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Driver charged with impaired after hitting police cruiser: OPP

Complainant's report to police says the male also struggled to find his vehicle and drove it over the curb when leaving parking lot
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On July 23, 2019 at 5:30 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call of a possible impaired driver leaving a retail store on Ontario Avenue in the City of Elliot Lake, Ont. 

The complainant reported a male carrying a bag of alcoholic beverages and stumbling as he walked. When he left the store, the male went to the wrong vehicle in the parking lot. Then when he found his pick-up truck, he drove over the curb while departing the area. Police located the pick-up truck and attempted to stop it on Washington Crescent. 

The male driver failed to stop for police with lights and sirens activated. He eventually slowed down and struck a police vehicle to stop. The lone male driver was spoken to and an odour of alcoholic beverage was detected emanating from his breath. He was arrested, driver's license suspended, and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

Ian Samut, 46 years of age, from Elliot Lake, Ont. 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,
  • Fail to stop for police, contrary to section 216(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake, Ont. on Sept. 3, 2019.

The OPP remind 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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