(DRIFTWOOD, ON) – An officer-initiated traffic stop, led to charges for impaired driving, and having open liquor and cannabis readily available in a vehicle.
On April 7, 2024, shortly after 4:00 p.m., a James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer observed a vehicle with inconsistent speeds and swerving from shoulder to centre line, on Highway 11 in Driftwood.
A traffic stop was conducted, and police determined that the driver had been consuming an alcohol beverage. The driver was arrested and transported to the Cochrane detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Monique LAURIN, 57 years of age of Tiny Township, was charged with the following:
Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 23, 2024 in Cochrane. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The OPP reminds everyone that impaired driving continues to be a serious and preventable crime with potentially devastating consequences. We urge all drivers to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 and report it.