Police briefs: Two charged with trafficking in Renfrew, Downtown hate mischief, 1,472 impaired charges

RENFREW – Two people are facing numerous charges in Renfrew as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed arrests following a drug investigation.

“The OPP, Renfrew Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), arrested two individuals as a result of an ongoing investigation in relation to drug trafficking in the Renfrew and surrounding area,” OPP acting Sgt. Brianna Roberge released in a statement today (Jan. 5).

Sherra White, 48, was charged with the following offences:

•  Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine- two counts
•  Unauthorized Possession of Weapon – two counts
•  Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – in Canada – two counts
• Unlawfully at large
•  Fail to Comply with Probation Order
• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order 

The accused was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody.

Brian Wallace, 30, was charged with the following:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – in Canada

The accused is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on Feb. 7.

Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving crimes. If you have information that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 613-735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous, and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day. 

Charges laid in downtown hate mischief

DOWNTOWN – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Hate and Bias Crime Unit has charged an individual following a series of mischief to property incidents in the downtown area in December.

“In the evening hours of Dec. 22, the individual spray painted a series of antisemitic symbols and other hateful messages in multiple locations in the Downtown and Golden Triangle areas,” the OPS released in a statement today (Jan. 5).

A 34-year-old Ottawa man has been identified and charged with 18 counts of mischief to property. He is expected to appear in court today.

 “We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such incidents to report them to police,” the OPS said. “Reporting hate-motivated incidents is an important step in stopping cycles of hatred.”

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).

Festive RIDE campaign lays 1,472 impaired charges

ONTARIO – With the provincial Festive RIDE campaign now concluded, the OPP laid 1,472 impaired driving charges against drivers who chose to ring in the new year facing the loss of their driver’s licence, other penalties and a criminal record. 

“During the 47-day campaign, the OPP stopped 42,464 drivers during 11,421 RIDE initiatives, where officers made full use of their expertise and sophisticated tools to detect and investigate impairment in drivers,” OPP Highway Safety Division Sgt. Kerry Schmidt released in a statement today. “The OPP also issued 220 Warn Range Suspensions and 17 Zero Tolerance suspensions. The OPP thanks all road users and citizens who reported suspected impaired drivers to police and did their part to keep roads safe over the holidays.”

Drivers are reminded the OPP conducts RIDE events throughout the year, as part of their ongoing commitment to save lives on roads.  The OPP Festive RIDE Campaign ran from Nov. 16, 2023 to Jan. 2.