Cobden man charged after alleged road rage with intent to injure

By Bruce McIntyre

A serious case of road rage resulted in a Cobden man facing two criminal charges for his actions. 

Early last Thursday, Nov. 24, Richard Andre Deschambault, aged 52 years, the alleged instigator, was driving on Highway 17 in Whitewater Region, and according to the complainant, purposely attempted to force their vehicle off the highway by aggressively encroaching within a safe distance of the vehicle.  

The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon. Someone reported the incident to the Renfrew Ontario Police Detachment (OPP) and an officer was dispatched to investigate the complaint.  

At the completion of the investigation, the OPP concluded there was enough preliminary evidence to formally charge the male driver of the vehicle for his alleged previous actions which involved aggressive actions taken towards the other vehicle.  

As a result of the investigation, Richard Andre Deschambault, 52 years old, of Cobden, was charged with: 

  • Criminal harassment- threatening conduct,
  • Breach of recognizance

If found guilty of the charge of criminal harassment as defined under the Criminal Code, he could face up to 10 years in a federal penitentiary.  

The second charge of breach of recognizance carries a prison sentence up to and not in excess of four years. 

Charges have not been proven in court. 

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Jan. 4, 2023. 

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