NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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National Impaired Driving Prevention Week closed on a sour note for members of the Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who arrested and charged five individuals with impaired driving in a 24-hour period in the Orillia area.
On March 26, 2021 just before 6 p.m., officers responded to a report that a vehicle was stopped in a live lane on Westmount Drive, Orillia, and that the driver was not responsive. County of Simcoe Paramedic Services (CSPS) attended to the driver while officers began an impaired driving investigation. The driver regained consciousness and was transported to hospital where police continued their investigation.
As a result, Jason Gethons, age 41 of Orillia, has been charged with:
• Operation while impaired - drugs
• Drive motor vehicle - no licence
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on June 1, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
On March 27, 2021 shortly before 1 a.m., an officer was on patrol on Ridge Road, Oro-Medonte, and observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed. The officer stopped the vehicle and, upon speaking to the driver, was given cause to initiate an impaired driving investigation. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the OPP detachment for further investigation.
As a result, Justin Meunier, age 24 of Barrie, has been charged with:
• Operation while impaired - alcohol
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (over 80)
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on May 4, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
The same night shortly after 1 a.m., another officer was on patrol in Orillia and observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Line 15, Oro-Medonte. After speaking with the driver, the officer started an impaired driving investigation. The driver was subsequently arrested and a search resulted in the seizure of a quantity of cocaine.
Alexander Lazier, age 38 of Oro-Medonte, has been charged with:
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
• Possession of a schedule I substance - cocaine
• Obstruct peace officer
• Numerous provincial driving related offences
The accused is set to appear next on April 20, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
Shortly after 4 a.m. the same night, an officer was driving on Highway 11 near Line 3, Oro-Medonte, when he observed a vehicle stopped on the shoulder which had damage consistent with having been in a collision. The officer approached the vehicle and the driver appeared to be asleep. Upon waking the driver, the officer was given reason to initiate an impaired driving inquiry. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the OPP detachment for further investigation.
As a result of the investigation, Kenny Garcia-Lemus, age 37 of Newmarket, has been charged with:
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on May 4, 2021 at the Ontario court of Justice, Orillia.
The same day just before 1 p.m., officers received a call reporting that a driver, who was believed to be impaired, was operating a vehicle in the Westmount Drive area of Orillia. Officers responded quickly, located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Mary Street. The driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the OPP detachment, where further investigation was conducted.
As a result, Ryan Beers, age 34 of Orillia, has been charged with:
• Operation while impaired - alcohol
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on May 18, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
"I credit the quick action of concerned citizens in calling 9-1-1 and providing the OPP with the information required to find and stop these impaired drivers. On this Prevention Week, by their actions, they have contributed to safer highways in our Province and have undoubtedly saved many lives." - Staff Sergeant Nathalie Rivard, support manager, Orillia Detachment
National Impaired Driving Prevention Week ran from March 21 to March 27, 2021 with the goal of educating Canadians about the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction. Impaired driving remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture.
The Orillia OPP would like to thank everyone who share the responsibility of keeping our roads, trails and waterways safe by reporting impaired drivers. We are committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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