OPP charge G1 driver with impaired, cocaine possession after Hwy. 69 crash

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle is shown driving down a snow covered highway in this undated image. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Ontario Provincial Police have laid numerous charges, including impaired driving, against a novice driver following an early-morning single-vehicle collision this week.

The incident occurred on Highway 69 in Archipelago Township shortly after midnight on Feb. 2.

“Officers attended and initiated an impaired driving investigation,” said OPP in a news release.

As a result of the investigation, a 28-year-old motorist from Birch Island is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, operation while impaired and driving while under a suspension.

The accused, who holds only a G1 licence, also faces additional charges relating to violations of novice driver conditions, including operating a vehicle unaccompanied by a qualified driver, driving on a prohibited highway and driving at a prohibited hour.

Officers further charged the individual with possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) and failing to comply with a probation order.

In addition to the charges, the motorist also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was towed and impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.

“Drive sober,” added OPP Const. Brandon Charlebois in a social media post detailing the incident.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in a Parry Sound courtroom on April 2.