Prohibited driver charged with impaired while travelling northern Ont. highways

An Ontario Provincial Police officer speaks to a driver during a traffic stop in this undated police image. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)

A 37-year-old man from Serpent River First Nation has been charged after an incident on Highway 17 last week.

Police said that officers spotted a silver vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 17 in the Township of the North Shore at about 4 p.m. on March 24.

Ontario Provincial Police initiated a traffic stop on Highway 108.

“Upon speaking with the driver, officers determined that the individual was impaired by an intoxicating substance,” OPP said in a news release.

Police said that the driver was taken into custody and transported to the Blind River detachment for further testing. The vehicle was towed and impounded.

As a result of the investigation, the motorist was charged with operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited and impaired driving.

In addition to the charges, under provincial law, the man’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on May 7.

Public reminder against impaired driving

The police service used the incident to emphasize the dangers of impaired driving and to ask for the public’s help in keeping roads safe.

“OPP reminds motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive,” said police.

“Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police.”