(GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON)- Speeder fails to stop on Highway 17, leads to a driver being charged for driving while impaired by alcohol.
On July 4, 2024, members from the Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on patrol duties on Highway 17 within the community of Garden River First Nation.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., police observed a westbound vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 17 and attempted a traffic stop. The small car ignored the emergency lights and accelerated towards the City of Sault Ste Marie.
At the City limits was another OPP cruiser that was successful in initiating a traffic stop of the suspect car. The Batchewana First Nation Police Service attended the scene and assisted OPP with traffic control. While speaking to the driver police determined alcohol had been consumed and the driver was subsequently arrested and transported to Sault Ste Marie OPP detachment for further testing.
As a result, Christopher COLE, 31 years-of-age from Sault Ste Marie was charged with:
- Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on July 29, 2024.
The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.