2 trucks in ditches lead to 4 impaired driving charges in East Algoma

An Ontario Provincial Police image illustrating impaired operation charges. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Ontario Provincial Police in East Algoma charged a 43-year-old woman with impaired driving after officers discovered her vehicle in a ditch on Highway 17.

The incident occurred on Monday at about 6:45 p.m., when officers on patrol noticed a white pickup truck in the southbound ditch near Frammpet Drive in Blind River. Police determined the driver had consumed alcohol and transported her to the Blind River detachment for further testing.

As a result, the Iron Bridge resident was charged with two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

Per provincial law, in addition to the charges she was issued a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on Sept. 2 to answer the charges.

Second truck in a ditch

Later that evening, on Aug. 11 around 8:30 p.m., the East Algoma OPP detachment responded to another incident involving a pickup truck in a ditch, this time on Highway 129 near Feltham Road in Huron Shores, north of Thessalon.

Police determined the driver had been drinking and took him to the Blind River detachment for testing.

As a result, a 42-year-old Sault man was also charged with two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

Just as in the first incident, the accused received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days. His court date is set for September 4 in Elliot Lake.

Authorities urges public to report impaired drivers

In news releases related to the incidents, OPP reiterated the call for the public to report suspected impaired drivers.

“OPP continues to encourage the public to report motorists suspected of driving impaired by calling 911 or contacting the OPP at 1-888-310-1122,” police said.