Three local drivers charged with impaired driving over long weekend

PERTH COUNTY – The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged three local drivers with impaired driving over the Civic Holiday weekend.

The first incident was on Saturday, July 31. Just after 10 p.m., the Perth County OPP was alerted to a vehicle in the area of Road 124 in Perth East. Police say the occupant was sleeping inside their vehicle.

As a result of an investigation, the driver, 29-year-old Davin Pehlke of Howick Township, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The following day (Sunday, Aug. 1), just after noon, police were dispatched to a possible impaired driver in Listowel.

Police say they located the suspect vehicle and investigated. As a result of the investigation, the driver, 39-year-old Anthony Vezza of Listowel, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

The third incident investigated occurred on Monday, Aug. 2, just before 2 p.m. Police were dispatched to a possible impaired driver. Police say bystanders saw a vehicle leave the roadway and later leave the scene. Police located the suspect vehicle.

The driver, 35-year-old Abram Braun of Listowel, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.

All three accused are scheduled to appear in Stratford court at a later date to answer to the charges. A 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment were initiated as per statute to each of the accused.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call the police at 911 to report it immediately.