Vernon COGGER – Impaired Driving, Open Alcohol

(THUNDER BAY, ON) On Monday, March 23, 2015 at approximately 9:24 am, officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an erratic driver. It was reported that the driver of a pulp truck was on Highway 11/17, and then continued southbound on Highway 61. The driver was driving erratically almost causing several collisions. A description of the vehicle was provided. Officers located the vehicle and driver at the Bowater Mill property.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers detected an odour of alcohol emitting from the drivers breath. The driver was arrested and transported to Thunder Bay OPP Detachment for further investigation and subsequently refused to provide a breath sample.

Vernon COGGER, 53 years of age, from Oliver Paipoonge was arrested and charged with Refusing to Provide a Breath Sample contrary to the Criminal Code.

He was also charged with Driving a Motor Vehicle with Alcohol Readily Available contrary to the Liquor Licence Act.

He is to appear in Provincial Court on May 5, 2015 to answer to the charge.

This incident reinforces the OPP policy to conduct RIDE spot checks during any time of the day including morning as impaired drivers may be on our highways and roadways at any time.

Thunder Bay OPP want to thank all concerned citizens who report erratic, aggressive and impaired drivers.

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