First responder on Hwy. 17 near the Sault almost hit by impaired driver

A volunteer firefighter helping police respond to a collision on Highway 17 north of Goulais River earlier this month was almost struck by another vehicle.

A volunteer firefighter helping police respond to a collision on Highway 17 north of Goulais River was almost struck by another vehicle Sunday night.

The driver, who had a suspended licence, has been charged with impaired driving, Ontario Provincial Police said Friday.

The incident took place around 8 p.m. March 16, when police were investigating a crash.

“They observed a motor vehicle enter the scene and nearly hit a volunteer firefighter who was conducting traffic control,” police said in a news release.

Provided a false name

“Officers immediately stopped the vehicle and determined the driver was impaired by an intoxicating substance. During the interaction with police, the driver provided a false identity and was found to be prohibited from driving. Both the driver and passenger were also found to be in possession of suspected cocaine and fentanyl.”

A 48-year-old from Batchawana Bay was charged with impaired driving, driving while prohibited, impersonation, disobeying a stop sign, driving with cannabis readily available and two counts of drug possession.

The 61-year-old passenger, also from Batchawana Bay, was charged with two counts of drug possession.

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 14 in Sault Ste. Marie.

The vehicle was impounded for 45 days.