Azilda man charged for drunk-driving rampage

A 67-year-old Azilda man went on a drunk-driving rampage on March 25, and at one point, tried to drive through the pedestrian tunnel that joins Dufferin Street to Frood Road, alleges Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Police said the driver was travelling eastbound on Elm Street at around 11 a.m. at the intersection of Regent Street and Beatty Street. He failed to stop for a red light, striking another vehicle and causing extensive damage.

He fled the scene, and continued along the highway, where he was seen hitting a fence and a road sign, said police.

“He then drove the pick-up truck into the pedestrian tunnel,” said a news release. “His attempt to make it through the tunnel was unsuccessful, and he again fled the area.”

Officers caught up with the driver on Lasalle Boulevard at Barrydowne Road, thanks to reports from concerned citizens. He was arrested and taken to police headquarters, where he provided breath samples showing his blood alcohol levels were more than twice the legal limit.

He is charged with a number of offences including operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 1 2015.