Asleep behind the wheel, Sault woman charged with several offences

A 31-year-old woman has been charged after 911 operators in Sault Ste. Marie received a report July 17 of someone asleep behind the wheel in a Queen Street East parking lot. (File)

A 31-year-old woman has been charged after 911 operators in Sault Ste. Marie received a report July 17 of someone asleep behind the wheel in a Queen Street East parking lot.

The call came in around 2 p.m., police said in a news release July 21.

“Officers were dispatched to the scene, where they located the vehicle with the driver asleep inside,” the release said.

“Upon speaking with the driver, who was identified as the accused, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs. They were arrested.”

A search uncovered a small quantity of what is believed to be fentanyl, along with “other drug paraphernalia.”

A drug recognition expert determined she was impaired. Charges include impaired driving, dangerous driving, violating probation and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.