Hwy. 17 traffic complaint leads to impaired driving charges

Ontario Provincial Police impounded a vehicle Espanola, Ont., after a traffic complaint and subsequent stop revealed that a 39-year-old was allegedly driving impaired. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 39-year-old Sudbury man is facing impaired driving charges after Ontario Provincial Police responded to a traffic complaint on Friday evening.

At about 5 p.m. on July 25, OPP received a report of “a vehicle that was swerving in and out of its lane and into oncoming traffic” on Highway 17 in Baldwin Township.

“Police located the vehicle on Centre Street in Espanola 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 Sept. 22.

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.