Multiple charges have been laid as a result of a traffic stop in Garden River First Nation. The Anishinabek Police Service said its officers stopped a vehicle on Highway 17B shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 as part of a proactive RIDE program. “After speaking with the driver, the officer formed reasonable suspicion the individual was intoxicated,” the Indigenous police service said in a news release Tuesday. “A standard field sobriety test was administered and the driver performed poorly.” Driver resists arrest Police said that after being advised he was being placed under arrest, the driver actively resisted being handcuffed, was non-compliant with verbal commands and tried to break free. “A physical struggle ensued, with the accused being taken to the ground by the officer,” police said. Police said the accused continued to resist arrest by attempting to stand up and the officer used hands-on force to gain compliance. “Once handcuffed, emergency medical personnel were asked to attend the scene as a precaution, however the suspect refused to be assessed,” police said. Multiple charges laid As a result, a 35-year-old man from Powassan has been charged with resisting a peace officer and refusing or failing to comply with a demand along with two impaired driving offences – including operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. In addition to the charges, the man was also served with a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle he was driving has been impounded for seven days. The accused has since been released on an undertaking with a court date on Nov. 30. 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.
