(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH, ON) - Evidently some drivers need to be reminded that It's not only alcohol that impairs your ability to safely drive a vehicle. A Goderich resident has been charged with Impaired by Drug following a traffic stop that occurred at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint early this morning.
At approximately 1:25 a.m. the driver of a crossover utility vehicle entered into a RIDE checkpoint set up at the intersection of Bluewater Veteran's Highway (Highway 21) and Saltford Road. Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver the investigating officer immediately detected the strong odour of marihuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the driver and the vehicle ensued which resulted in police locating and seizing a quantity of marihuana on the driver.
Due to visible signs of impairment a field sobriety test was conducted on the driver and the results indicated he had failed. He was placed under arrest for Impaired Driving and was subsequently transported to the Sebringville OPP detachment for further testing by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). Upon completing the tests the DRE deemed the driver to be impaired by a drug.
As a result, 40-year-old Mitchell HUTCHINSON from Goderich was charged with Impaired Driving and Possession of a Schedule II Substance (Cannabis Marihuana). He has since been released from custody with a court date scheduled for July 9, 2018 at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich.
The involved vehicle was towed from the scene and was impounded. Additionally, his driver's licence has been suspended for an automatic 90 days.