Monday, May 25, 2009

Bike Patrol

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service would like to advise the public that bicycle patrol will commence today. Bicycle patrol officers will be out enforcing the city bylaws and highway traffic act along with educating the public on bicycle safety.

We also would like to remind drivers and cyclists to be extra cautious and diligent when travelling about on our roadways. Keep a watchful eye out for each other. A little extra caution can go along way to making our community safer. Here are a few safety tips that we should all keep in mind when operating a vehicle or a bicycle:

Cyclist/Motorist Safety

To the Cyclist
- Bicycles cannot be seen as clearly as a car, therefore, "visibility"
is the key. Wearing bright, reflective clothing is important so that
motorists can see you from a distance. Avoid riding at night.
-Ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible
- Keep yourself out of harm's way and anticipate movement of cars. Be
aware that the motorist may not see you.
- Bet sure to obey the rules of the road. (stop signs, obey traffic lights, travelling proper directions)
- Equipment is also key. The cost of bicycle safety is relatively
inexpensive. A front and rear light is great for visibility.
-If you are under the age of 18 years you are required by law to wear an approved helmet.
-Persons over the age of 10 years are prohibited from riding their bicycles on a sidewalk.
-Keep both hands on the handlebars.
-Riding two persons on a bicycle designed for one is prohibited.

To the Motorist:
- When passing a cyclist, and you plan on making a right turn ahead, be sure
to anticipate the upcoming cyclist at all intersections.
- Cyclists are faster moving than pedestrians. Be aware of their anticipated
path of travel.
- Drivers must be extra cautious in residential areas, where children
may be riding on sidewalks and crossing streets.

Male Arrested on Outstanding Warrant for Assault Incident:

34 year-old Jeremy Sampson of #110-277 Northern Avenue East was arrested on the 23rd of May at 12:58 pm at his residence on an outstanding warrant and charged with one count of assault and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that on the 19th of September the accused assaulted a 16 year-old male youth that was walking in the downtown area by punching him in the head resulting in the victim falling and striking his head on a curb. The victim received non-life threatening injuries as a result. The accused is to appear in court on the 22nd of June.

Domestic Related Arrest:

An 18 year-old male youth was arrested on the 22nd of May at 10:40 pm at a west end residence and charged with one count of assault, one count of breach of probation and one count of intoxicated in a public place. It is alleged that that accused got into a verbal argument with his girlfriend when walking in a west end area when he pushed her to the ground and punched her in the face. At the time of the incident, the accused was under the influence of alcohol and on probation to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

Male Arrested on Outstanding Drug Related Charges:

26 year-old Bryan Moxam of 40 Gladstone Avenue was arrested on the 23rd of May at 3:35 pm at the city police station on an outstanding warrant and charged with one count of fail to appear court from October on outstanding drug possession charges. He is to appear in court on the 22nd of June.

Police Investigate Robbery Incident:

On the 23rd of May 2009 around 6:53 am city police attended at Sault Area Hospitals in regards to a robbery complaint involving a 26 year-old male being robbed after being pepper sprayed. Information received from the victim is that he was walking at approximately 6:40 am in the area of the 800 block of Queen Street East when he was approached by a maroon coloured SUV, possibly a newer model Chevrolet, with tinted windows, when one of the male passengers opened the passenger door, pointed a large can at him and sprayed him in the head a face. The driver then got out of the vehicle and walked towards him. The victim immediately experienced a painful burning sensation to his eyes and face. The two males then went through the victim’s pockets and stole his keys, his bank card and some cash. The victim walked to the hospital and called police.

The males were described as both having shaved heads, thin builds, and in their early 20’s.

City police are asking that if anyone has any information regarding this robbery to please contact city police at 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-TIPS.

Property Crimes:

Break and enters:

1) A shed on Letcher Street was entered sometime between 11 am and 4 pm on the 23rd of May. The lock was pried off and a yellow Suzuki mini bike was stolen.
2) There was an attempt break and enter to a garage on Paladin Avenue on the 24th of May. No entry was gained but the door was damaged as result.

Mischief Reports:

1) A car parked on Wilding Avenue had the windshield smashed.
2) A garage door on Albert Street East was spray painted with red paint.
3) A trailer on Goulais Avenue was vandalized.

Thefts:

• Several vehciles in the Bayview Area were entered over the past weekend. Items included stolen were wallets, a tactical army vest and backpack, change, ownerships, insurance papers, a SIN card, face plates for car stereos, an X-Box, Nintendo DS and games and a cell phone.
• Two vehciles on Albert Street East and Hugill Street were entered. A driver’s licence, bank card and a digital camera were reported stolen.
• Golf clubs were reported stolen from a garage on Borden Avenue.
• A ladder was reported from Wilding Avenue.