Thursday, April 13, 2006

City Police Begin Spring Blitz Campaign

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would to remind the public to buckle up and slow down on our city streets. For at least the next month City Police will be out for the Spring Blitz campaign. Officers will be checking for the use of seatbelts. In addition, speeders will also be targeted.

The fine for failing to wear your complete seatbelt assembly is $85. Fines for speeding can range from $18 to a court appearance and could also cost you some demerit points on your drivers licence.

Chief Davies advises, “The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is dedicated to keeping our citizens safe while on our streets. In the spring, we often see an increase in the number of speeders due to the good road conditions. The spring blitz is a reminder to the public to slow down and to buckle up.”


City Police Offer Safety Tips For Long Weekend

Once again a long weekend is upon us. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind the public of the following safety tips to help make for a safe and enjoyable Easter Weekend for everyone.

If you are going away this weekend:

1. Make sure all your doors and windows are locked.

2. Ensure your trusted neighbour knows you are away and
ask them to report any suspicious activity.

3. Leave lights on using timers.

4. Consider shutting off your water main to avoid an
unexpected flooding problem.

If you are staying in town:

1. Keep an extra eye out for children on the streets.
Children are out and about on their bikes and now that
the weather is nicer they may become carefree and
forget to pay attention.

Two & Three Wheeled Vehicles In Ontario

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has received a number of calls regarding motorized wheelchairs and scooters, go-peds and pocket bikes.

As a consumer before you purchase one of them, you should ask the business that is selling them if they are legal to use on the streets and sidewalks. In Ontario, go-peds and pocket bikes can only be used on private property. So, if you don’t have a large area of private property that you can use your go-ped or pocket bike on, you may want to reconsider purchasing one of them.

Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are treated the same way as pedestrians. A sidewalk should be the first choice for someone using this means of mobility. However if there are no sidewalks the persons using this means of mobility should travel like pedestrians, along the left shoulder of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.

For more information on these and other forms of transportation, refer to the Ministry of Transportation site at www.mto.gov.on.ca


Suspect Flees From Police

23-year old Adam Reed of 331 Nixon Road was arrested yesterday afternoon after City Police attended in the area of Pelican Drive for a call regarding a suspicious person in the back yards in that area. Officers located the accused at an address on Pelican Drive and a query revealed that his surety had been revoked and that there was a committal warrant for Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed was familiar with the homeowners and the residence on Pelican Drive. When officers were allowing to accused to place his shoes back on at the residence it is alleged that the accused took that opportunity to flee from the officers. After a short foot pursuit the accused was apprehended but refused to comply with the officers requests for the accused to put hands behind his back. He was eventually handcuffed and transported to the station. In addition to the surety revoke the accused was also charged with one count of escape lawful custody, one count of resist arrest, one count of breach of a release order and one count of breach of probation.

Assault With A Weapon

A 28-year old male was arrested yesterday morning and charged with one count of theft under $5,000, one count of assault with a weapon and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. City Police attended at a downtown residence for a domestic dispute. It is alleged that the accused attended at his ex-girlfriend’s residence and assaulted her by putting a knife to her throat. It is alleged that the accused then pushed the victim away and left the residence taking a laptop with him. The accused was located a short time later and when officers searched the accused they located a flick knife. The victim did not require any medical treatment.

Woman Kicks Child Over Petting Her Dog

Yesterday afternoon City Police arrested 44-year old Darlene Howard of A-565 Shannon Road and charged her with one count of assault. It is alleged that she kicked a young child in the nose when the child bent down to pet the accused dog. The incident occurred in the City’s east end.

Assault Charges

A 19-year old person was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of breach of probation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). It is alleged that on the 11th of April the accused assaulted a male with a baseball bat by striking the male victim in the leg. The victim attended Sault Area Hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The accused will appear in court on May 15th.

A 35-year old male was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of assault. It is alleged that the male and his common law wife got into a verbal argument at their east end home that escalated. It is alleged that the accused pushed the victim. The accused has been charged with one count of assault and will appear in court on May 29th.