Northern Ont. man found unconscious in SUV in driveway

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle in snowy weather. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 45-year-old man from Elliot Lake has been charged with impaired driving after Ontario Provincial Police found him passed out at the wheel.

OPP arrived at a residence on Washington Crescent at about 10 p.m. on Saturday following a report about a blue mid-size sport utility vehicle in a driveway with the driver unconscious.

Police spoke to the driver, who they said “exhibited signs of impairment.” He was taken into custody.

Vehicle was impounded

“The SUV was towed and impounded,” OPP said in a news release Sunday.

Following an investigation, the man was formally charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

Additionally, under provincial law, his driver’s licence was automatically suspended for 90 days and the SUV will remain impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.

The local man is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 12.

The police service used the incident to emphasize the dangers of impaired driving and to ask for the public’s help in keeping roads safe.

“OPP reminds motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive,” said police.

“Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police.”