Northern Ont. senior charged with impaired driving after beach disturbance

An Ontario Provincial Police image illustrating impaired operation charges. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 76-year-old Elliot Lake man faces impaired driving charges after Ontario Provincial Police responded to a disturbance at Spine Beach last week.

July 18 at about 1:30 p.m., officers were called to the waterfront following reports of an intoxicated older man making inappropriate comments to lifeguards. Police located the suspect and took him into custody.

As a result of the incident, the man 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 charges, under provincial legislation, the motorist also received 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle used to get him to the beach was impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 11.

Police warn against impaired driving

In a news release over the weekend, OPP reiterated warnings about the dangers of impaired driving.

“OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive,” police said, adding that impaired driving should be reported to authorities.

“Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122,” said police.