OPP patrol Highway 17 after third report of debris

Vehicle rims, rocks and now water tanks are among the items found on and near Highway 17 in incidents between the Pembroke area and Renfrew under investigation by the OPP.

A hot-water tank and a water-softener tank were found on the shoulder near B Line Road in Laurentian Valley Township on Tuesday at about 9:30 p.m., Upper Ottawa Valley OPP said. The items were seized by police, who have a growing collection of debris. Several wheel rims were found on the highway near Sawmill Road in Laurentian Valley Township at about 3:20 a.m. Sunday.

In another incident, two vehicles were damaged at about 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 8, when three rocks, each slightly larger than a basketball, were found across the highway near Rox Siding Road in Whitewater Township. Because of the “danger posed to public safety by these incidents,” officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley and Renfrew detachments have launched a “focused patrol” as a deterrent and to catch whoever is responsible.

Upper Ottawa Valley OPP crimeunit investigators, a regional crime analyst and forensic officers are also on the case.

“Motorists are advised to be alert and watch for debris, especially in the early morning hours on Highway 17,” the OPP warn.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 613735-0188 or to contact Pembroke/ Renfrew County Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-8477 or online at valleytips.ca.