Separate Festive Reduction of Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints north of Sault Ste. Marie saw two accused drivers this week.

At approximately 3:45 a.m. Sunday, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a festive RIDE check on Highway 17 and Highway 556.

During the check, one driver failed the screening test, indicating the presence of alcohol in his system.

As a result of further investigation, Joseph Doiron, 43, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

• operating while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (+80)
• drives a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor
• drive a vehicle with readily available cannabis

At approximately 2:38 a.m. Monday, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie OPP were conducting a festive RIDE check on Highway 17 and Trout Lake Road.

During the RIDE, police say a driver refused to provide a breath test.

As a result, Alain Carrier, 31, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with:

• refusal to comply with the request

Both accused parties have been released from custody and are due to appear in court in Sault Ste. Marie on January 6, 2025.

They were issued 90-day administrative license suspensions and had their vehicles impounded for seven days.

Neither charge has been tested in court, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.