Driver charged after fleeing crash, found unconscious in truck

A truck driver is shown sleeping on the vehicle's steering wheel in this stock photo. (File photo/iStockPhoto/Phoenixns)

A 47-year-old man is facing multiple driving-related charges, including impaired operation, after a series of incidents in Thunder Bay’s south end on Monday morning.

Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Kingsway Avenue shortly after 7 a.m. on Aug. 25 following a report of a motor vehicle collision.

“Responding officers found that a pickup truck had collided with two parked vehicles in the area before leaving prior to police arrival,” the Thunder Bay Police Service said in a news release.

Driver found unconscious at another location

Based on witness information that indicated the driver was possibly impaired, officers located the suspect vehicle a short time later in a parking lot in the 600 block of Arthur Street West.

“The driver was unconscious inside the running vehicle,” authorities said.

Police awoke the driver and reported observing signs of impairment. Officers also noted paraphernalia consistent with drug use was visible inside the vehicle.

The man was taken into custody and transported to the police station for further assessment.

Motorist refused to comply with demand, charged

“While at the police station, the male refused to provide a blood sample,” police said.

As a result, the motorist has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of failing to stop after an accident, operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, refusal to comply with a demand and impaired driving.

The accused was released from custody on an undertaking with a future court date.