SSM OPP – Driver arrested in Stolen Vehicle driving Impaired

An individual is facing numerous criminal charges after a single motor vehicle collision north of the city.

On July 17, 2025, at approximately 3:37 a.m., the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a stolen vehicle occurrence at the Searchmont Community Centre and Fire Hall. While en route to the call, officers were notified that Searchmont Community Volunteer firefighters had located the stolen vehicle in a ditch on Highway 532, near Station Road. Police attended and determined the driver to be impaired by an unknown substance. The driver was transported to the Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment for further testing.

Investigation revealed the driver was the same individual who was involved in a police pursuit the previous day, after multiple citizens called in traffic complaints on Highway 17 between Huron Shores and Goulais River. Complaints were of a vehicle driving erratically, at high rates of speed and failing to stop in constructions zones.

Further investigation also revealed the driver had provided officers with someone else’s driver’s licence. Police were able to confirm the driver’s identity, where it was discovered they were prohibited from driving a motor vehicle.

As a result, Blake COLLINGS, 21 years-of-age, of London was arrested and charged with:

• Theft over $5,000 of a motor vehicle
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Identity theft – possess another person’s identity information
• Personation with intent to avoid arrest
• Obstruct justice
• Public mischief
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Dangerous operation – three counts
• Flight from peace officer
• Operation while prohibited under the criminal code
• Fail to comply with probation order
• Failure to comply with release order – two counts

The accused was held for a bail hearing, and subsequently remanded into custody. The accused was also issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension.

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OPP

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provide policing services throughout Ontario. Our officers are responsible for policing over one million square kilometres of land and waterways. They provide frontline policing services to more than 320 Ontario municipalities and patrol over 126,000 kilometres of provincial roadways.

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