RED LAKE— Ontario Provincial Police in Red Lake have been busy through the month of December laying charges related to impaired driving.
On Dec. 1, Red Lake OPP officers observed a motorized snow vehicle operating at high speeds. Police made numerous attempts to stop the vehicle, but were unsuccessful, according to a news release issued this week. The driver was eventually stopped and demand for further testing at the detachment was requested.
However, the driver, a 21-year-old man from Red Lake, refused. As a result, he was charged with one count of failing to comply with a demand and three counts of flight from a police officer.
A few days later in a separate incident, officers were called to a residence regarding a report of an injured male on Dec. 5 just before 5 a.m. Officers made a demand for a breath sample and as a result, a 23-year-old man from Red Lake was charged with one count of operation of a motor vehicle while impaired and operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood concentration over 80.
The next day, Dec. 6, officers were investigating a report of a motor vehicle collision south of Red Lake on Highway 105. They located the vehicle believed to be involved in the collision and spoke to the driver who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
A demand for a breath sample was made and a 42-year-old man from Kenora was charged with one count of operation of a motor vehicle while impaired and operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood concentration over 80.
On Dec. 13, OPP were conducting a RIDE checkpoint on Highway 618. Officers spoke to a driver of an eastbound vehicle and a breath demand was made which resulted in a failed test.
The driver, a 40-year-old man from Timmins, was placed under arrest and returned to the Red Lake OPP detachment for further tests.
He was charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired and operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood concentration over 80.
Furthermore, on Dec. 13, shortly after midnight officers responded to a call regarding a noise complaint. Police spoke with the drive of a motorized snow vehicle and determined he had been consuming alcohol.
A breath demand was made which resulted in a fail. A 22-year-old man from Red Lake was charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired and operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood concentration over 80.
All of the individuals will appear in Red Lake court next month or February.
Members of the public are urged to report impaired driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.
