NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*******************************
ELLIOT LAKE - On March 30, 2021 at 10:30 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a possible impaired driver complaint on Highway 108 south of Elliot Lake.
The complainant initially reported the traffic complaint on Highway 17 westbound towards Highway 108. Police located it a short time later on Highway 108. The vehicle was reported to be all over the road and crossing the centre line. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and suspected methamphetamine was located inside the car. Subsequently, the driver was arrested and assessed by an OPP drug recognition evaluator (DRE). The vehicle was towed and impounded.
Jacques Gagne, 32 years old from Spanish, 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).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 8, 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.
*******************************