Sault police say drugged driver was asleep at the wheel with the motor running

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service headquarters. (File)

A 44-year-old suspect has been charged after police in Sault Ste. Marie spotted a vehicle running in a parking lot Thursday night.

"Around 10:30 p.m., officers patrolling Bay Street saw a running vehicle in a parking lot with its driver side door open and the driver asleep at the wheel inside," police said in a news release Friday.

"Officers woke the driver, who identified themselves as the accused. Upon speaking with the driver, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs."

The driver failed a sobriety test, was arrested and taken to hospital for a blood test.

A search of the vehicle uncovered drugs believed to be half a gram of fentanyl and 0.7 grams of cocaine.

Charges include impaired driving and drug possession.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 16.