On February 1, 2022, at approximately 3:35 pm, Oakbank RCMP and Springfield Police Service received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 1 at Provincial Road 207 (Deacons Corner). While en route to the scene, officers received two more calls regarding the collision, including that the driver of one vehicle had fled on foot into a neighbouring business, where he was barricading the door and blocking members of the public from entering or exiting.
Investigation has determined that an eastbound van drove into an eastbound semi-trailer that was stopped at the intersection. The male driver and lone occupant of the van exited his vehicle and headed north on foot.
Officers arrested the male at the business. He showed signs of impairment and was read a breath demand. He registered two readings at double the legal limit.
The 31-year-old male from Sagkeeng First Nation is charged with Impaired Driving. He was also issued tickets for Fail to Give Information to Driver Regarding Collision, Carry Liquor in a Vehicle, Drive Without Holding a Licence, and Unlicensed Driver with Alcohol in the Blood.
Nobody involved received any physical injuries.