Sault police say impaired driving suspect was in wrong lane, crashed into a snowbank

A 44-year-old has been charged with impaired driving and refusing a breath demand after a vehicle crashed into a snowbank in Ste. Ste. Marie on Valentine’s Day.

A 911 call around 7:15 p.m. reported a single-vehicle crash on Old Garden River Road near Third Line East.

“It was reported a vehicle travelling in the wrong lane had driven into a snowbank,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

Officers arrived at the scene to find the accused in the case being assessed by EMS.

“Upon speaking with the driver, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol,” police said.

“Officers read the accused a demand for a breath sample. The accused provided a sample into an approved screening device, which registered as a fail. They were arrested.”

The suspect provided one suitable breath sample at police headquarters but refused to provide another.

Charges include impaired driving and failing to comply with a demand. The accused was released on an appearance notice.