NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On Feb. 13, 2021 at 12:30 a.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a possible impaired driver complaint on Hillside Drive South in Elliot Lake.
The vehicle was reported to be all over the road. Police located it a short time after and spoke to the driver and two occupants. All persons exhibited signs of impairment and suspected methamphetamine was observed inside the car. Subsequently, the driver and two passengers were arrested.
The driver was assessed by an OPP drug recognition evaluator (DRE) and one of the passengers was found to be breaching a prior release condition. The vehicle was towed and impounded.
Bruce Hanninen, 57 years of age, from Garson, Ont., was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC),
- Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Joddy Savard, 51 years of age, from Garson, Ont., was charged with:
- Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Sarina Dashner, 21 years of age, from Sudbury, Ont., was charged with:
- Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC.
All accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 6, 2021.
The OPP would like to remind the motoring public to drive sober; this includes drug consumption as well. Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code and drivers are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. A charge of impairment by drugs involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter and those that are illegal.
The OPP has highly trained DRE officers who are skilled in the detection and investigation of drug 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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