(ESSEX COUNTY, ON)- Essex Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers continue their enforcement this Victoria Day long weekend as they participate in the province-wide campaign for Canada Road Safety Week and Safe Boating Week. You will continue to see extra patrols around the clock to keep the motoring public and waterways safe.
On Saturday May 17, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Essex County OPP Marine Unit was on patrol along the Detroit River in the Town of Lasalle observed an individual on a paddle board without a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The 28-year-old male from Windsor was charged under the Canada Shipping Act (CSA with:
· CSA 2001 – SVR 209(1)(a) Operating human-powered pleasure craft without personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board.
A life jacket or (PFD) is required on a stand-up paddleboard in Canada. While leashes are recommended for safety, they cannot be used as a replacement for a lifejacket or PFD. Like any activity in any environment, make sure you “know before you go” and that you match your adventure with your ability level and the conditions that day. Make sure that you have the right equipment to have fun safely.
On Sunday May 18, 2025, at approximately 1:23 a.m., a member from the Leamington Detachment was on patrol on Talbot Street West in the Municipality of Leamington when a vehicle that was running but parked caught the officer’s attention.
As a result of the investigation, Raul HERERA DEJESUS, 30 years of age from Leamington was arrested and charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was issued a 90-day drivers licence suspension and vehicle impounded for 7 days as per statute as well is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on June 3, 2025, to answer to the charges.
The OPP thanks all drivers and boater who contribute to safe highways and waterways over the busy long weekend.
Essex County OPP conducts traffic enforcement every day of the year and remains committed to saving lives on Ontario roads, waterways, and trails.
The OPP Victoria Day Long Weekend Campaign runs until May 19, 2025.
The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122 or by call *OPP on your mobile device. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.