Ralph BELANGER – Impaired Operation

Source: OPP
Date: Fri May 9 04:32:48 MST 2025

(ESPANOLA, ON) – One person is facing impaired-related charges after police received a report of a suspicious vehicle.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a suspicious vehicle near Albert Street in Espanola. Shortly after, police located the vehicle at a parking lot on Centre Street in Espanola, and conducted a traffic stop. Police noticed an odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, and further investigation on scene resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

As a result, Ralph BELANGER, 61-years-old from Espanola, was charged with:

Operation while impaired – Drugs
Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Monday, July 7, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.