(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – A local individual is facing multiple criminal charges after a report of a stolen taxi led to an impaired driving arrest in Kirkland Lake.
On Monday March 3, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a stolen taxi in the area of Government Road West in the Town of Kirkland Lake.
Officers quickly located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver failed to comply with police commands and was arrested at the scene. Further investigation determined that the driver was impaired by a substance. The individual was transported to the Kirkland Lake OPP detachment for a drug recognition evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
As a result of the investigation, Melissa TURCOTTE, a 37-year-old from Kirkland Lake, has been arrested and charged with the following:
· Theft under $5,000 of a motor vehicle
· Dangerous operation
· Failure to stop after accident
· Resist peace officer
· Operation while impaired – drugs
· Fail to comply with probation order – two counts
· Driving while under suspension – two counts
The accused was remanded into custody and is next scheduled to appear before the Kirkland Lake Ontario Court of Justice on May 15, 2025.