Three Timmins residents were charged with impaired driving offences throughout the month of March.

On March 3, at approximately 5:00 p.m., police observed a vehicle in the area of Mountjoy St. & Windsor Ave. Police initiated a traffic stop after the driver failed to yield to an approaching police vehicle. Upon speaking to the driver, police noted signs of impairment. Following an investigation, Roger DAGENAIS, 58, of Timmins was charged with impaired driving, driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, along with failing to yield to traffic on through highway and failing to surrender permit pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act. He was also charged with operating a motor vehicle without insurance pursuant to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.

On March 10, at approximately 5:00 p.m., police received a report of a possible impaired driver in the area of Moore St. in Timmins. Police located the vehicle in question, and upon speaking to the driver, noted signs of impairment. Following their investigation, police charged James MONGRAIN, 40, of Timmins with impaired driving and driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

On March 28, at approximately 2:00 a.m., police received a report of a possible impaired driver in the area of Algonquin Blvd. and Mountjoy St. Police located the driver and noted signs of impairment. Following an investigation, Gary LEGAULT, 65, of Timmins was charged with impaired driving, and driving with more than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

TPS officers conducted a RIDE snowmobile initiative on March 7, 2015. A total of 34 snowmobiles were stopped, with one 72 hour warning issued for failing to display an OFSC trail permit.

Officers also conducted a snowmobile patrol on March 8, 2015, with 23 snowmobiles stopped. This program resulted in one driver being issued a ticket for failing to display an OFSC trail permit. During this snowmobile patrol, police received a report of a snowmobiler who had broken through the ice on the Mattagami River, however the driver managed to extract himself before police arrived on scene.

On March 8, 2015, Timmins Police officers conducted a RIDE program, with 280 vehicles and 40 snowmobiles checked. Two roadside breath tests were administered to drivers who registered a ‘pass’. One provincial summons was issued to a driver for failing to drive with an interlock device.

Following the snowmobile patrols, police would like to remind all snowmobilers that there are areas on the Mattagami River where ice remains thin, even during colder weather. With warmer temperatures approaching, ice will begin to weaken rapidly. Snowmobilers are advised to keep this in mind and use caution on or around waterways.

Comparing the last few months:

  • March 2015: 3
  • February 2015: 4
  • January 2015: 1

March-December 2014: 41

  • December 2014: 5
  • November 2014: 3
  • October 2014: 1
  • September 2014: 7
  • August 2014: 3
  • July 2014: 3
  • June 2014: 6
  • May 2014: 7
  • April 2014: 3
  • March 2014: 3