Manitoulin police make three impaired arrests in one day

Efforts to reduce impaired driving in the northeast seem to be working in some communities – provincial police say stats are still high.

Ontario Provincial Police’s Manitoulin detachment arrested three drivers for impaired operation in a single day earlier this month.

In a news release, the authorities stated, “The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving.”

First arrest

The first arrest occurred around 9 a.m. on April 13 after police responded to an intimate partner violence call in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. The suspect, a 41-year-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with spousal assault, assault with a weapon, and impaired driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 80. They are scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay on May 13.

Second set of charges

A few hours later, at about 1 p.m., officers arrested a 57-year-old woman from Bonfield following a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. She was charged with driving with an open container of liquor, failing to display two license plates, and two impaired driving offences – including operating a vehicle with a BAC over 80. Her court date is set for June 2 in Espanola.

Third incident

A third arrest took place around 4:30 p.m. after police stopped another suspected impaired driver on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. As a result, a 60-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie also faces two impaired driving charges – including operating a vehicle with a BAC over 80. He is also due in Espanola court on June 2.

‘Make the call’

The OPP urged the public to report suspected impaired drivers.

“If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to ‘make the call’ and dial 911,” OPP said.

“Your phone call could save someone’s life.”