Officers with the East Algoma detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch on Highway 638 earlier this month.
Police say the driver and passenger of the vehicle were reported to be unconscious, but both were cleared medically after being assessed by paramedics.
The driver of the vehicle, 47-year-old Timothy Belisle of Thessalon, is facing multiple charges, including impaired driving and drug possession.
Below is the full news release from the OPP:
On July 9, 2023, shortly after 7 a.m., members from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch. The driver and passenger reported to be unconscious on Highway 638 between Poplar Dale and Wing's Roads within Aberdeen Township (west of the Town of Ophir).
A short time later police arrived on scene and observed the two occupants of the vehicle now awake in the car with the vehicle running. Both the driver and passenger were both assessed by Algoma Paramedic Services and cleared medically.
The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested and assessed by an OPP Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) at Blind River Detachment.
Police searched the vehicle and located a small amount of suspected fentanyl (value of $300) and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed and impounded.
As a result, Timothy Belisle, 47 years of age, from Thessalon was charged with:
- operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- possession of a Schedule I Substance - opioid (other than heroin)
- driving while under suspension
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Aug. 10, 2023.