Mississauga driver faces child abandonment charges after traffic stop on Ontario highway

A Mississauga driver faces child abandonment charges after a traffic stop on an Ontario highway.

A driver was stopped on Highway 11 north in Oro-Medonte Township at approximately 8 p.m. on July 8, the Ontario Provincial Police said. Oro-Medonte is northwest of Barrie.

Police, who were conducting traffic enforcement, allege the driver was speeding.

An officer found two young children in the vehicle who were not properly secured in approved child restraint systems, the OPP said.

A 27-year-old driver from Mississauga faces several charges, including impaired driving, two counts of abandoning a child and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Child abandonment charges can be laid against a person who “unlawfully abandons or exposes a child who is under the age of ten years, so that its life is or is likely to be endangered or its health is or is likely to be permanently injured,” according to the Canadian Criminal Code.

Police said the accused’s name will not be released to protect the children’s identities.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia in August.

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of criminal deaths on Canadian roadways. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that all passengers, especially children, are properly secured in approved child restraint systems and seatbelts before operating a motor vehicle.

If you suspect a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 911 immediately. When reporting a suspected impaired driver, provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle description, licence plate number and direction of travel.