A local man is facing several serious charges after a late-night traffic stop in Bonnechere Valley Township. On April 23, around 10:00 p.m., officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment stopped a vehicle on Highway 41.
During the stop, police discovered and seized a loaded firearm, ammunition, alcohol, and cannabis from the vehicle. The driver was brought to the detachment for testing.
Following the investigation, 40-year-old William O’Brien of Bonnechere Valley Township was charged under several laws, including the Criminal Code of Canada, the Cannabis Control Act, the Highway Traffic Act, and the Liquor Licence and Control Act.
The charges include impaired driving by alcohol and drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration over 80mg, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and careless storage of a firearm. He also faces charges for having cannabis in open baggage, an open liquor container in the vehicle, and driving without a valid licence.
As a result, O’Brien’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days. He was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on May 20.
The OPP reminds the public that impaired driving and illegal possession of firearms are serious offences that put the safety of everyone at risk.
(Written by: Emma Butler)