IMPAIRED OPERATIONS

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two drivers with impaired operation.

“On October 7, 2023, shortly after 11:00 p.m., Caledon OPP located a vehicle stopped in a live lane on Mayfield Road, near Dixie Road, in the Town of Caledon,” say Police. “During the investigation, the officer formed grounds that the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.”

As a result, Bachan Bhullar, 28, of Brampton, was charged with:

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);

Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs;

Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available.

The charges have not been proven.

“Only a few hours later, on October 8, 2023, shortly after 2:00 a.m., Caledon OPP received a report of a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 10, near The Grange Sideroad. The vehicle was located in a ditch and no injuries were sustained as a result of the collision. During the investigation, the officer formed grounds that the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.”

As a result, Jag Sharma, 29, of Mono, was charged with:

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);

Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs.

The charges have not been proven.

Both accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on October 26, 2023, to answer to the charges. Additionally, both driver's licences were suspended for a period of 90 days, and their vehicle's impounded for 14.

“Motorists are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. 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. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.”

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestroppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

CARJACKING TASK FORCE

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are pleased to announce the creation of a Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF), aimed at addressing the rising incidents of violence related to auto crimes in our communities.

“Whether it be a carjacking, a home invasion, an assault, or other form of intimidation, the level of violence being used in the commission of these offences represents a new and evolving threat to public safety,” say Police.

“Co-led by TPS and the OPP, the task force is a collaboration between police services from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including York Regional Police (YRP), Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Peel Regional Police (PRP) and other external agencies, including Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO).”

The purpose of the PCJTF is to disrupt the networks responsible for high-risk auto thefts, which increasingly involve violence, firearms and other weapons. Members of the task force will work collaboratively to maximize enforcement efforts against criminal organizations involved in violent vehicle crimes who are operating within the GTA.

“The PCJTF will be notified of violent auto crime occurrences taking place in each jurisdiction, which will then be investigated collaboratively by the respective service and the PCJTF.”

The PCJTF is being funded by participating police services, and by CISO, through funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

Violent Auto Thefts in the GTA:

The incidents of violence related to auto crimes occurring in Ontario has increased over the last several years. For instance, there have been more than 300 carjackings in the GTA in 2023, with over 200 of those occurring in Toronto.

Thieves are stealing vehicles, and then using those vehicles to carry out other crimes, or are shipping them overseas, where they are resold. Alternatively, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are altered and the vehicles are sold domestically.

Anyone with information about auto thefts in their community is encouraged to call their police service of jurisdiction. To provide a tip anonymously, call 1-800-222-TIPS (6477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

“The violence associated with auto thefts in Toronto and across the GTA is a concerning trend, and can be incredibly traumatic for victims and their loved ones,” said Superintendent Steve Watts, Organized Crime Enforcement, Toronto Police Service. “TPS is committed to the safety and well-being of our residents above all else, and we are working around the clock in collaboration with the OPP and our other policing partners to address this issue and hold people who commit these crimes to account.”

Added Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Ontario Provincial Police: “Carjackings are a serious public safety issue, which have resulted in assault and even homicides. To evade police, thieves may drive dangerously and recklessly, putting the lives of pedestrians, other motorists and police in danger. The OPP and partners will investigate and hold anyone who is involved in violent auto theft accountable, through a collaborative and intelligence-led approach.”

OPP FOCUSED ON PUBLIC SAFETY IN LIGHT OF CONFLICT IN  MIDDLE EAST

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is aware of global online threats of violence regarding the situation in the Middle East and “want to assure the people of Ontario that we continue to focus on public safety.”

“The OPP and our law enforcement partners are closely monitoring for any situation which could impact public safety in our communities,” say Police. “While the OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, everyone also has a right to a safe environment. All those involved in a demonstration have a responsibility to ensure the event remains lawful, peaceful and safe.

“The OPP understands that members within our communities are deeply affected by this ongoing conflict. We have increased police patrols and presence in areas of cultural and religious significance and will maintain open lines of communication with community leaders.

Public safety remains our top priority. Acts of hate, violence or threats of violence will not be tolerated. Any incidents will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable.

Report any allegations of hate-motivated incidents and crime to the OPP or your local police. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. All other incidents in OPP jurisdiction can be reported by calling the non-emergency number, 1-888-310-1122.”