Street sweeper operator accused of driving erratically, crashing into ditch charged with impaired

A City of Barrie street sweeper is pictured. (Source: City of Barrie)

A street sweeper operator accused of driving erratically while impaired and crashing into a ditch in Barrie was arrested Thursday evening.

Police say they received calls about a street sweeper travelling east on Lockhart Road shortly after 7 p.m. driving into oncoming traffic and eventually becoming stuck in a ditch.

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When officers arrived, the operator was attempting to remove the machine from the ditch.

The officers said they noticed signs of impairment and arrested the 35-year-old man from Barrie.

He allegedly refused to submit suitable samples for breath analysis and ultimately was charged with impaired driving and failure or refusal to comply with demand.

He was later released from police custody, but not before being handed a 90-day driver’s licence suspension.

Additionally, the street sweeper was impounded for seven days at the registered owner’s expense.