(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Some proactive traffic enforcement paid off for the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) when two impaired drivers were located on back-to-back night shifts.

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 1:30 am, an OPP officer in Fort Frances stopped a vehicle for a red-light violation on Second Street East. The officer determined that the driver was obviously impaired and took him into custody.



On July 21, 2024, at approximately 1:20 am, the same officer in Fort Frances stopped a vehicle after it was observed to be swerving within the lane in the Fernette Avenue area. The officer determined the driver had been drinking and administered a roadside test. The driver registered a fail and was secured in custody.

Both subjects underwent breath alcohol testing at the Fort Frances Detachment before being released by police. Both drivers had their licences suspended for 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days.



William Flemming SMITH 26-years-old from Thunder Bay was charged criminally with impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. Offence notices were also issued for the red-light violation and an open liquor violation. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on August 19, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

Richard LAMONT 20-years-old from Thunder Bay was charged criminally with impaired operation alcohol or drug, and impaired operation blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. An offence notice was also issued for the novice driver alcohol violation. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on September 16, 2024, to answer to the criminal charges.

The OPP is committed to improving road safety through proactive enforcement, public awareness, and high-quality traffic incident investigations. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 911.

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