Northwestern Ont. resident facing multiple charges after morning traffic stop

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is seen on a northwestern Ontario highway in this undated photo image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A morning traffic stop in Kenora, Ont., has resulted in multiple charges, including impaired driving offences, against a local resident.

Ontario Provincial Police conducted the stop on Fifth Avenue South at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

Police said the incident began with a failure to yield.

“The driver failed to yield to traffic, nearly causing a collision, prompting (the) officer to initiate the stop,” OPP said in a news release.

Charges, immediate penalties

Following an investigation, the motorist, a 38-year-old man, was charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license and failing to yield to traffic on a through highway, along with two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

The accused’s driver’s licence was automatically suspended for 90 days and the vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days.

The individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 23.

OPP issue prevention reminders

Police used the incident to underscore the preventable nature of impaired driving.

“Plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, using public transportation, calling a taxi or rideshare service, or staying overnight if you have consumed alcohol or drugs,” OPP said.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and choosing not to drive impaired helps keep everyone in the community safe.”

The OPP also took the opportunity to remind drivers to check their license status regularly.

“Ensure your license is valid and renew it promptly if it has expired,” said police.

Driving with an invalid or expired license can lead to charges and may affect insurance coverage and driving privileges, OPP added.