Windsor police charged five drivers over the weekend with offences related to impaired driving following three separate collisions and after locating two other drivers passed out at the wheel of their vehicles.
First Arrest: Driver Passed Out
The first arrest occurred just before 9 p.m. on Friday when officers responded to a report of a man passed out inside a vehicle near Central Avenue and Grand Marais Road East. Police said the unconscious driver was roused but when he was directed to exit the vehicle, he allegedly attempted to shift the vehicle into gear and drive away. Officers broke the vehicle's windows, stopped the man from fleeing, and placed him under arrest. A search of the vehicle located a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police. A 50-year-old man is charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and possession of a schedule I substance.
Second Incident: Collision on Tecumseh Road
About an hour later, police responded to a two-vehicle collision on Tecumseh Road West near California Avenue. Police said the female driver of one vehicle allegedly displayed multiple signs of impairment, including slurred speech, slow movements, poor balance, nodding off, and an odour of alcohol on her breath. A 31-year-old woman is charged with impaired operation of a vehicle, failure to provide a breath sample, and three counts of driving while prohibited.
Third Incident: Unresponsive Driver at Intersection
Early Sunday morning, just before 4 a.m., officers responded to a report of an unresponsive person behind the wheel of a vehicle at the intersection of Riverdale Avenue and Wyandotte Street East. Police found a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway with the engine running and a man seated in the driver's seat. After waking him, officers allegedly observed signs consistent with drug impairment, including lethargic behaviour and difficulty staying awake and focused. Police seized 21.9 grams of suspected fentanyl and 10.2 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine during their investigation. A 47-year-old man faces an impaired driving charge and two drug possession for the purpose of trafficking charges.
Fourth Incident: Collision at Ambassador Bridge
Later Sunday, Canada Border Services Agency officers at the Ambassador Bridge reported a vehicle struck a traffic cone and drove over a median separating inspection lanes. Police allege the male driver appeared disoriented, had difficulty standing, and was unable to answer questions coherently. A 26-year-old man is charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs.
Fifth Incident: Collision on Wyandotte Street
The last arrest occurred around 8:30 p.m., when officers responded to a two-vehicle collision near Aylmer Avenue and Wyandotte Street East. Police said a female driver allegedly showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and a strong odour of alcohol on her breath. A 61-year-old woman is charged with impaired operation of a vehicle and operation with a blood alcohol concentration at or over 80 mg.
