Northumberland OPP says a citizen tip about a suspicious vehicle in Codrington has helped police with an arrest.
According to police, an officer responded to the report on June 9 after a concerned citizen called to report that a sedan was parked in the County Road 30 Municipality of Brighton area with an individual inside leaning on the steering wheel just before 5 p.m.
The driver wasn’t overly responsive when the citizen reportedly asked if they were OK, said police.
When police arrived on scene, they said the vehicle was found parked on an angle on the northbound shoulder facing southbound with the lights on.
The officer observed an individual matching the description provided exit the driver’s seat and to be unsteady on his feet – then, police said a strong odour of alcohol was allegedly emanating from the breath of the accused.
Police further alleged there were open cans of alcohol in the vehicle.
The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to the Brighton detachment as an impaired driving investigation continued, reported OPP.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 46-year-old Uxbridge resident was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with failure or refusal to comply with a demand, and operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.
The accused was additionally charged under the Highway Traffic Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, and the Tobacco Tax Act with the following offences: Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by a qualified driver; novice driver – B.A.C. (blood alcohol concentration) above zero; interfere with traffic; having care or control of a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor, and possession of unmarked cigarettes.
None of these charges have been proven in court. The accused is set to appear in Cobourg court in July.
The individual also had their licence suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days.
Northumberland OPP is continuing to remind motorists that failing to provide a breath sample after an officer’s demand carries the same consequences as impaired driving charges.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)