Monday, January 18, 2010

2010 SNOWMOBILE SEASON OFF TO A DEADLY START

OPP Urge Caution – Warm Weather – Lack of Snow

The Ontario Provincial Police continue to urge snowmobilers to use common sense and to ride with caution. Three early season deaths and close to 100 occurrences involving motorized snow vehicles - in one way or another - since December 1, 2009, has left the Ontario Provincial Police braced for more given the lack of snow and poor ice conditions in North East Region’s popular trail network. Six snowmobile drivers have been charged with Impaired Driving; there have been four collisions resulting in property damage and nine others resulting in personal injury; three machines have gone through the ice or hit open water.

“Snowmachine operators need to heed our warnings, ride with caution and stay within the speed limits - at all times. Obviously that is not happening,” states Inspector Mark Andrews, Unit Commander - Highway Safety Division, North East Region. “A growing family recreational activity, snowmobiling can be an exhilarating outing but only if all riders take on the safe trail responsibility.”

Riding a snowmobile or driving a car, impaired driving consequences of are the same. An impaired driving charge while snowmobiling, which results in a conviction, will see you lose all driving privileges for a minimum of one year.

Please put safety first by riding with care and control. Check local conditions and ride the trails that are officially open. Above all, avoid taking unnecessary risks.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/Trails/trails.asp

DRIVER FACES SEVERAL CHARGES

On January 15, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m. members of the East Algoma Thessalon OPP were conducting patrols on Highway 17, Johnson Township, Ontario. Officers observed an eastbound motor vehicle cross over the yellow center line. Officers stopped the motor vehicle and spoke with the driver.

Richard MOSCROP (62) of Elliot Lake, Ontario has been charged with: Impaired Operation, Section 253(1) (b), Criminal Code Over 80 mgs, Section 253(1) (b), Criminal Code Possession Schedule II Cannabis Marihuana, Section 4(1) CDSA

MOSCROP was released on a Promise to Appear in Thessalon Court on February 25, 2010.

Ice Warning

Due to the recent mild temperatures the East Algoma O.P.P. are warning snowmobilers and outdoor adventurers to stay off area lakes and rivers. There is never a good enough reason to put your life or others in danger by venturing onto the ice.

Water Line Break

On Sunday January 17, 2010 a water line break occurred at the corner of Federation and Frances Street, Thessalon, Ontario. Due to the water break, there is a substantial amount of water running into the river at the Fullerton Bridge onto the ice. The OPP urge citizens to use caution in this area.

RESIDENCE DESTROYED BY FIRE NO INJURIES REPORTED

At 4:15 am on the 17 January, OPP and the Echo Bay Fire Department were dispatched to a residential fire in the 200 block of Echo Lake Road.

The main building was burned down to the foundation. The outbuildings were not damaged.

The residence had been vacant since the end of December.

No injuries were reported. No foul play is suspected.

The investigation is continuing.

MALE ARRESTED AND CHARGED BREACH OF PROBATION

A 59 year old male was arrested on Sunday evening at 10:55 pm and charged with breach of probation in Aweres Township.

It is alleged that the male made a threatening phone call to the residence of his ex-spouse.

The male was on conditions to communicate with his ex-spouse.

The suspect was taken into custody and will appear in bail court today.

OPP – MNR JOINT SNOWMOBILE PATROL NUMEROUS CHARGES LAID

The Sault Ste. Marie Highway Safety Division in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources patrolled area lakes this weekend north of Sault Ste. Marie by snowmobile.

Twenty-two area lakes were checked.

The following charges were laid:

Motorized Snow Vehicle Act: 6 charges 9 warnings

Off-Road Vehicle Act: 1 charge 3 warnings

Driving without insurance: 2 charges

Driving Under Suspension: 1 charge

Ontario Fisheries Regulations: 5 charges 5 warnings

Snowmobiling is great family fun, but as with any motorized recreational activity, take it easy and obey the law. Always ride with care and control, within your ability and according to current conditions.