A 14-year-old is facing multiple charges — including impaired driving — after allegedly taking a person’s vehicle and steering it into a ditch in Webbwood.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. today, when Manitoulin OPP officers were conducting a general patrol in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township.
Police say they observed a vehicle “driving in an odd manner” and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
“The vehicle failed to stop for police and was later located in a ditch on Sims Street,” the OPP said in a news release. “Upon further investigation, police were able to determine the driver of the vehicle to be a youth, that the youth had consumed alcoholic beverages and took the vehicle without consent."
A 14-year-old person from Curtin Township is charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Dangerous operation
- Flight from peace officer
- Take motor vehicle without consent
- Drive motor vehicle - no licence
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on a later date.
The OPP did not release the name of the accused under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.