OPP lay impaired, other charges near Thunder Bay

A blurred social media image of an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle used to simulate impairment. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A call from a concerned citizen checking on a distressed motorist has resulted in multiple criminal and traffic charges for a 27-year-old man from Red Lake, Ont.

The incident occurred on shortly before 11 p.m. on Nov. 7, when Ontario Provincial Police officers and paramedics responded to a call about a driver in distress along Highway 11-17, east of the Terry Fox Memorial, in the Municipality of Shuniah.

While assistance was provided to the motorist, police determined the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance.

“After a thorough vehicle search, the officer’s located cannabis, open alcohol and suspect cocaine,” OPP said in a news release.

The man was taken into custody and transported to an OPP detachment for further testing.

Cannabis readily available

As a result of the investigation, the accused has been charged with drug possession, failing to have an insurance card, driving with cannabis readily available, having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor and being a novice driver with the presence of drugs in their system in addition to the impaired driving charge.

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Thunder Bay on Jan. 7.

Call to report impaired drivers

The provincial police force emphasized its dedication to safety on the road.

“The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways,” said police.

“Members of the public are urged to report impaired driving by calling 911 in emergency situations,” added OPP.

“Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.”