R.I.D.E check and vehicle operating with four flat tires lead to separate impaired charges in Lanark County

Lanark OPP charged two area residents with impaired driving in separate incidents over the weekend.

The first occurred during a R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) check on Rideau Ferry Road in Drummond-North Elmsley Township on Friday, May 22, 2026, at about 10 p.m.

The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP Detachment in Perth for testing. 

As a result of the investigation, Michael Scala, 40, of Beckwith Township, has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

Charges have not been proven in court.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Monday, July 6, 2026. 

The second incident happened in Carleton Place on Saturday, May 23 just after 11:15 p.m., after officers responded to a complaint of a suspected impaired driver in operating a vehicle with four flat tires. Police say the vehicle fled when officers approached, and was stopped a short time later on Townline Road W in Carleton Place.

The driver was arrested and transported to the Carleton Place detachment for testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jewel Chole Canough, 25, of Drummond-North Elmsley, has been charged with:

·        Flight from a peace officer

·        Failure or refusal to comply with breath demand

Charges have not been proven in court.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Monday, July 13, 2026. 

Both drivers had their licences suspended for 90 days (Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension), and their vehicles impounded for seven days.