Impaired driving among charges laid on driver who failed to stop
(NORTH GRENVILLE AND EDWARDSBURGH-CARDINAL, ON) – On May 1, 2021, at approximately 5:50 a.m., a traffic complaint was received from a concerned motorist travelling southbound on Highway 416, from the City of Ottawa. The complainant reported a vehicle repeatedly crossing lane lines. Damage was also observed on the front of the vehicle. The Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the complaint as the vehicle continued southbound and entered the Municipality of North Grenville.
An officer located the vehicle on the highway and also noted the vehicle swerving between lanes. A traffic stop was attempted and the driver failed to stop for police. The vehicle’s speed varied and at times greatly exceeded the posted speed limit.
Further down Highway 416 in Edwardsburgh-Cardinal Township, police successfully deployed a tire deflation device and followed the vehicle as it continued onto Highway 401. Police then conducted a rolling block and stop the vehicle.
Police had to force entry into the vehicle after the driver refused to comply with demands and was then placed into custody. Police noted an odour of alcohol and continued with an impaired driving investigation. Alcohol, a suspected Schedule I substance and drug paraphernalia were located in the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, a 34 year-old woman from Elizabethtown-Kitley, Ontario, was charged with the following criminal offences:
-
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs – Contrary to Section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand – Contrary to Section 320.15(1) of the CC
- Flight from peace officer – Contrary to Section 320.17 of the CC
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – Contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the CC
- Fail to comply with Probation Order – Contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the CC
- Possession of a Schedule I substance – opioid – Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on June 4, 2021.
The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. 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 report suspected impaired driving, please contact Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don’t go to court, and you could earn a cash reward.
