NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On May 28, 2018 at approximately 10:20 a.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members received a call of a pick-up truck being driven at a high rate of speed and in an erratic manner on Highway 108 just south of the City of Elliot Lake, Ont.
A vehicle description and plate number was provided. Police attended the area and located the pick-up truck on Highway 108 in the City of Elliot Lake. A subsequent vehicle stop was conducted and the male driver was spoken to. A strong odour alcoholic beverage was detected emanating from his breath. The male also seemed confused as he was looking for a restaurant where Horne Lake was situated. He was subsequently arrested, driver's license suspended, and his vehicle was impounded.
Police also located and seized various amounts of suspected cocaine, suspected cannabis resin, and drug paraphernalia from inside the pick-up truck. An OPP Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) also assisted with the investigation.
Michael McCourt, 32 years of age from Laird Township, Ont, was charged with:
• Driving while ability impaired - motor vehicle (alcohol and drug), contrary to section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
• Possess a schedule I substance - cocaine, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
• Possess a schedule II substance - cannabis resin - over 1 gram, contrary to section 4(1) of the CDSA
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake, Ont. on July 3, 2018.
Through the OPP Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, officers are trained as Drug Recognition Evaluators (DRU), giving them the authority and tools needed to detect drug-impaired drivers. A charge of impaired by drug involves all drugs, be it prescription over-the-counter, and those that are illegal.
Impaired by drug is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada (CC) and drivers who are charged with that offence are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.
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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