Niagara Regional Police Service say a driver was arrested for impaired operation of a vehicle after crashing into a house in Pelham.
Police report that on November 20, 2023, at 1:27 am, emergency service personnel responded to a residence on Welland Road near Haist Street following reports that a grey 2006 Ford F150 pickup truck had struck the house. The Ford was occupied solely by the driver. The residence housed a family of six people. Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics and Pelham Fire Services attended the scene. All parties were assessed by paramedics, and none of the residents of the home were physically injured.
Officers arrived on the scene and found the driver attempting to flee on foot through the hole created by the Ford. In speaking with the driver, officers formed grounds to believe he was impaired by alcohol. Empty liquor bottles were found inside the Ford. The driver was arrested by attending officers and subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment of what is believed to be minor injuries.
Timothy John Climenhaga (48 yrs.) of Wainfleet has been arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Impaired Operation of a Conveyance – Sec. 320.14(1)(a) CC
- Impaired Operation of a Conveyance – Exceed BAC – Sec. 320.14(1)(b) CC
- Drive While Under Suspension – Sec. 53 HTA
After being medically cleared, Climenhaga was transported to the NRPS Prisoner Management Unit in Niagara Falls. Climenhaga was held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on November 20, 2023.
Climenhaga has also been issued an Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS). The ADLS is issued to everyone charged with similar driving offences. The ADLS prohibits him from operating a motor vehicle for 90 days from the date it was issued.
The damage to the home is believed to be major (estimate not available). Out of an abundance of safety, the Ford could not be immediately removed from the home until the structural integrity of the house could be assessed. Engineers have attended the scene, and the Ford has been able to be removed. The house has been deemed unsafe at this time. The Ford received moderate damage and has been seized as part of the investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1023300, referencing incident 23-129617.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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