Suspected impaired driver arrested at gunpoint after pursuit: OPP

An undated stock image of handcuffs (Ashly Brine/Pexels).

Provincial police say officers arrested an allegedly impaired driver at gunpoint following a pursuit that started in Collingwood Thursday night.

Police say officers responded to a report about a suspected impaired driver leaving a parking lot on Balsam Street and then returning to the lot.

A male passenger got out of the vehicle and got into a pickup truck parked in the lot and both vehicles then drove off in different direction, with officers following each.

The male driver was located heading west on Highway 26 in the Blue Mountains near the Craigleith Provincial Park when officer conducted a traffic stop, but before the suspected impaired driver could be apprehended, police say the vehicle took off down the highway toward Thornbury.

Several police units joined the pursuit and managed to box-in the pickup truck near the Highway 40 and Grey Road 2 intersection. Police say the driver again attempted to flee, this time by ramming one of the OPP cruisers, which sustained minor damage.

The 48-year-old man was taken into police custody without further incident.

Police say the accused was found to be in violation of several driving prohibitions. He is facing a slew of charges, including dangerous operation, flight from a peace officer, and impaired driving.

He was held in custody overnight to await a bail hearing.

Meanwhile, officers following the second vehicle conducted a traffic stop in Collingwood on Highway 26 and arrested the 43-year-old woman without incident. She is charged with impaired driving and possession of a scheduled substance.

No officers were injured during the incident.