Barrie police say a "potential tragedy was likely averted" after a community member contacted them to report a driver asleep behind the wheel.
Officers located the vehicle parked at an industrial plaza on Anne Street South, south of Tiffin Street.
"After a number of attempts to wake him, police were able to arouse the driver, but quickly realized that he was impaired by drug," Peter Leon, communications coordinator with the service, said Tuesday morning in a release.
"He was subsequently arrested for impaired driving and was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters for further investigation. Police also seized a quantity of suspected cocaine that was found on the man at the time of his arrest and in the car."
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Leon says a drug recognition evaluator confirmed the Barrie man, who just turned 51 that day, was impaired by drugs.
He was also charged with:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
- Trafficking of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
- Failure to Comply with a Probation Order
He is scheduled to appear in Barrie court on January 27, 2025.
"The responding officers wish to thank the concerned citizen who contacted police and reported this driver to police as it is evident from the investigation that followed, that this male was in no condition to drive," Leon continued.
"This call for service is an excellent example of the positive results that can occur when the public and police work together and police look forward to continuing this positive relationship in 2025!"
