SPANISH – A driver faces charges including driving without a permit, possessing more than one driver's licence and being impaired while driving following an unwanted person complaint, Ontario Provincial Police say.
The driver was also charged with obstructing a peace officer.
Shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, the East Algoma OPP say they responded to a complaint of an unwanted person who refused to leave a residence on Doyle Avenue in the Town of Spanish.
The man had been consuming alcohol and left the residence operating a black/grey pickup truck, according to a police news release.
Shortly after 11 p.m., while police were patrolling for the pickup, OPP received another unwanted person complaint at a residence on Stolar Crescent.
Officers attended the area and located the pickup parked in front of the residence.
While speaking to the driver, police determined alcohol had been consumed. Police say the driver tried to evade police and was eventually arrested.
Thomas LaForge-Budge, 31, of Spanish is charged with:
- Obstruct peace officer
- Operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Fail to have insurance card
- Possess more than one licence
- Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 4.
The pickup was towed and impounded for seven days while the driver was issued a 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension, police say.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and LaForge-Budge is considered innocent unless proven guilty.