Impaired driver 'passed out' in company truck on highway: OPP

A Batchawana Bay resident was charged with impaired driving after he was reported as overdue and driving a company pickup truck on Monday evening.

Employees of the Ministry of Transportation found the accused in the pickup truck on Highway 129 "passed out and disoriented when awakened," says a news release issued by the OPP.

"The driver was advised to wait for OPP," the release says. "The driver made the decision to continue southbound on Highway 129."

East Algoma OPP later located the truck and driver parked at Seymour Lake Road near Thessalon early Tuesday morning.

"While speaking to the driver, officers determined alcohol had been consumed. The driver was arrested and transported to Blind River detachment for further testing," the release says. "The employer's pickup truck was impounded for seven days."

Craig Burlie, 44, is charged with:

    •    Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
    •    Driving while under suspension

He is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on Jan. 4, 2024.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and he is considered innocent unless proven guilty.