Police said a vehicle was pulled over on County Road 17 for “travelling at excessive speed” shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. Officers used a screening device on the driver and took them to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Russell County detachment for further testing.

Jonathan Gardner, 27, of Ottawa was charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration, operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, drive motor vehicle race a motor vehicle – excessive speed and driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor.

A 25-year-old from Ottawa was also charged with permit motor vehicle to be operated without insurance and permit unlicensed person to drive motor vehicle. The vehicle was impounded for seven days. The accused are due to face the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal at a later date. The charges have not yet been proven.