Two men charged following road rage incident

OPP News Release

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PEDLEY TOWNSHIP – On September 14, 2011 at approximately 8:00 a.m., North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an incident of road rage on Highway 17 west.

Caught in traffic in a construction zone, two motorists engaged in acts of road rage that led one driver suffering non-life threatening injuries. Both vehicles were travelling westbound on Highway 17 at approximately 8 a.m. At one point, one motorist became enraged and threw a rock that resulted in damage to the other vehicle. Both males engaged in a physical confrontation resulting in Brian BLAKE suffering non-life threatening injuries and requiring medical attention. He was transported to the West Nipissing General Hospital by ambulance.

As a result, Ben Cruzin BURDEN, 21 years old of Sturgeon Falls is scheduled to appear in North Bay Court on September 27, 2011 for the following charges:

 Assault with A Weapon as per s. 267(a) of the Criminal Code (CC);

 Assault Cause Bodily Harm as per s. 267(b) of the CC; and with

 Mischief Under $ 5,000 as per s. 430(4) of the CC.

He was also issued a Provincial Offence Notice for Careless Driving as per s. 130 of the Highway Traffic Act.

Brian BLAKE, 46 years old of Verner was held for a bail hearing on September 15, 2011 for:

 Assault Cause Bodily Harm as per s. 267(b) of the CC; and with

 Dangerous Operation - Motor Vehicle as per s. 249(1) (a) of the CC.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and police are seeking the public’s assistance. Should you have any information, please contact, Constable Trina Jeanneault of the North Bay OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Near North Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-TIPS (8477).

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