Police in Simcoe Muskoka had their hands full over the weekend, responding to multiple impaired driving incidents between Friday and Saturday. Officers from various OPP detachments charged three drivers with serious offences related to impaired and reckless driving.
Driver Impaired by Drugs in Midland
On Friday morning around 11 a.m., Southern Georgian Bay OPP received a call that led them to investigate a suspected impaired driver at a Yonge Street location in Midland.
Officers located the vehicle in a parking lot and, after speaking with the driver, suspected drug impairment. The individual was taken to the detachment, where a drug recognition expert conducted further evaluation.
A 41-year-old from Midland was charged with impaired operation (alcohol and drugs) and dangerous driving. They were released with a court date in early April, while their licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days.
16-Year-Old Driver Charged in Bracebridge
Early Saturday morning, around 3 a.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 south near Cedar Lane.
Upon investigation, police arrested the 16-year-old driver from Bracebridge for failing or refusing to comply with a demand related to an impaired driving investigation. The passenger, an 18-year-old from Burks Falls, was also charged for underage alcohol consumption.
The consequences for refusing a test are the same as those for impaired driving, meaning the young driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days. They will appear in Bracebridge youth court in early April.
Brief Chase Leads to Multiple Charges in Gravenhurst
Later Friday night, just before 11 p.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer spotted a driver in Gravenhurst behaving erratically on Winewood Avenue.
As police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver continued onto Bethune Drive and Industrial Drive before finally stopping near a residence on Forest Glen Drive.
The 23-year-old from Orangeville was arrested and now faces several charges, including impaired operation, driving with a blood alcohol level over 80 mg per 100 ml, dangerous driving, fleeing from police, having an open container of liquor in the vehicle, and disobeying road signs.
The driver is set to appear in court in late April. Their licence was suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Police Continue to Crack Down on Impaired Driving
Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of impaired driving, reminding motorists that impaired operation—whether by alcohol or drugs—carries severe legal and safety consequences.
