(MIDDLESEX, ON) – On April 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. a member of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on routine patrol in the eastbound lanes of HWY 401, located in the Municipality of Thames Centre when they observed a vehicle traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then proceeded to pass the marked police cruiser at speeds in excess of 160 km/h. The vehicle continued eastbound, where a traffic stop was initiated by police. At the scene the officer determined that driver had been drinking, a roadside screening test was conducted and the driver was placed under arrest. The accused was transported to the London OPP detachment for further tests.
As a result of an investigation police have charged Taylor BROOKS -age 27- of Melancthon, ON. with:
CC 320.14(1)(b) Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
HTA 172(1) Race a motor vehicle – Excessive Speed
The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in a London court room on July 13, 2020 to speak to the charges and the motor vehicle has been impounded for 7 days.
The OPP wants to remind the public that crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs are a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Every day, on average, up to 4 Canadians are killed and many more are injured in alcohol and/or drug-related motor vehicle crashes on public roads and the OPP will continue to target impaired and aggressive drivers who put our roadways and communities at risk.
Citizens are encouraged to contact police immediately, if they witness or suspect an impaired driver. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere within the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. Should 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.