Garden River ATV driver charged with impaired

Anishinabek Police Service vehicle towing a police ATV is shown travelling on Highway 17 in June 2025. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

A Garden River First Nation man is facing charges after Anishinabek Police Service officers responded to a stranded ATV on the side of the highway.

Police said officers conducting a general patrol in Garden River First Nation came upon a stranded ATV partially on the road and partially off the road, on Highway 17B on June 30.

According to police, officers activated their emergency lights and exited their cruiser to check on the driver of the ATV, who they said appeared to be barefoot, injured and showing signs of impairment.

The driver subsequently failed a roadside test and was taken into custody for impaired driving.

Police said the man refused to comply with a breath demand and refused medical treatment.

As a result, the 20-year-old man was charged with impaired driving and failing or refusing to comply with a demand.

In addition to the charges, the ATV was impounded for seven days.

Police are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident to call police at 705-946-4196 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Off-road or not, impaired driving laws apply

Police used the incident to remind off-road vehicle operators that impaired driving laws apply.

“Operating an off-road vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries the same penalties as impaired driving in a motor vehicle,” said police in a news release.