On Thursday, police charged a 40-year-old man from Batchewana with operating a vehicle while impaired, dangerous operation, and possession of a schedule one substance.
At around 10:50 a.m., a 911 call reported a motor vehicle collision on Great Northern Road at St. Georges Avenue.
“It was also reported the vehicle had almost struck another vehicle in a parking lot in the 200 block of McNabb Street,” police said in a release.
Once officers arrived at the scene, they located one of the involved vehicles parked in a snowbank with the driver asleep inside. No physical injuries were reported.
Upon speaking with the driver, officers developed grounds to believe his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs.
“Approximately one gram of suspected heroin was also observed in the centre console of the vehicle,” police said.
“A Drug Recognition Expert performed an evaluation of the accused and determined they were impaired.”
Police charged Michael Bjornaa with:
- Operation While Impaired – Drug and/or Alcohol
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Drug Concentration
- Dangerous Operation
- Possession of Schedule I Substance
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 3, 2025.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Bjornaa is considered innocent unless proven guilty.