OPP charge driver who left crash, then returned to drive away from ditch

Ontario Provincial Police towed and impounded a vehicle following a crash on Hillcrest Road in East Ferris. Officers located the vehicle off in a ditch without the driver, then a short time later police said the motorist returned and attemped to drive away while officers were still investigating. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 29-year-old northern Ontario man is facing impaired driving charges after police say he returned to the scene of a crash he had just walked away from.

The incident unfolded Feb. 13 on Hillcrest Road in the Municipality of East Ferris after Ontario Provincial Police received a report of a vehicle in a ditch at about 3:20 p.m.

“When officers arrived, the vehicle was located; however, the driver was not present,” OPP said in a news release.

“A short time later, while officers were still investigating, the vehicle was pulled out and was seen travelling westbound on Hillcrest Road, away from the scene.”

Police conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. OPP said that officers determined that alcohol was a factor, and the driver was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result, the motorist, a local man, was charged with two impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

The man also received a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on March 17.

Public reminder against impaired driving

OPP used the incident to reiterate that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“The OPP encourages everyone to make responsible choices behind the wheel and to report dangerous driving behaviours whenever they are observed,” said police.