Huron OPP report four arrested with stolen goods; and Distracted Driving campaign runs next week

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST AND CHARGES

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) - A traffic stop for failing to lower high beams, has not only resulted in arrests and charges but also the recovery of two stolen laptops that were taken from two area elementary schools. 

Feb. 28, at 1:32 a.m., a Huron County OPP officer was conducting patrols on King Street in Clinton, when he encountered a vehicle whose driver failed to lower the high beam headlights.

Upon stopping the vehicle, police noted one of the passengers was failing to comply with a condition of his release and probation. He was placed under arrest and a search incident to arrest revealed he was in possession of cannabis marijuana. A further search of the vehicle turned up two stolen computers. 

As a result, all four occupants in the vehicle were placed under arrest for possession of stolen property.

Ronnie MOSHER, 20, of Goderich has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, Fail to Comply with a Condition of an Undertaking, Fail to Comply with Sentence, and Possession of a Schedule II Substance (Cannabis Marijuana). He has since been released from custody with a court date scheduled for April 9.

Alexander MOSHER, 24, of Goderich was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 and Fail to Lower High Beams. He has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 19, at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich.

Jody GODFREY, 33, of Goderich was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000. She has been released from custody with a court date scheduled for April 9, at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich. 

Brittany HANSEN, 19, of Goderich was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000. She has been released from custody with a court date scheduled for April 9, at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich. 

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*
 

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INATTENTIVE DRIVING IS DEADLIEST BEHAVIOUR ON OPP-PATROLLED ROADS FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
OPP conducts Distracted Driving Campaign March 12 -18 

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Next week, during March Break (March 12-18), the OPP will be highly focused on what has been the deadliest kind of driver on OPP-patrolled roads for the fifth consecutive year - the inattentive driver.

Inattentive drivers were behind 83 road fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads in 2017, surpassing speed-related deaths (75), alcohol/drug-related deaths (46), and those that are linked to lack of seatbelt use (49).

Since 2009 (the year Ontario Distracted Driving laws took effect), 692 people have been killed on OPP-patrolled roads in collisions that involved an inattentive driver.

"By now, the majority of drivers and passengers have witnessed, had a close call, or been involved in a collision with a driver who was texting, talking on his cell phone or engaged in some other form of distraction," said OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair, provincial commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

"Last year, the OPP responded to 8,711 crashes that were linked to driver inattention. These drivers have no regard for your safety, making it as important as ever that you lead by example on the road and be a strong voice in your community and on social media about this deadly driving behaviour." 

DID YOU KNOW?
If convicted of distracted driving, a fully-licensed driver will receive:
 

• A fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court; a fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
• Three demerit points applied to your driver's record
• Drivers who endanger others because of any distraction, including hand-held and hands-free devices, may still be charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act or even Dangerous Driving under the Criminal Code of Canada; both charges carry heavy fines and penalties