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Cochrane OPP - Impaired Driver Flees Scene After Collision

(COCHRANE, ON) –In the early morning hours of August 10, 2013, the Cochrane and Smooth Rock Falls Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 11 in Calder Township, near the Driftwood Truck Stop.

(COCHRANE, ON) –In the early morning hours of August 10, 2013, the Cochrane and Smooth Rock Falls Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 11 in Calder Township, near the Driftwood Truck Stop.

An eye witness reported to police that a black westbound Ford pickup truck was observed swerving all over the road before it lost control, rolled over and collided with the north ditch. A lone male driver then exited the damaged vehicle and walked into the wooded area just north of Hwy 11.

Emergency services attended the scene and dispatched the OPP Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) in an effort to locate the involved male driver. During a cursory search of the damaged and abandoned vehicle, police found a small quantity of Cannabis Marihuana.

A successful Canine Unit and ERT ground search located the male driver laying down in the bush, a short distance from the collision scene. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported the male to the Cochrane Lady Minto hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police investigation revealed that the 26 year old male driver, Shawn Giguere of Timmins, Ontario had an elevated blood alcohol concentration.

Pursuant to the investigation, Giguere was arrested and charged with the Criminal Code of Canada offences of Impaired operation of a motor vehicle, Exceed 80 Milligrams Blood Alcohol Content / Motor Vehicle, Possession Schedule II Cannabis Marihuana - under 30 grams and several other Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) offences.

The accused was taken into custody and held for bail at the Cochrane Court on August 12, 2013 where he later plead guilty to the impaired and drug charges.

A one year driving prohibition along with a $1500 fine was imposed upon Giguere prior to his release from custody.