Impaired wrong-way driver nearly hits officer head-on, flees towards U.S. border: OPP

An impaired driver heading the wrong way on Highway 401 nearly crashed into a police officer head-on before fleeing towards the United States, Ontario Provincial Police say.

OPP said that on Wednesday just before 8 p.m., officers with the Grenville County detachment received calls about a vehicle heading westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near the Town of Prescott in eastern Ontario.

“At that time, an off-duty police officer in an unmarked police vehicle was travelling eastbound and was almost struck head-on by the suspect vehicle as it continued in the wrong direction,” OPP said.

“The officer saw the suspect driver make a U-turn and begin driving eastbound and followed them as they exited the highway at Johnstown and came to a stop.”

The officer identified themselves and tried to stop the driver, but the suspect fled towards the United States border crossing at a high speed, police said.

The suspect then made another U-turn to head away from the United States and back towards the Canadian side, again driving in the wrong direction, police said.

Another officer arrived at the scene, blocked the exit and the driver came to a stop in front of the police car that has its lights on, OPP said.

“Officers made observations of the driver and entered into an impaired driving investigation. The driver was subsequently arrested and a drug recognition evaluation was later conducted,” police said.

The driver was the only person inside of the vehicle.

A 46-year-old man from Brockville was charged with operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs, as well as dangerous driving.

He was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 20.