Impaired Driving Arrests: Passed Out in Running Vehicle and Destroying Light Standard

Two Guelph men face impaired driving charges following separate incidents on the weekend, including one which partially closed a south-end street.

Approximately 7:20 p.m. Saturday, emergency services were called for a report of a man passed out in a vehicle at a business near Edinburgh Road South and Kortright Road West. Officers located a male unconscious in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle with the transmission in the Drive position. Firefighters broke the car’s window to gain access to him.

Officers noted tinfoil with brown residue on the passenger seat and burned ashes on the man’s clothing. He was transported to hospital and later performed poorly on a drug recognition evaluation.

Investigation revealed he is a prohibited driver as a result of a previous impaired driving conviction. A 34-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving and driving while prohibited.

Approximately 7:40 a.m. Sunday, police were called for a collision at the intersection of Laird Road and Southgate Drive. A vehicle had struck a light standard, knocking it down and partially blocking the road. Officers spoke to the driver and noted a strong odour of alcohol on his breath.

He was placed under arrest and tests at the police station revealed he had more than twice the legal amount of alcohol in his system. A 24-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, driving while suspended and novice driver having alcohol in their system.

Both drivers had their licences suspended and their vehicles seized and were released with upcoming court dates.

The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to always consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home. Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.