NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Two drivers were arrested within half an hour of each other in Perth County for impaired driving investigations early Saturday morning.
Just after 2:00 a.m. on June 8, 2024, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a driver on Perth Line 55, in the Township of Perth East. The driver was displaying signs of impairment and was arrested at the scene.
Marty Searle, 33, of Welland, has been charged with:
- Operation while Impaired - Alcohol and Drugs
- Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
Approximately a half an hour later, just after 2:30 a.m. on June 8, 2024, a second vehicle was stopped and the driver arrested on Wellington Street, in Mitchell, Municipality of West Perth. During the investigation, a quantity of suspected cocaine was located.
Gibson Merkel, 22, of Stratford, has been charged with:
- Operation while Impaired - Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation while Impaired - Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Cocaine
The Perth County OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver, you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately. Anyone with information about this, or any investigation, is asked to contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone.
Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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