SSM OPP – Traffic Complaint leads to Impaired Driving Charge

A traffic complaint has resulted in an impaired driving charge for one local individual.

On October 15, 2026, at approximately 2:41 p.m., an officer with the Sault Ste. Marie OPP was conducting stationary patrol on Highway 17 in Aweres Township, when they were approached by a member of the public reporting a possible impaired driver who had just left the area in a black pick-up truck, heading towards Sault Ste. Marie. Police patrolled south and located the vehicle on Sackville Road. A traffic stop was conducted, and investigation revealed the driver had consumed alcoholic beverages.

As a result, Paul KOWALYK, 58 years-of-age, of Sault Ste. Marie was arrested and charged with one count of operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 16, 2026 in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused was issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Thank you to the concerned citizen who reported this dangerous driving behaviour. If you think a driver is impaired by alcohol, drugs or even fatigue, please call 9-1-1.

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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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