Suspect faces multiple charges after attempting to flee from police

FORT FRANCES, ON – On the evening of September 15, 2024, at approximately 7:00 pm, officers from the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint regarding a suspected impaired driver. The vehicle was located on Highway 11 in Watten Township, near George Armstrong Drive.

As the OPP officer approached, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief pursuit, the officer apprehended the individual, later identified as Emmery McGINNIS, 41, of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation (Red Gut). McGinnis was found to be impaired and criminally prohibited from operating a vehicle.

McGINNIS faces several charges, including impaired operation by alcohol and drugs, impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg, and operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code.

Additionally, McGINNIS was charged with offences related to open liquor and cannabis. His vehicle was impounded for seven days, and he received an administrative suspension. McGINNIS is scheduled to appear in the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on November 4, 2024.

Fact about Impaired Driving:
Police can demand breath samples hours after the offence. Courts can recalculate blood alcohol concentration levels based on the time elapsed before the breath test was administered.