(HEARST, ON) – A driver stopped for speeding on Highway 11 west of Hearst is facing multiple charges, including impaired operation and drug possession, following an investigation by the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
On Friday, July 4, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the James Bay OPP stopped a vehicle travelling at 128 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone. Upon speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment and placed the individual under arrest. The driver was transported to the Hearst OPP detachment for further testing.
During a search incident to arrest, officers seized a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine, and an open container of alcohol.
As a result, Joshua D’ASTOUS, 22 years-of-age from Sainte Therese, QC, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – drugs
· Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
· Possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine
· Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor
· Drive motor vehicle – no licence
· Speeding 38 km/h over the posted limit
· Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on August 11, 2025, in Kapuskasing. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The OPP remains committed to road safety and encourages the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.