Impaired driving charges laid after Sault traffic stop

A stock photo showing a blurred view from the inside a car at night to simulate impaired driving. (File photo/iStock/Lucas Ninno)

A 39-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including operation while impaired, following a late-night traffic stop in Sault Ste. Marie last week.

Police said that officers patrolling the 700 block of Trunk Road observed a vehicle exiting a parking lot at a high rate of speed at about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

“Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle,” said the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service in a news release.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers formed the belief his ability to drive was impaired by alcohol and took them into custody.

The accused was transported to the Police Services Building on Second Line East for further testing. There, the individual provided multiple breath samples to a qualified technician, which police said all registered above the legal limit.

The accused now faces charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle and two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

In addition to the charges, under provincial law, the motorist also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The individual was released from custody on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 2.