A 29-year-old Ottawa man is facing multiple charges, including impaired driving and stunt driving, following a traffic stop by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) early Thursday morning on Highway 417.
High-Speed Incident in Construction Zone
According to police, a speed enforcement operation was underway at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Highway 417 near Maitland Avenue, where the speed limit has been reduced to 80 km/h due to ongoing construction. Officers observed a vehicle traveling at 143 km/h, well above the posted limit, and initiated a traffic stop.
Upon approaching the driver, officers suspected that he might be under the influence of alcohol. A roadside breath test was administered, which led to his arrest. The driver was then transported to the Ottawa detachment for further testing, where he registered more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
Charges Laid
The accused, identified as Dan Ruremesha, has been charged with the following offenses:
- Operation while impaired, alcohol and drugs;
- Operation while impaired, blood alcohol concentration 80 plus;
- Dangerous Operation;
- Drive motor vehicle — perform stunt;
- Speeding.
In addition to the charges, police confirmed that the driver's licence was suspended for 90 days on the impaired driving charges and 30 days for the stunt driving charge. His vehicle was also impounded for 14 days as a result of the stunt driving allegation.
Court Appearance Pending
Ruremesha is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date to answer to the charges.
In a separate incident during the same enforcement operation, police stopped a second driver for stunt driving in the construction zone. That driver also received a 90-day licence suspension for impaired driving and a 14-day vehicle impoundment for stunt driving.
The OPP remind motorists to obey speed limits, especially in construction zones where workers may be present, and to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
