Teen driver charged with impaired after Highway 11/17 traffic stop

An Ontario Provincial Police image illustrating impaired operation charges. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 19-year-old Thunder Bay man is facing multiple charges, including three impaired driving offences, following a traffic stop on Highway 11/17 last week.

Ontario Provincial Police conducted the stop at the Highway 527 intersection in Shuniah at about 6:27 p.m. on July 16.

Traffic stop reveals open alcohol

Police said the officer initially pulled over the vehicle for speeding.

“During the traffic stop, the officer observed open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle and noted signs of impairment displayed by the driver,” OPP said in a news release.

Multiple charges laid

As a result of the investigation, the motorist was charged with speeding and driving a motor vehicle with an unsealed container of liquor along with three impaired driving offences, including operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood and being a novice driver with a BAC above zero.

In addition to the charges, under provincial law, the man received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court in Thunder Bay on Sept. 2.

OPP stresses prevention

OPP used the incident to reiterate its commitment to removing impaired drivers from roads through both enforcement and public education.

“Impaired driving is illegal, preventable and the leading cause of death on Ontario roads,” provincial police said.

OPP also urged anyone who suspects a driver is impaired to call 911 immediately.