A Brampton man faces multiple charges following a motor vehicle crash in Shawanaga First Nation. On the afternoon of Oct. 4, police received multiple reports of a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner in Britt, Magnetawan First Nation and the Township of The Archipelago. “These reports were followed by a report of the same vehicle being involved in a motor vehicle collision with a second vehicle,” said Anishinabek Police Service in a news release. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., officers with the Indigenous police service located the suspect vehicle and its driver at a gas station in Shawanaga First Nation. “Given the nature of the reports of dangerous driving, a standard field sobriety test was conducted,” said police. Officers said the driver performed poorly and was placed under arrest for impaired operation. The driver subsequently underwent an evaluation by a drug recognition expert, who police said determined the driver was impaired by drugs. “A blood demand was made, and those results are pending,” said police Drugs and more seized A search of the vehicle incident to arrest was conducted and the following items were seized: Multiple charges laid As a result, the driver, a 58-year-old male from Brampton, was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, impaired driving, driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available and possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis. In addition to the charges, the man also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days. The driver has since been released on an undertaking. Police warn of impaired driving dangers Anishinabek police used the incident to remind motorists of the dangers of impaired driving. “Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time, and poor decisions made in a split second can have tragic consequences,” said police “If you decide to consume alcohol or drugs, plan ahead. Arrange for a designated driver, take public transit, call a ride-sharing service, or stay overnight.” Police also reminded the public that anyone who suspects someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs should call 911 immediately. Unsafe driving behaviours can also be reported to local police or anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “Miigwech to those individuals who recognized risky driving behaviours and took the time to safely contact police to report their observations,” added police about the incident.
