Beaver Staff
Napanee OPP officers were kept busy early Saturday, responding to two motor vehicle collisions around 5:30 a.m.
On Hwy 2 near the Shannonville Motor Sport Park, police located a grey Chevy Silverado pick-up truck on its roof in the ditch. There was no driver in the vehicle when officers investigated.
An OPP canine unit was called to the scene as police suspected the driver was injured. A short time later, prior to the arrival of the unit, the driver was located on Hwy. 2 walking toward his home. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
A subsequent investigation determined a 22-year-old Stone Mills man was impaired by alcohol. An officer attended at the hospital and administered breath tests, which the man failed. He was charged with operation of a motor vehicle with in excess of 80 mg blood/alcohol content. The driver is to appear in court Dec. 19.
Meanwhile, around the same time on Hwy 401, officers responded to a collision in the westbound lanes just east of Napanee. A police investigation determined a tractor-trailer hit the centre median and leaked fluids onto the highway.
The Greater Napanee fire department and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change spills response team attended. They determined the leaking fluid was non-toxic. Later, the Ministry of Transportation removed the truck using a heavy tow with a crane. The highway was closed for nine hours.
The driver, a 35-year-old Quebec man was assessed by paramedics at the scene. He was also given a breath demand and blew an “alert” on the roadside screening device. The man was charged with careless driving and had his licence suspended at roadside.
Both investigations are ongoing and police would like to hear from anyone who may have information about the collision. Details can be shared at 613-354-3369 or by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Those sharing through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.