Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Provide Increased Patrols on Kawehno:ke During Continued CCPS Toll Runner Investigation– “The CCPS and the AMPS are committed to making their cities safer for all people to enjoy, and the safety of community members is of the utmost importance.”

Akwesasne Mohawk Territory- March 28, 2017, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne released a community notice informing the public of ongoing safety concerns regarding the Kawehno:ke corridor, which links the territory to the Canadian Border.  MCA has learned of several instances where individuals have driven through the wrong lane at the Seaway International Bridge Toll Plaza in to oncoming traffic, putting the safety of community members, toll workers, pedestrians, and the general public at risk.  This corridor linking Kawehno:ke to the City of Cornwall can be congested at any given time of the day or week, causing traffic jams  and frustrations to the everyday commuter.

The MCA, working in conjunction with the Cornwall Community Police Service, have identified these acts as deliberate, and were done without consideration for the safety of others.  Both Police agencies encourage anyone who’s witnessed any of these acts to report them.

ATV Staff has spoken with the Acting Chief of Police Lee-Ann O’Brien, and she has stated that, “the toll booth is not our jurisdiction, but we have increased monitoring in the area, and have increased our patrols more than usual.  The Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) is in charge of this investigation, we are only assisting them.”  The AMPS are encouraging people to call them with any information, or their Crime Stoppers Line.

Akwesasne TV has been in contact with the CCPS Staff Sergeant Kurt Fraser, and he states that, “There is always a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to the safety of the public and anyone found driving aggressively and/or driving dangerously will be charged accordingly regardless of where it might be in our city.”  CCPS is also encouraging the public to reach out with any information they may have in regards to aggressive driving behaviours at the Kawehno:ke/Cornwall port of entry corridor.  AMPS and CCPS would like the public to please respect the 50km/35mph speed limit while driving along this corridor, and to report any incidents that may put public safety at risk. 

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) as well as the Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) would like to further encourage community members to reach out with any information at the following numbers:

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service: (613)575-2000

Crime Stoppers: (613)575-2255

Cornwall Community Police Service: (613)933-5000 Ext. 2404 to leave an anonymous tip, or Ext. 2418 for central dispatch.

The CCPS and the AMPS are committed to making their cities safer for all people to enjoy, and the safety of community members is of the utmost importance.  Increased monitoring and patrols will continue while these investigations are ongoing.

By: Ohseraseia:hawi