A routine patrol by the Barrie Police resulted in impaired driving charges after an officer conducted a wellness check on a man found asleep in a parked vehicle.
Police say that on Thursday, February 19th, at about 9:30 p.m., an officer was in the area of Mulcaster Street when she noticed a vehicle with its rear hatch partially open. A lone individual was seated in the driver’s seat and appeared to be asleep while the engine was running.
After approaching and speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment, including slow and slurred speech and difficulty responding to instructions. At one point during the interaction, the man allegedly reached for an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.
The 61-year-old Barrie man was arrested and transported to police headquarters for testing by a qualified breath technician. Police say the breath samples indicated he was nearly three times the legal alcohol limit.
He has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
His vehicle was impounded and his driver’s licence suspended under provincial legislation.
Police note that impaired driving remains a leading cause of criminal death in Canada and remind residents that a person can still face impaired operation or care and control charges even if a vehicle is stationary. Anyone who suspects impaired driving is urged to call 911.
