Open liquor found in vehicle, driver charged

Traffic stop initiated, police determine driver had been consuming alcohol and that there was open liquor inside the vehicle

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

*************************
BLIND RIVER – On February 6, 2016, officers from the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on regular patrol duties on Causley Street, Blind River.

At 5:17 p.m., a vehicle travelling eastbound on Causley Street was observed and a traffic stop was initiated.

As a result of the investigation, police determined the driver had been consuming alcohol and that there was open liquor inside the vehicle.

Gerald Picard, 47 years of age, from Edmonton, Alberta, was arrested and charged with the following:

Driving motor vehicle with more than 80 milligrams in blood, contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
Drive motor vehicle with speed measuring warning device, contrary to section 79(2) of the Highway Traffic Act; and
Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available, contrary to section 32(1) of the Liquor Licence Act.

He had his driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven (7) days.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie, on April 4, 2016.

The OPP is reminding motorists that there is no safe amount of alcohol or drug consumption when driving.

Anyone who suspects a driver is driving while impaired is urged to call police by dialing 9-1-1 immediately.

*************************