Police charge 40-year-old man who was sleeping with drunk driving and more

On Thursday, police charged a 40-year-old Batchewana man with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, dangerous operation and possession of a schedule one substance.

Around 10:50 a.m., a 911 call reported a car collision on Great Northern Road at St. Georges Avenue.

“It was also reported that the vehicle nearly collided with another vehicle in a parking lot in the 200 block of McNabb Street,” police said in a statement.

Once officers arrived at the scene, they located one of the vehicles involved parked in a snowbank with the driver asleep inside. No physical injuries were reported.

While speaking with the driver, officers developed reason to believe that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs.

“Approximately one gram of suspected heroin was also observed in the center console of the vehicle,” police said.

“A drug recognition expert conducted an evaluation of the defendants and determined that they were impaired.”

Police charged Michael Bjornaa with:

• Operation while intoxicated: drugs and/or alcohol
• Operation in a state of deterioration: drug concentration in blood
• Dangerous operation
• Possession of Schedule I Substances

The defendant was released following a notice to appear and is scheduled to appear in court on February 3, 2025.

None of the allegations have been proven in court and Bjornaa is considered innocent unless proven guilty.