We're being reminded that refusing to provide a breath sample carries the same penalties as impaired driving.
The message from Sarnia police comes after two incidents just hours apart over the weekend.
On October 29, at around 12:15 a.m., officers were called to a crash at Brock Street North and George Street.
Police demanded a breath sample from one of the drivers who allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol. Police said the accused refused to provide a proper breath sample and wouldn't cooperate with the officer’s instructions. It's alleged the driver also resisted arrest when officers attempted to handcuff him and place him in the cruiser.
A 41-year-old from Camlachie was charged with refusing to provide a breath sample and resisting arrest.
On the same day, at around 2:40 a.m., a local taxi driver dropped off a fare in the 1300 block of London Road and then noticed them walking over to a parked vehicle, and quickly driving away.
Police were called, and officers spotted the vehicle travelling westbound on London Road at a high rate of speed. The driver was eventually cornered in the parking lot of the London Road Shopping Centre and was arrested.
It's alleged the driver, who was showing signs of impairment, was taken to police headquarters and refused to provide two valid breath samples.
A 24-year-old Sarnia man was charged with operation of a conveyance while impaired by alcohol and refusing to provide a breath sample.
