PEEL COP FACES DRUNK DRIVING, DRUG CHARGES

Just a month after Peel Regional Police cleaned up Malton by laying a heap
of drug and alcohol charges, an officer that works the area has been
charged with drunk driving and possessing marijuana.

Constable Jayson Bouwkamp, 27, was arrested off-duty early Sunday morning
in Halton Hills after a car crashed into a guardrail on Regional Rd. 25
just north of Highway 401.

Halton Police Staff Sergeant Walt Bucci said damage to the Pontiac Aztec
was extensive, but the driver, who was alone, was not injured.

Bucci added the driver refused to provide a breath sample after passersby
alerted police to the single-vehicle crash just before 4 a.m.

"In order for officers to demand a breath sample, there has to be the
suspicion of impaired driving or careless operation of a motor vehicle,"
said Bucci.

The 21 Division officer, who has been with Peel Regional Police since July
1999, was released on a promise to appear in Milton court on Nov. 14.

Bouwkamp is charged with impaired driving, possession of a controlled
substance under 30 grams, and refusing to provide a breath sample.

It is not known whether the accused was involved in 'Project Street Sweep'
on Sept. 13, which involved 34 officers from 21 Division, 12 Division, The
Peel Police Tactical Unit and Street Crime Unit.

The 8-hour blitz resulted in 38 arrests in the Malton area with 173 charges
laid relating to drugs, alcohol and careless driving. Peel Police Constable
Heather Andrews said the goal of the sweep was to reduce lawless behaviour,
enhance the quality of life for business owners, patrons, and residents,
and to reduce the demand for police response.

Bouwkamp has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the case.