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Elliot Lake driver found shirtless, yelling at trees

A number of "suspicious" prescription pills found in the abandoned vehicle
opp - too small!
The driver will appear in court June 4 to defend his charges (File)

On May 18 at approximately 9:26 a.m., East Algoma OPP received a call that a "suspicious" man had fallen asleep in a pick-up truck parked in the opposite lane of traffic on Laprairie Crescent in Elliot Lake. 

The report claimed the man drove to that location and was seen shaking his head aggressively and banging it against the steering wheel before eventually "passing out" in the vehicle. 

A short time afterwards, a second report claimed the man was now on foot, acting in a bizarre manner behind Esten Park Public School on Hergott Avenue.

Police and Algoma Paramedic Services (EMS) were able to locate the man, who was found yelling at trees, making very little sense verbally, taking his shirt off, and exhibiting signs of confusion. 

Police said they were able to gain control of the man, who was assessed by EMS and later released.

Upon further investigation, police seized a number of "suspect" prescription pill bottles from the suspect's vehicle, which had been abandoned by the man shortly after the initial report. 

As a result of the incident, the 29-year-old driver has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired - Alcohol and Drugs, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC),
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than heroin),  contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA),
  • Drive Motor Vehicle - No Licence, contrary to section 32(1) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA),
  • Drive Motor Vehicle with Speed Measuring Warning Device, contrary to section 79(2) of the HTA.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on June 4.

East Algoma OPP would like to remind motorists that Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) officers are trained to detect and investigate drug impairment from all drugs, be it prescription, illegal or over-the-counter.

"Impairment by drugs is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada (CC) and drivers who are charged with driving while impaired by drugs are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol," said a press release by East Algoma OPP. 

If you suspect a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.