(AWERES TOWNSHIP, ON) Two drivers are facing criminal charges after two separate checkpoints for Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) north of Sault Ste. Marie.
On November 24, 2024, at approximately 3:45 a.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting Festive RIDE on Highway 17 and Highway 556. Officers stopped multiple vehicles and conducted Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) tests on the drivers. During the RIDE, one driver failed the MAS test, indicating the presence of alcohol in their system. As a result of further investigation, Joseph DOIRON, 43 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:
Operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor
Drive motor vehicle with cannabis readily available
On November 25, 2024, at approximately 2:38 a.m., officers with the Sault Ste. Marie OPP were conducting Festive RIDE on Highway 17 and Trout Lake Road. During the RIDE, one driver refused to provide a breath sample into the MAS device. As a result, Alain CARRIER, 31 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:
Refusal to comply with demand
Both accused parties were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 6, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie. They were issued 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspensions and their vehicles were impounded for seven days.
When you operate a motor vehicle, you are responsible for keeping yourself, your passengers and other road users safe. Have a plan before you go out and make the decision not to drive impaired. Arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi or stay overnight. If you suspect a driver is impaired by alcohol, drug or even fatigue, please call 9-1-1.