Delta driver facing numerous impaired related charges after arriving at RIDE check with cannabis, open liquor

A RIDE checkpoint in Leeds County led to impaired driving charges for a Delta man on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Police say in a media release that Leeds County OPP officers were running a RIDE program on Hicock Road near Lyndhurst shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, when a pickup truck entered the stop. Police say the driver was arrested a short time later on suspicion of impaired driving.

A search of the truck reportedly led officers to open alcohol in the back seat and cannabis that police say was within reach of the driver.

J. Randall Benson, 60, of Delta, is charged with impaired operation by alcohol and drugs, impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit, driving with open liquor and driving with cannabis readily available. Charges have not been proven in court.

He was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Brockville on Dec. 19. His licence was suspended for 90 days. The vehicle was towed and held for seven days.

Police say more RIDE programs are being set up across the province as the holiday season approaches. They urge drivers not to drink and drive and to report unsafe behaviour by calling the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.