Two people are facing charges after a vehicle had a close call with a volunteer firefighter controlling traffic at a collision scene.
Emergency crews were responding to a crash on Highway 17 north of Goulais River at around 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Ontario Provincial Police say that's when a vehicle entered the scene and almost hit the first responder.
The vehicle was stopped and officers suspected the driver was impaired by an intoxicating substance.
OPP say the driver gave them a false identity and had been prohibited from driving.
“Both the driver and passenger were also found to be in possession of suspected cocaine and fentanyl,” alleged police in a news release.
The driver, 48-year-old Andrew Rowan of Batchawana Bay, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Personation with intent to avoid arrest
- Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Driving while under suspension
- Disobey stop sign - fail to stop
- Fail to identify self
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - Opioid
- Drive with Cannabis readily available
The passenger, 61-year-old Gary Sayers of Batchawana Bay, was charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - Cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I substance - Opioid
In addition, the involved vehicle was impounded for 45 days.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.