NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On Sept. 17, 2022, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call regarding a possible impaired driver southbound on Highway 108 at Esten Drive North in Elliot Lake.
A vehicle description, driver's name and information stating that the driver had been drinking since 2 p.m. was provided to police.
Police located the minivan a short time later and attempted a stop on Highway 108. The minivan failed to stop numerous times and continued to operate at very speeds in a dangerous manner.
Police eventually located the minivan parked in a hotel parking lot. The driver was spoken to, who exhibited signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested.
Nicholas Mathews, 29, from Norfolk County, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC
- Flight from police officer (Two Counts), contrary to section 320.17 of the CC
- Dangerous operation, contrary to section 320.13(1) of the CC
- Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC
- Fail to stop for police (two counts), contrary to section 216(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
- Drive motor vehicle - perform stunt - excessive speed, contrary to section 172(1) of the HTA
- Driving while under suspension (four counts), contrary to section 53(1) of the CC
The accused was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on Sept. 19, 2022.
The OPP reminds motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
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