released in a statement. “Another accused has been charged with two counts of assault.”

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.

Impaired driving

On May 10, an officer with the Renfrew OPP Detachment was conducting traffic enforcement in Whitewater Region Township. A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, Jeremy Landry, 23-years-old of Petawawa has been charged with impaired driving. The accused was released on an undertaking to attend at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on August 19, 2020,

Also on May 10, an officer with the Renfrew OPP Detachment responded to a traffic complaint in McNab/Braeside Township. A traffic stop was initiated and as a result of the investigation, Karl Brotton, 31-years-old, of McNab-Braeside Township has been charged with impaired driving, and blood alcohol concentration over 80 mgs. The accused was released on an undertaking to attend at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Aug. 19.

Bail violations

On May 9, an officer with the Renfrew OPP was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 17 in McNab-Braeside Township. As a result of a traffic stop, Thomas Gilks, 20-years-old of Arnprio,r has been charged with failure to comply with release order.  The accused was released on an appearance notice to attend at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on July 8. 

Traffic enforcement

“During the past week officers with the Renfrew OPP Detachment have taken four stunt drivers off the road,” Hunt said. “The locations of the offences have been various locations throughout the detachment area and on our provincial Highways.”

The Renfrew OPP would like to remind the public that even during these difficult and unusual times officers are still out patrolling and trying to keep our roadways safe. The charge of stunt driving comes with an automatic seven-day licence suspension and vehicle impound for seven days. The accused also has to attend court in order to answer to the charge. If convicted, the minimum first-time fine for stunt driving is $2,000. That fine can go all the way up to $10,000. The accused could also end up with six months in jail and a two-year license suspension.  

 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 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.