Collision in Tyendinaga Township leads to impaired driving charges

A Belleville driver is facing multiple charges after a two-vehicle collision took place on Blessington Road in Tyendinaga Township over the weekend.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a motor vehicle collision on Blessington Road in Tyendinaga Township.  

According to a release from the OPP, an eastbound vehicle and a westbound vehicle collided in the eastbound lane of Blessington Road. No injuries were reported.

The driver of the westbound vehicle was showing signs of impairment, according to the release. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was administered and the driver was subsequently arrested and transported to detachment for processing. According to the OPP, further investigation revealed evidence of dangerous driving and uttering threats to cause harm.  

L&A County OPP has charged Marsel Blackwood, age 43, of Belleville, ON with:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drug;
• Operation of a motor vehicle while over legal blood alcohol limit;
• Utter threat;
• Drive while suspended; and
• Drive motor vehicle with open liquor readily available.

Blackwood was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee in March 2022. Their licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. They will be responsible for all related fees and fines.