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Driving U-Haul erratically leads to multiple charges: police

2017-12- 08 Timmins Police Cruiser MH
Timmins Police cruiser. Maija Hoggett/TimminsToday

NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police Service has charged two local persons with a number of Criminal Code and drug-related offences stemming from an incident that occurred during the evening hours of Wednesday, Jan. 19 in the central part of the city of Timmins.

While completing crime abatement patrols, a Timmins Police Service officer noted that a U-Haul vehicle was being driven in an erratic manner on Wilcox Street.

The driver was observed proceeding through the intersection at Wilcox Street and Wilson Avenue without coming to a complete stop as legally required.

The Timmins Police initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle. The male driver and female passenger stopped the vehicle in an alleyway off of Pine South and fled from the police on foot.

The male driver was located by the Timmins Police hiding behind a snowbank.

The driver physically resisted being placed under arrest but was eventually taken into custody.

Upon arrest, a search of the arrested person resulted in the seizure of quantities of controlled substances and ammunition.

Based on observations made by the arresting officer, the driver was required to complete Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) testing procedures at the police station.

Further investigation revealed that the driver was prohibited from driving anywhere in Canada as well as being currently under suspension in the province of Ontario

The passenger was also located and arrested without incident by the Timmins Police Service.

Upon arrest, a search of the arrested person resulted in the seizure of a quantity of a controlled substance.

Additionally, a crossbow and arrows were located as being readily accessible within the cab of the vehicle and seized as evidence.

As a result of the incident, Justin Bertrand, 31, and Selena Poupart, both of Timmins, have been charged with: 

  • Possession of a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act 
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

Bertrand is further charged with 

  • Two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act 
  • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act 
  • Impaired operation of a motor vehicle contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada 
  • Drive while prohibited contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada 
  • Resist police officer contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada 
  • Drive under suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act 
  • Disobey stop sign contrary to the Highway Traffic Act 
  • Fail to stop for police contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

Bertrand remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing slated for today at the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins, to answer to the charges laid against him.

Poupart was released from police custody on the strength of an Undertaking compelling her to attend at the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins on Feb. 16, to answer to the charges laid against her.

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