Driver asleep in Sault intersection charged with impaired, drug possession

Efforts to reduce impaired driving in the northeast seem to be working in some communities – provincial police say stats are still high.

A 54-year-old man faces multiple charges, including impaired driving and drug possession, after members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service responded to a report of a vehicle obstructing a city intersection early Monday morning.

The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 24, when 911 operators received a call about a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection at Copernicus Drive and Lorna Drive. The caller indicated the driver was reportedly asleep inside the vehicle, preventing snow removal operations in the area.

“Upon arrival, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs,” police said in a news release.

The man was arrested and transported to hospital to provide a blood sample for further analysis.

During a search of the accused and his vehicle, officers located approximately 13 grams of suspected cocaine, 2.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, a scale and a bullet.

Police said the estimated street value of the seized drugs is $1,675.

As a result, the 54-year-old impaired driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle and careless storage of ammunition in addition to two drug possession charges.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24.