Crash results in impaired, dangerous driving charges

A 32-year-old man has been arrested for impaired driving for the second time in less than three weeks, with the most recent incident involving a single-vehicle crash where it's believed the driver had tried racing a train to a railway crossing.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the area of Crawford Avenue and Gore Street shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, after receiving multiple reports of a motor vehicle collision that had just occurred.

Information from witnesses indicated that the vehicle had been travelling at a high rate of speed towards the railway crossing where a train was approaching when it became airborne and the driver lost control, crashing into a utility pole.

The driver of the vehicle attempted to run from responding officers but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Officers observed multiple signs of impairment from the driver, and located open alcohol containers and paraphernalia consistent with drug use inside the vehicle. The licence plate attached to the vehicle had been stolen.

One of the three passengers in the vehicle sustained injuries that are considered serious but not life threatening.

Mitchell CHARLIE, 32, is charged with the following:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm

• Prohibited Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Resisting Arrest

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Breach of Probation

• Breach of Release Order

The accused also faces multiple Highway Traffic Act charges.

The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.