After two unrelated recent incidents, Northumberland OPP say they’ve laid impaired and dangerous driving charges.
In the one incident, police said just after 11:30 p.m. on June 3, they received numerous traffic complaints about a vehicle allegedly being driven erratically on eastbound Highway 401.
“The vehicle was described as not being able to maintain a lane and hitting the centre median,” reported police.
An officer subsequently located the vehicle and observed the vehicle to be driving at inconsistent speeds while swerving from one lane into the other, said police.
“Three cruisers were used to safely conduct a tandem stop on the subject vehicle on the highway off-ramp near the Big Apple.”
After speaking with the driver, police allege they detected an odour of alcohol emanating from the individual’s breath, resulting in the accused being arrested and transported to the Cobourg OPP detachment for further testing,
As a result of the investigation, police said a 34-year-old Kitchener resident was charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and dangerous operation.
The accused was further charged under the Liquor Licence Control Act and Highway Traffic Act, added OPP.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Meanwhile, police said another separate incident – on May 31, just before 2 a.m. – has resulted in an impaired driving charge.
Police said at this time an officer found an SUV that had reportedly rolled in the north side ditch between Woodview Road and Bannon Road and stopped to check for injuries. The uninjured driver – and only occupant of the vehicle – made their way out of the ditch and started talking with the officer, reported OPP.
Police said they suspected the individual had been consuming alcohol and administered a roadside screening device (sobriety test), with the driver allegedly registering a “fail.”
The individual was taken into custody and transported to the Campbellford detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 24-year-old Stirling resident was charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
This charge has not been proven in court.
Police are continuing to call on motorists to make responsible choices when behind the wheel, reminding the public that highway safety is a shared responsibility.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
