Niagara police name drivers charged with impaired in deterrence push

Niagara Regional Police have named several drivers who recently caught impaired charges in an attempt deter others from driving under the influence.

The move was announced April 27 in a push to name and shame those who are alleged to have driven under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

All of the drivers listed below have been charged with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 or higher or refusing to provide a breath or blood sample.

However, NRPS did not release any information regarding the specifics of each arrest. They charged the drivers between April 18 and 24.

A first-time impaired driving offense ensures a driver catches and 90-day license suspension, a seven-day vehicle impoundment and a $550 penalty.

Additional charges earn these penalties and an education and treatment program, then a six-month period with an ignition interlock device. Drivers also have to pay to have their license reactivated following their suspension.

The following drivers have been charged with impaired driving offenses;

• Iftikhar Ahmed, 52 of Niagara Falls
• David G. Brady, 57 of St. Catharines
• Tyler J. Byrne, 35 of Welland
• Gail M. Earle, 60 of Welland
• Paul D. Holland, 60 of Welland
• Taralee J. Lawson, 63 of St. Catharines
• Brooke J. Little, 29 of Lockport, New York
• Myles J. McDonald, 42 of Niagara Falls
• Betsy R. Perez, 36 of Welland
• James K. Tennyson, 40 of Selkirk
• Dante G. Torretta, 23 of Welland

Niagara police say they are committed to reducing drunk driving incidents through R.I.D.E. programs and other initiatives. “Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and affects thousands of lives every year,” said NRPS.

Residents can contact the NRPS traffic hotline at 905-688-4111, ext. 5555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS to report suspected impaired drivers or anyone driving against a suspension.