Kingston man found asleep at steering wheel arrested for impaired driving

A witness concerned after spotting a stopped vehicle impeding traffic contacted police in what ended up being a case involving a driver impaired by drugs.

According to Kingston Police, at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Monday, Jun. 7, 2021, the witness saw the vehicle stopped in the northbound lane of Alfred Street in downtown Kingston. The witness observed that the vehicle was running, and that the male driver – the accused – was slumped over behind the steering wheel. Concerned that the driver was either asleep or possibly deceased, the witness contacted police.

Responding officers attempted numerous times to wake up the accused man, according to a press release from Kingston Police on Tuesday, Jun. 8, 2021. Officers then made observations that he was impaired when he finally awoke, and drug paraphernalia was observed on the front passenger’s seat of the vehicle. The man was subsequently arrested.

Joseph Shaver, 34, of Kingston, was charged with impaired operation of a conveyance (vehicle) by drug. He was later released with a future court date. His driver’s licence was automatically suspended for 90 days, and Shaver will face at least a one-year suspension if convicted. Additionally, the vehicle he was driving was seized and impounded for seven days. Shaver will be responsible for all related fees and fines.