A Sault Ste. Marie man is accused of resisting police and impaired driving after officers responded to a complaint regarding an "erratic driver" in Elliot Lake yesterday afternoon.
East Algoma OPP located the vehicle in question on Westhill Road and determined that the driver, 48-year-old Frank McCormick, was intoxicated, says a news release issued by OPP.
Police say the accused physically resisted officers during his arrest.
Full text of the news release follows:
ELLIOT LAKE - A Sault Ste. Marie driver was stopped after a traffic complaint which resulted in an arrest for impaired driving in Elliot Lake.
On June 19, 2024 at approximately 1:15 p.m. the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 108 in town. The vehicle was failing to stay in their lane and driving over curbs. Police stopped the white car a short time afterwards on Westhill Road and spoke to the driver. The driver exhibited obvious signs of intoxication and a strong odour of alcoholic beverage emanated from their breath. Police also observed open beer cans and a partial case of beer on the passenger side of the vehicle. [It is alleged that] the driver was very uncooperative with police and physically resistive. After a short altercation, the driver was safely arrested and the vehicle was towed and impounded.
Frank McCormick, 48 years old from Sault Ste. Marie, was charged with:
• Operation while impaired - Alcohol and Drugs
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Resist Peace Officer
• Breach of Recognizance
• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
• Driver fail to surrender licence
• Fail to surrender insurance card
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Aug. 15, 2024.
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.