North Bay police credit new technology for arrest of drug-impaired driver
North Bay police say an automatic license plate reader flagging an expired plate led officers to a drug-impaired driver.
When the driver was stopped on Booth Road around 9:30 p.m. Monday, the patrol officer detected a strong cannabis odour emanating from the vehicle, police said in a news release.
"The officer administered a field sobriety test and found that the driver had enough drugs in his system to be examined further by a drug recognition expert," police said.
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The 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to police headquarters where he was evaluated and found to be impaired by drug.
"This is just one example of how this new technology is being used to enhance our officers' ability to detect violations under the Highway Traffic Act which can lead to criminal charges such as impaired driving," Insp. Jeff Warner is quoted as saying in the news release.
"It is a valuable tool in our efforts to enhance road safety throughout the city."
All patrol cruisers are now outfitted with these plate readers and can alert officers to various offences including stolen vehicles and suspended driver's licenses.
The man's vehicle has been impounded for seven days and his license is suspended for 90 days.
"Police would like to remind the public, that being caught when impaired by any type of drug, carries the same consequences as being impaired by alcohol," police said.
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