OPASATIKA - A driver who allegedly physically assaulted their spouse, leading to a crash is facing serious criminal charges after an estimated $25,000 in cocaine was also seized.
On March 20 around 10:45 p.m., the victim called James Bay OPP after their truck got stuck in the ditch on Highway 11 in Opasatika Township.
The victim reported being physically assaulted by the driver, which led to the crash, said OPP.
At the scene, police determined the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance and they were arrested. A search of the vehicle turned up an open liquor container and suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $25,000.
The 48-year-old driver from Tecumseh, who isn't named to protect the victim's identity, is charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drug
- Operation while impaired - blood drug concentration
- Operation while prohibited
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine
- Assault - spousal
- Drive motor vehicle - not equipped with ignition interlock device
- Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
The accused is in police custody and has a court appearance today (March 21) in Kapuskasing. Their driver's licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.
None of the charges have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
