the OPP
On Saturday at 2:41 a.m., members of the Rainy River District OPP detachment were advised of a possible impaired driver in the drive-thru of a Fort Frances restaurant.
Officers responded and tried to stop a blue Pontiac Grand Prix, but the vehicle began to increase its speed, making an obvious attempt to evade police.
The OPP, with the assistance of the Treaty #3 Police Service, engaged in a Suspect Apprehension Pursuit (SAP). Officers made three separate attempts to stop the vehicle in a safe manner, but were unsuccessful.
As the suspect vehicle speeds were increasing and it was leaving the Town of Fort Frances through Couchiching First Nation, the officers discontinued the SAP in the interest of public and police safety.
A Treaty #3 Police Service officer not involved in the initial pursuit observed the suspect vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 11 near Highway 502.
The officer followed the vehicle from a safe distance until the driver pulled over on her own.
As a result of an investigation at the scene, Alana Ottertail, 29, of Lac La Croix First Nation, was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a blood alcohol level over 80 mg, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
She also was charged with flight from a police officer and driving while under suspension.
The woman was taken into police custody and released by way of a judge’s order, with her next court appearance slated for Nov. 19 in Fort Frances.
Members of the public are urged to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 or, if safe to do so, using the non-emergency line (1-888-310-1122).
