(HEARST, ON) – A traffic stop in Hearst on an unlicensed driver, led to impaired driving charges.
On August 2, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11 in Hearst.
Upon speaking with the driver, police determined that they had been consuming an alcoholic beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hearst detachment for further testing. Officers located an open container of alcohol within the vehicle upon a search incident to arrest.
As a result of the investigation, Nathan PEUNISH, 37 years of age of Constance Lake, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor
· Drive a motor vehicle – no licence
· Novice driver – blood alcohol concentration (B.A.C.) above zero
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on September 4, 2024, in Hearst. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.