Dozens of drivers ticketed during 'Operation Impact'
Chatham-Kent police handed out a lot of paper to delinquent drivers during a targeted road safety campaign over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Police said in total, they issued 197 tickets and summons to motorists for failing to wear a seat belt, speeding, and various other Highway Traffic Act offences.
The crackdown was part of a national public awareness campaign called "Operation Impact," which is aimed at making Canada's roads safer.
In addition to the tickets and summons, police also checked 140 vehicles through RIDE programs and charged three drivers with impaired driving, and two others with stunt driving.
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Suspicious vehicle stop leads to impaired driving charge
A 47-year-old Tecumseh man has been charged with impaired driving after he was stopped on Wheatley Road at around 3 a.m. Thursday.
Police said an officer on general patrol pulled the vehicle over after noticing some suspicious activity.
After speaking with the driver, the officer suspected the man was driving under the influence of alcohol -- he also allegedly failed a roadside test, so he was taken back to police headquarters for further testing.
The accused was later charged and released from custody pending a future court date.
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Police looking for two suspects accused of stealing cigarettes
Chatham-Kent police are appealing to the public for tips as they try to track down two people who allegedly broke into an Esso gas station and took off with some cigarettes.
Police said the break-in took place sometime around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday on Queen Street, adding that the incident caused about $1,000 in damage.
The first suspect is described as a man wearing a bandana over his face, with a black hoodie, dark pants, running shoes, and a back pack.
The second suspect is described as a man wearing a hoodie with a baseball bat, dark jeans, and a back pack.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Curtis Conn at curtisc@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 mailbox #87349.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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Dirt bike reported stolen from towing business
Police are asking for the public's help as they investigate a break-in at a local towing company where a dirt bike was reported stolen.
Officers said someone broke into Dave Cragg's Towing Compound on Merritt Avenue in Chatham sometime between 5 p.m. on October 8 and 10 a.m. on October 13 and took off with a dirt bike that is worth about $400.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Destiny Johnson at destinyj@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 mailbox #87309.
You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
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Crashes laid after three separate crashes in CK
Three driver are facing charges after Chatham-Kent police responded to a trio of crashes across the municipality on Wednesday.
Police said in the first case Wednesday morning, a 59-year-old Chatham man was charged with failing to turn out to the left to avoid a collision after he allegedly hit a parked vehicle on Woods Street in Chatham.
No injuries were reported after that collision and the damage was estimated at $15,000.
In the second case, police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Queen Street in Tilbury. That was also Wednesday morning and again, no injuries were reported.
The damage was estimated at $7,000 and a 61-year-old Belle River man was charged with making an unsafe start from a stopped position.
In the third case, police responded to a single-motor vehicle crash where a vehicle had hit a hydro pole on Countryview Line between St. Clair Road and Prince Albert Road.
Officers said they were called to that crash Wednesday afternoon, adding that no injuries were reported and the damage was estimated at $12,000.
A 47-year-old Dresden woman was charged with making an unsafe move.