Canada Day traffic complaint leads to impaired driving charges

Ontario Provincial Police impounded a vehicle on Highway 17 in the Town of Webbwood after a traffic complaint and subsequent stop revealed that a 36-year-old was allegedly driving impaired. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 36-year-old Elliot Lake man is facing impaired driving charges after Ontario Provincial Police responded to a traffic complaint on Canada Day.

At about 1 a.m. on July 1, OPP received a report of a vehicle swerving on Highway 17 in the Township of McKerrow.

“Police located the vehicle on Highway 17 in the Town of Webbwood and conducted a traffic stop,” OPP said in a news release.

Charges and penalties

Following an investigation, the motorist was charged with two impaired driving offences – including operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

In addition to the criminal charges, the driver received a 90-day licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on Aug. 5.

Police remind public to report impaired driving

In the news release, the OPP reiterated its warning against driving under the influence, saying “No amount of drugs or alcohol is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver, please call 911.”

“Your phone call could save someone’s life,” added police.