OPP report numerous impaired driving arrests in Muskoka, urge safety for Super Bowl Sunday

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is pictured in this file image. (Source: OPP)

Bracebridge OPP reported several arrests this weekend related to alleged impaired driving incidents from the past week in Gravenhurst and Bala.

In the first incident, police say a patrolling officer stopped a vehicle on Beaver Ridge Road in Gravenhurst late Monday evening. The officer then reportedly began an impaired driving investigation and arrested the driver.

The 27-year-old Gravenhurst man was charged with impaired operation, refusal to provide a sample, operation while prohibited and failure to comply with a release order. He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

The second incident occurred this past Friday at around 6 p.m. according to Bracebridge OPP. Police say officers were dispatched to a Lorne Street address in Gravenhurst to follow up on an investigation when a vehicle pulled into the driveway.

The officers arrested the driver shortly after speaking with him. The 51-year-old Gravenhurst man was charged with impaired operation and blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres. He is scheduled to appear in court in March.

Then, also on Friday, officers responded to a report just after 10 p.m. of a vehicle stuck in a ditch on Muskoka Road 169 near Burgess Street in Bala. Police say a civilian who stopped to assist called police when they became concerned with the driver’s condition.

Police arrested and charged the 30-year-old Bala driver with impaired operation, blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres and failing to comply with a probation order. The accused is also scheduled for a March court date.

OPP are reminding those who are travelling to Super Bowl parties Sunday evening to plan ahead, drive sober, and to report suspected impaired drivers.