One Charged with Operation While Impaired, Dangerous Operation, Possession of Schedule I Substance
On December 5, 2024, officers with Patrol Services charged 40-year-old Michael Bjornaa of Batchewana, Ontario, with operation while impaired, dangerous operation, and possession of a schedule I substance.
Around 10:50 a.m., 911 Communicators received a report of a motor vehicle collision on Great Northern Road at St. Georges Avenue. It was also reported the vehicle had almost struck another vehicle in a parking lot in the 200 block of McNabb Street. Officers were dispatched to the scene. Officers located one of the involved vehicles parked in a snowbank with the driver asleep inside. No physical injuries were reported.
Upon speaking with the driver, who was identified as the accused, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs. Approximately one gram of suspected heroin was also observed in the center console of the vehicle. A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) performed an evaluation of the accused and determined they were impaired. They were arrested.
The accused is charged with:
- Operation While Impaired – Drug and/or Alcohol
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Drug Concentration
- Dangerous Operation
- Possession of Schedule I Substance
The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on February 3, 2025.