A press release issued today states that the 38-year-old accused will appear in court on August 22 as a result. The full text of the announcement is as follows: MACDONALD-MEREDITH-ABERDEEN ADDITIONAL TWP – On July 31, 2022 shortly after 11:30 a.m., members from Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver driving north on Highway 17B from Echo Bay. The Batchewana First Nation Police Service observed the vehicle in four lanes on Highway 17 traveling westbound near Belleau Lake Road within the Garden River First Nation community and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the officer determined that alcohol had been consumed. The driver was arrested and transported to the Sault Ste Marie Police Service detachment where further checks were conducted. As a result, Charles Syrette, 38, of Batchewana First Nation, was charged with: • Operating while impaired – alcohol and drugs, contrary to Criminal Code (CC) section 320.14(1)(a) • Operating while impaired impairment – blood alcohol concentration (80+), contrary to CC § 320.14(1)(b) • Operating while prohibited under Penal Code, contrary to CC § 320.18(1)(a) The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on August 22, 2022. The driver was given an administrative license suspension for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. Reporting driving problems is everyone’s responsibility. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect an impaired driver.
