Tag: Impaired Driving

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Little Current OPP Police Press Releases

Kem DEBASSIGE Was Arrested

(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – One person is facing charges as a result of a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check in Little Current.

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Meredith Street East, in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and an investigation was initiated when officers observed signs that the driver may be under the influence of an intoxicating substance. A Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was completed with the driver, and as a result and arrest was made.

The driver, Kem DEBASSIGE, 54-years-old from Sudbury, was charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 6, 2025.

The OPP has highly trained Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie

Josh PAYEUR Was Arrested – Details Released

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) – An individual is facing an impaired driving charge after a traffic stop in Sault Ste. Marie.

On March 23, 2025 at approximately 3:57 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police was conducting general patrol on Great Northern Road, when their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system alerted them to a vehicle that was registered to a suspended driver.

While following the vehicle, the officer observed it make multiple lane changes and accelerate quickly from an intersection. A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation determined the driver was impaired by an intoxicating substance.

As a result, Josh PAYEUR, 24 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Drive vehicle with Cannabis readily available
  • Fail to surrender licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 14, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Fort Frances OPP Police Press Releases

Walter MAINVILLE Was Arrested

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A motorist stopped for a moving violation was arrested for impaired driving.

On March 28, 2025, at approximately 9:00 pm, an officer with the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle in the Scott Street area of town for disobeying a stop sign. The officer detected that the driver had been drinking and demanded an approved screening device test. The driver failed the test and was arrested at the scene for further investigation.  

Walter MAINVILLE, 43-years-old from Fort Frances is charged criminally with one count of impaired operation drug and alcohol, and one count of failure or refusal to comply with a demand. The accused was also charged with provincial offences for disobeying a sign, turn not in safety and failing to notify change of address. The accused’s driver licence was suspended for 90 days, and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released by police and has a first appearance in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on May 5, 2025, to speak to the charges.   

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Laclie Street in the City of Orillia. Further investigation led to impaired driving related offences.

On March 29, 2025, at approximately 11:17 a.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Laclie Street, in the City of Orillia. After arriving on scene officers were led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges after administering a breath sample that registered more than five (5) times the legal limit.  

As a result, Lauren KNEZACEK; 26-year-old, from Springwater, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus
  • Dangerous Operation

Furthermore, at approximately 1:49 p.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were dispatched to another unrelated motor vehicle collision on New Brailey Line, in the Township of Severn. After arriving on scene officers were again led into an impaired driving investigation where one individual was charged with impaired related charges. 

As a result, Brian MEDEIROS; 26-year-old, from Wasaga Beach, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Police Press Releases Springwater

Joshua FARIA – Impaired Driving

(SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual with impaired driving related charges because of a traffic tip.

On March 14, 2025, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Huronia West OPP officers responded to a traffic tip of a possible impaired driver on Main Street in the Town of Wasaga Beach.

Officers located the vehicle northbound on Crossland Road at Lawson Road and conducted a traffic stop. After speaking with the driver, officers noticed an odour of alcohol on the individual’s breath and conducted an impaired driving investigation. As a result of the investigation, Joshua FARIA, 40-year-old of Tiny Township was arrested and has been charged with the following:

·      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

·      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

The accused is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Drivers and members of the public are reminded to respect our communities, comply with all laws, and not jeopardize the safety of our citizens or our neighborhoods with risky, illegal, and dangerous actions.

The OPP and Traffic Safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads. For safety and crime prevention tips, please visit our website at www.opp.ca.

The Huronia West OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Townships of Springwater and Clearview. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

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Chatsworth OPP Police Press Releases

John Logan Was Arrested

(CHATSWORTH, ON) – One individual is facing charges after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that crashed on Highway 10 in Chatsworth Township.

On March 26, 2025, at approximately 4:31 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a CMV that crashed into a hydro pole on Highway 10. Officers attended and the officer determined that the driver was showing signs of impairment. The driver was brough to the Chatsworth OPP Detachment for an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

John Logan, 41-years-old from West Grey was charged with the following:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The accused party is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on April 17, 2025.

There were no injuries reported from the crash. Highway 10 was closed for a couple of hours but has since reopened.

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

Whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired, and impaired driving is dangerous regardless of the source of impairment.

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Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Krystal DAY Was Arrested

(MIDLAND, ON) –  A call to the OPP Communications Centre caused officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to enter an impaired driving investigation at a Yonge Street Midland address at approximately 10:54 a.m. March 21, 2025.

Upon the arrival of officers, the suspect vehicle was stopped in a parking lot at the address and upon speaking with the driver, the officer entered into an impaired by drug investigation. The accused was transported to Detachment and with the assistance of a OPP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer, the investigation was concluded.

As a result, 41 year old Krystal DAY of Midland has been charged criminally with the following offences.

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Dangerous operation

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on the April 3, 2025, and was also served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved vehicle was towed and subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

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Espanola OPP Police Press Releases

4 Arrested On Hwy 17

(ESPANOLA, ON) – Police have seized suspected drugs and arrested four people at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check.

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE check on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. A vehicle came through the RIDE, and officers detected an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the four occupants being arrested.

Additionally, police seized an amount of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $11,700, an amount of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $3,700, and an amount of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $15.

As a result, the driver, Cody SHAWBONQUIT, 33-years-old from Atikameksheng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Driving while under suspension

The passenger, Summer BENNETT-PELTIER, 28-years-old from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Permit unlicenced person to drive motor vehicle

The second passenger, Clement SINOBERT, 39-years-old from Elliot Lake was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

The third passenger, Mercedes TOULOSE, 31-years-old from Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation, was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

The driver appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Sudbury on March 18, 2025 and was remanded into custody. The three passengers are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on April 7, 2025.

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OPP Peterborough Police Press Releases

More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(PETERBOROUGH COUNTY, ON) – Officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals with impaired driving within a 24-hour period during two separate R.I.D.E. programs.

On March 15, 2025, shortly after 12:00am, Peterborough County OPP Officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. program at an off ramp from Highway 115. A vehicle entered into the R.I.D.E. program where an officer spoke with the driver. The officer requested the driver submit to a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) and an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand was read. The driver complied with the demand and provided a sample of their breath resulting in a reading of ‘FAIL’ at which point the driver was arrested.

Jeffrey SHIELDS, a 49-year-old from Peterborough, ON., was arrested and charged with;

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused had their drivers licence suspended for 90-days, and their vehicle impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on April 15, 2025

On March 16, 2025, at approximately 12:00am, Peterborough County OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. program in the Township of Asphodel-Norwood. A vehicle entered into the R.I.D.E. program where an officer spoke with the driver. The officer requested the driver submit to a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) and an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand was read. The driver complied with the demand and provided a sample of their breath resulting in a reading of ‘FAIL’ at which point the driver was arrested. During a search of the vehicle incident to arrest, an open container of alcohol was located.

Justin SOULE, age 43 from Brighton, ON., was arrested and charged with;

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·      Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available

·      Operate motor vehicle without insurance

The accused had their driver’s licence further suspended, and their vehicle impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on April 15, 2025

The Peterborough County OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Guelph OPP Police Press Releases

Valentine KITOKO Was Arrested

(CITY OF GUELPH, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charges a Guelph resident with numerous offences after a traffic stop.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP Traffic Management Unit were performing a traffic enforcement initiative when they stopped a motor vehicle on Woodlawn Road West within the City of Guelph.

As a result of the investigation, Valentine KITOKO, a 28-year-old resident of Guelph is charged with:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with breath demand
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
  • Driver fail to surrender licence
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Driver fail to properly wear seatbelt

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a 14-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice- Guelph on April 15, 2025.

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. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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Area OPP Minto OPP Police Press Releases

Carrie Whetham Was Arrested

(TOWN OF MINTO, ON) – On March 17, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single motor vehicle into a ditch at the intersection of Creek Road at Wellington Road 2, in Clifford.

As a result of the investigation, Carrie Whetham, 62-years-old of Clifford, was charged with:

– Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to the Criminal Code

– Operation While Impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) contrary to the Criminal Code

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph, on March 28, 2025.

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.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

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Caledon OPP Police Press Releases

Michael RICCI – Impaired Operation

(CALEDON, ON) – Members of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver with impaired operation by drugs following a single motor vehicle collision.

On March 13, 2025, just before 3:00 p.m., officers responded to a vehicle into the ditch on Old School Road, near Winston Churchill Boulevard, in the Town of Caledon. During the interaction, the officer formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs and was subsequently arrested. 

As a result of the investigation, Michael RICCI, 42, of Brampton, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – drugs

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on April 7, 2025, to answer to the charges. The driver’s licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

Whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired, and impaired driving is dangerous regardless of the source of impairment. The OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from impaired drivers. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

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Lennox & Addington OPP Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(LENNOX AND ADDINGTON COUNTY, ON) – Lennox and Addington County members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three people with impaired driving over the last three days.

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, shortly after 1:00 a.m., L&A County OPP members observed a vehicle swerving on Highway 401 eastbound near Palace Road. Police stopped the vehicle and the driver was arrested.

Shahid IQBAL, a 43-year-old from Toronto was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – over 80 mgs of alcohol

On Monday, March 17, 2025, just after 7:00 p.m., L&A County OPP was called after a vehicle left the road and struck a hydro pole on Bridge Street in Greater Napanee. The lone occupant of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Following an investigation, Victor ABRAMS, an 82-year-old from Napanee was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – over 80 mgs of alcohol

Also on Monday, March 17, 2025, just after 10:00 p.m., police received a report of a suspicious vehicle stopped near the intersection of County Road 7 and County Road 41 in Addington Highlands Township. Police attended to investigate and the driver was arrested.

Pamela BENNETT, a 73-year-old from Belleville was charged with operation while impaired – drug.

All the accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on April 8, 2025. Their driver’s licences were suspended for 90 days, and their vehicles were impounded.

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Bracebridge OPP Police Press Releases

6 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged six drivers with impaired driving related offences during the first half of March.

On Friday March 7, 2025, just before 3:00 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a collision that occurred on Germania Road near Gilbert Lane after the involved vehicle left the roadway and became lodged in a snowbank. The driver was uninjured, and police have charged 34-year-old David REISMAN of Bracebridge with Operation while Impaired- Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 1, 2025, to answer to his charge.

On Saturday March 8, 2025, at 8:40 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about a motorist driving on Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst. The caller reported that the vehicle struck the concrete median and continued driving. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 North near Highway 118 and subsequently arrested and charged 32-year-old Joel LIZOTTE of Penetanguishene, ON with Operation while Impaired CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 15, 2025, to answer to his charges.

On Sunday March 9, 2025, at 1:40 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge and stopped a vehicle on Wellington Street. Police subsequently arrested and charged 38-year-old Bradley WILLIAMS of Severn, ON with Operation while Impaired CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 15, 2025, to answer to his charges.

Just before midnight on March 9, 2025, officers in Gravenhurst were looking for a vehicle that had been reportedly driving erratically on Bay Street and located it in a parking lot near the Gravenhurst Wharf. After an interaction with the driver, police have charged 35-year-old Gerald TABACHACK of Wikwemikong, ON with Operation while Impaired- Alcohol and Drug CC 320.14(1)(a). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 22, 2025, to answer to his charge.

On Saturday March 15, 2025, at 10:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program on Ecclestone Drive in Bracebridge and observed a vehicle turn in a possible attempt to avoid traveling through the RIDE check. Police conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 26-year-old Sean DESPINS of Gravenhurst, ON with Operation while Impaired- Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 8, 2025, to answer to his charge.

On Sunday March 16, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to concerns from a member of the public about a possibly impaired driver on Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst. Officers located the vehicle on Pine Street in Bracebridge and subsequently arrested and charged 30-year-old Shannon SUTEY of Bracebridge, ON with Operation while Impaired CC 320.14(1)(a) and Over 80 CC 320.14(1)(b). She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 8, 2025, to answer to her charges.

Members of the public continue to be key partners in keeping Muskoka roads safe by taking the time to call and report their concerns to police. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, you may call 9-1-1 from your hands free device.

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OPP Police Press Releases South Huron

51 Year Old From South Huron Arrested – Details Relasesd

(SOUTH HURON, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a South Huron resident with a criminal driving offence following a traffic stop in a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check in the Municipality of South Huron on March 11th, 2025. 

On Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, Huron County OPP officers were conducting a RIDE check at the intersection of Huron Street East and Morrison Line in South Huron targeting impaired motorists. Officers checked a driver that entered the RIDE check and subsequently arrested the driver for impaired operation. The driver was transported to the Middlesex OPP detachment to conduct testing before an OPP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) trained officer. As a result, the accused was charged as follows:

Steven CLARKE, 51 years-of-age from South Huron has been charged with:

–      Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs.

The involved vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days. The accused’ driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for April 14, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.