On January 1 at 1 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment OPP responded to a report of a stolen vehicle taken from a parking lot in Blind River sometime after 4 p.m. the previous day.
The investigation revealed two roommates had taken the car keys from the owner's pant's pocket. At 2 p.m., while searching for the stolen black vehicle, officers spotted it travelling eastbound on Highway 17 toward Blind River.
A traffic stop was initiated where both the driver and passenger were arrested and taken to the Blind River Detachment.
During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. Further testing was then conducted by a Drug Recognition Expert from the Mississauga First Nation Police Service.
The driver Donna Smith, 60, from Blind River is charged with:
- Take motor vehicle without consent
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Drive motor vehicle - no licence
Smith is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on February 6.
The passenger, Mindy Brown, 40, from Blind River is charged with taking a motor vehicle without consent
Brown is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on March 6.