Prohibited driver gave false name, had open liquor: OPP

An undated image of an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle pulled over to the side of a roadway. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 39-year-old man from the Greater Sudbury community of Chelmsford faces multiple charges after Ontario Provincial Police conducted a traffic stop on Sunday morning and discovered the driver was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.

OPP said police were on general patrol on April 12 around 9 a.m. when they were alerted by the cruiser’s automated license plate recognition system about a possible suspended driver on Front Street in West Nipissing.

Traffic stop leads to false identity

“The vehicle was stopped and the driver provided police with a false name,” OPP said in a news release Monday.

As a result of the investigation, police said officers found that the motorist was prohibited from driving who was required to operate a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device. OPP said the vehicle stopped did not have such a device, and the driver was arrested.

Multiple charges laid

The man was charged with three counts of operating a vehicle while prohibited, driving a motor vehicle not equipped with a required ignition interlock device, driving a motor vehicle with open container of liquor, obstructing a peace officer, impersonation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or to obstruct justice, failing to have an insurance card and using a plate not authorized for a vehicle.

In addition to the charges, the vehicle was impounded for 45 days at the owner’s expense.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on June 4.

Reminder on interlock, impaired driving rules

OPP used the incident to remind motorists of the dangerous of impaired driving and the importance for following court-ordered driving conditions.

“The OPP is reminding motorists that an ignition interlock device is a court-ordered condition for certain impaired driving offences and must be strictly followed,” said police.

An ignition interlock device requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle will start. Police said it is designed to prevent impaired driving and improve road safety for all users.

OPP added that operating a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device, or failing to comply with its conditions, is “a serious offence.”

“Drivers found in violation may face additional criminal charges, further driving prohibitions, fines and possible imprisonment,” said police.