On February 23, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a possible impaired snowmobile operator on John Street in the Town of Spanish.
Officers observed the suspect snowmobile traveling westbound on Highway 17 and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Hamilton Street and Front Street. Upon speaking with the driver, police determined that alcohol had been consumed, and a subsequent arrest was made.
While investigating this incident, another snowmobile approached and stopped directly across the highway from the officers' location. Upon speaking with the second driver, officers determined that this individual had also consumed alcohol, leading to another arrest.
Derek VAN VLIET, 39 years-of-age from Toronto was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol
- Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Thomas YOUNG, 39 years-of-age from Innisfil was charged with:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol
- Operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Both accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on April 3.
Both snowmachines were towed and impounded for seven days with both drivers being issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.
