NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Officers have charged a driver with Impaired Driving after a collision that closed Highway 7 in the City of Markham for nearly five hours.
On Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, shortly after 2:30 a.m., York Regional Police were called to Highway 7 in the area of Commerce Valley Drive for a serious collision involving a compact sport utility vehicle and a tractor trailer. When officers arrived they located both vehicles with significant damage. The tractor trailer was leaking fuel onto the roadway. The driver of the compact sport utility vehicle was arrested for being impaired by drug.
Investigators believe that the driver of the compact sport utility vehicle was under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision. He has since been charged and the investigation is ongoing.
Charged:
- 23-year-old man from the City of Markham
Charges:
- Impaired driving by drug
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Driving while under suspension
- Novice driver – no accompanying driver
- Novice driver – unlawful hour
“We are concerned that the recent legalization of recreational cannabis will result in more incidents of impaired driving,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “We are urging anyone that has used cannabis, any other type of drug, or consumed alcohol, to not get behind the wheel. Our citizens can expect to see our officers on patrol and conducting R.I.D.E. spot checks throughout the region in an effort to stop anyone who has made the choice to drive while impaired.”
York Regional Police wants to remind motorists that an impaired-related charge in any vehicle will result in an immediate 90-day driver’s license suspension, the requirement for an ignition interlock device for at least six months on all vehicles you operate, as well as a mandatory education or treatment program. These consequences are immediate and separate from any outcomes in court.
York Regional Police thanks members of the community for helping us stop and arrest impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 through the Safe Roads...Your Call program. We consider these incidents a life-threatening crime in progress and will continue to respond to these calls.
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