A 34-year-old Barrie man faces impaired driving charges after a retired police officer took his keys at a city intersection on Sunday night.
Barrie Police said in a media release that the retired officer was driving eastbound on Highway 90 toward Barrie just after 9 p.m. on Oct. 11 when he spotted a vehicle moving at erratic speeds and drifting out of its lane.
At one point, the retired officer reported, the vehicle crossed over two lanes, forcing oncoming drivers to pull off the road to avoid a crash.
He followed the vehicle to the intersection of Tiffin Street and Dunlop Street West, where he got it off the road and removed the keys from the ignition, according to Barrie Police.
When officers arrived and spoke with the driver, they smelled alcohol on his breath and noticed his eyes were glossy, police said.
He was arrested for impaired operation and taken to Barrie Police Headquarters, where a qualified breath technician confirmed he was over the legal limit.
Charges laid
The 34-year-old Barrie man was charged with impaired operation and impaired over 80. His licence was suspended and his vehicle was impounded under the Highway Traffic Act.
Police urge public to call 911 instead
Barrie Police credited the retired officer with helping to safely remove an impaired driver from the road, but said the public should not intervene in these situations.
If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 when it is safe to do so, the release said. Reporting suspected impaired driving can help prevent a serious collision and keeps roads safe for everyone.
