RIDE programs conducted by law enforcement are one tool used to keep impaired drivers off the road.
The North Bay Detachment of the OPP conducted a RIDE program over the holiday weekend resulting in multiple charges.
At 1:40am last Saturday, officers observed a vehicle pull into a driveway and the lights turn off during a RIDE check at Purdon Line in the Powassan area. Officers attended to the vehicle to check on the driver who exited the vehicle and walked away from the police. When the officers tried to talk to the individual, he ran away.
At 4:40am, the registered owner, who police believe to be the driver, called to report the vehicle stolen.
As a result of the police investigation, a 30-year-old male, of Matachewan, Ontario, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Resist Peace Officer
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Public Mischief
- Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
- Flight from Peace Officer
Later that night, North Bay OPP report stopping a vehicle at a RIDE stop on Trout Lake Road. After talking with the driver of the vehicle, the officers suspected the driver to be impaired by drugs.
After conducting a Drug Recognition Examination, a 19-year-old female from North Bay has been charged with Operation while Impaired-Drugs and Alcohol. These charges mark 39 drivers charged under Impaired Driving Laws in the North Bay area.
Both will be appearing at the Ontario Court of Justice on September 17.
