OPP lay impaired driving, spousal assault charges after northern IPV call

An undated image of an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle. (File photo/CTV News)

A 54-year-old from Elliot Lake is facing nearly a dozen charges, including impaired driving and spousal assault, after Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of intimate partner violence in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township.

Police said the Manitoulin OPP Detachment received a report of a home domestic dispute at about 7 p.m. on March 1.

“Information received in the report indicated that the individual involved had left the scene in a vehicle,” OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

Arrested in Espanola

While responding to the address, officers located a stationary vehicle on Tudhope Street in Espanola that matched the description provided in the complaint.

“An investigation was initiated, and the driver was subsequently arrested for impaired operation,” police said.

The investigation resulted in a wide range of charges against the driver. The accused was charged with four counts of operation of a vehicle while prohibited, two counts of driving while under suspension and driving a motor vehicle with liquor readily available, along with two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

Additional charges include spousal assault and failing to comply with a release order.

“Due to the intimate partner nature of the incident, the name of the accused will not be released to protect the victim’s identity,” said OPP.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on March 23.

‘You are not alone’

Police are reminding the public that resources are available for those experiencing intimate partner violence.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence or domestic abuse, you are not alone,” said OPP.

In emergencies, police urge citizens to call 911 immediately. However, free and confidential support is available through Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services, which can be reached at 705-370-3378 for crisis support, emotional assistance, safety planning and referrals.

Additional resources for assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.