NOVICE DRIVER WHO FLED HOME ALTERCATION OVER IMPAIRED DRIVING FOUND HIDING FROM POLICE
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MUSKOKA — A driver who fled an overnight altercation involving an accident and suspected impaired driving has been arrested and charged.
Police say early Sunday November 30, at about 2 a.m., they received a complaint of a physical dispute on University Street in Baysville and that a woman had left the residence allegedly intoxicated and was driving a damaged vehicle.
Officers learned that people at the residence where the altercation took place claimed they had been assaulted when attempting to stop the suspect from driving.
The accused had also been reportedly involved in a collision.
Officers observed the vehicle travelling northbound on Brunel Road in Huntsville — with extensive front-end damage.
After locating the vehicle at a home on Brunel Road, they found a single set of footprints from the driver’s side door heading towards the back of their residence, which led to where the suspect was hiding.
Officers say they determined the driver was impaired by alcohol.
And found cannabis in the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Kira Blanchard, 18, of Huntsville, was charged with:
- Flight from peace officer
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Assault x 2
- Fail to remain
- Possess illegal license
- Novice driver BAC above zero
- Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
Blanchard was released to appear in January 2026 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge.
She was also issued a 90 Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Two impaired charges Saturday
Saturday, two other drivers were stopped and also charged with impaired driving.
On November 29, at 3:30 a.m., officers conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge became concerned about the condition of a driver near Taylor Road.
After stopping the vehicle, they charged 32-year-old Samantha Tessier, of Chelmsford, with Impaired Operation – Over 80.
Tessier is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 16, 2025.
Later in the day, at 9:45 p.m., officers were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program on Muskoka Road 169 at Southwood Road.
After entering into an impaired driving investigation, they arrested and charged 40-year-old Riley Stead, of Gravenhurst, Impaired Operation and Over 80.
He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 30, 2025.
