NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is currently investigating serious motor vehicle collision in the City of Orillia.
On Sunday night at approximately 11:35 p.m. members of the Orillia OPP were dispatched to a head-on collision on Highway 12 between Atherley Road and Forest Avenue. As a result of the collision two persons were brought to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital by County of Simcoe Paramedic Services with minor injuries.
When police arrived on the scene, Orillia Fire Department indicated that the driver of one of the vehicles had fled the scene prior to emergency services arriving.
After a short investigation, police were able to identify the driver of the vehicle that fled as 42-year-old Jamie Varela of Orillia. He was arrested a short while later and charged with the following offences:
- Impaired operation of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in blood contrary to Section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Obstruct a peace officer contrary to Section 129 of the Criminal Code.
- Fail to stop at the scene of an accident contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Code.
- Driving while under suspension contrary to Section 53(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
The accused was released on a Promise to Appear for Oct. 30, 2018 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia. If anyone has information regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or 1-888-310-1122.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestoppers.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of $2,000.
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