(CENTRAL HURON, ON) - A 28-year-old from Central Huron racked up a total of eight criminal charges following an investigation that took place last week by Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
At approximately 10:20 p.m. on May 24, 2019 Huron OPP officers responded to the parking lot area of an Albert Street business in Clinton after receiving information that there was a driver passed out behind the wheel of a pick-up truck. Upon arrival the investigating officer located the driver sleeping in the driver's seat. Upon waking the driver the officer noted the driver to be displaying several signs that he was impaired by a drug.
Just prior to arresting the driver the driver removed a container of suspected fentanyl from his person and sprayed the contents of the container into the air. This left a small cloud of the contents in the air with some of the contents landing on the officer and cruiser.
The driver was immediately arrested for Impaired Operation by a Drug, Obstruct Police and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The driver was then transported to the Huron OPP Detachment for further testing by a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE). Upon completion of the DRE evaluation the driver was deemed to be impaired by a drug.
Further investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and the pickup truck had been stolen from Orillia. Investigators were also able to determine the truck's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) had been tampered with and the truck had been repainted.
Justin FIELD, 28 years of age from Central Huron is facing the following charges:
Operation While Impaired by a Drug
Operation While Prohibited
Obstruct Peace Officer
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Possession of Identity Document
Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Fentanyl
He has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for June 17, 2019 at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich.