SUDBURY -- Three police departments responded after 911 operators received several calls regarding a truck driving into on-coming traffic on Highway 17 near Bruce Mines Township.  Police say motorists were forced to pull over to avoid a head-on collision with the vehicle.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers from the Sault Ste. Marie detachment, the Anishinabek Police Service (APS), and the Batchawana First Nations Police Service (BFN) all attended the scene at approx. 9 p.m. on Nov. 28.

Police stopped the truck at Highway 17 and 638 Junction where driver was taken into custody.  The arrest took place just east of Bruce Mines and police say it is the first driver charged as part of the Sault Ste. Marie detachment’s festive R.I.D.E. program.

A 33-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with the following offences:

  •              Operation While Impaired-Alcohol and Drugs
  •              Operation While Impaired-Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  •              Dangerous Operation
  •              Fail to Stop for Police
  •              Drive wrong way - divided highway
  •              Having open liquor

The man is due to appear at the Ontario Court Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on Dec. 21.