(ATIKOKAN ON,) Members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual following a traffic complaint.
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m. the Provincial Communications Centre received a phone call from a concerned citizen who reported a possible impaired driver as they had observed concerning driving behaviour. Police began patrolling the Town of Atikokan looking for the motor vehicle
At approximately 3:00 a.m. police located a vehicle parked at the corner of MacKenzie Avenue and Mercury Avenue in the Town of Atikokan matching the description. Police found the driver to be sleeping in the driver’s seat.
While speaking with the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of intoxication and conducted an impaired driving investigation.
As a result of the investigation, JOHN MANFORD a 18-year-old male from Atikokan Ontario was charged with:
- Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.
The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Atikokan on the 27th of March, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately. If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122 or www.opp.ca/reportacrime. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/273. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.