NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On Friday, May 31, 2019, members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check on the Hanlon Parkway near College Avenue in the City of Guelph.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., a passenger vehicle entered the RIDE checkpoint where the driver was spoken with. During the conversation, the vehicle departed the area southbound, crossing into the northbound lanes of the Hanlon Parkway. The motor vehicle was followed after failing to stop for police.
The driver eventually entered an industrial area near Laird Road in Guelph and was involved in a single vehicle collision. The driver fled on foot and was arrested shortly thereafter with the assistance of Guelph Police Service members and Canine Unit.
Through interaction with the driver, police formed the opinion that the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs. The individual was arrested and transported to Guelph Police Service for further testing.
Thirty-one-year-old Todd Francis McCowan of Mississauga has been charged with;
- Driving while impaired by drug, contrary to the Criminal Code.
- Failure or refuse to comply with demand, contrary to the Criminal Code.
- Flight from police, contrary to the Criminal Code.
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, contrary to the Criminal Code.
- Operate motor vehicle while prohibited, contrary to the Criminal Code. (6 counts)
- Fail to comply with probation order, contrary to the Criminal Code. (2 counts)
- Possession of a controlled substance-cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing on June 4, 2019, at the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph.
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