Man arrested on Highway 17 holding beer, waving gun at vehicles: OPP

A 66-year-old Bracebridge man was arrested on Highway 17 after reports of a person holding a beer and waving a gun at cars Monday near Chippewa Falls in Tilley Township. 

The Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded shortly after 1:30 p.m. where a suspect was seen walking unsteadily in the middle of the highway, according to a news release. Police ordered the suspect to drop the 22-calibre rifle. At 1:48 p.m., the suspect complied and was arrested, the release added.

As a result, Thomas Liddle is charged with:

• Handle firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
• Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
• Unlawfully possess loaded firearm within eight metres of road
• Being intoxicated in public place
• Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place in unauthorized place

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on Feb. 5.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and Liddle is considered innocent unless proven guilty.