Image

Four times the legal limit; driver could have been in coma

April 10, 2021

Alex Kurial/Local Journalism Initiative

“I have been in the criminal justice system for a number of years and I have seen a lot of high readings. However, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen readings that high,” says Justice Krista Leszczynski.

The veteran judge was referring to blood alcohol readings obtained from Johan Klassen, 27, of Dresden the night of his arrest for drunk driving in Plympton-Wyoming.

The highest reading from Klassen, a .371, is more than four and a half times the legal limit. This is considered a range where serious risk to a person’s health begins, including a coma or even death.

“It’s most aggravating, it’s most concerning,” says Leszczynski during court Mar. 17.
Klassen was flagged by an OPP officer June 29 last year for an expired plate. When he pulled into a Plympton-Wyoming gas station the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol, glossy and bloodshot eyes, and a flushed face on Klassen.

The officer also noticed an open half-drank tall-boy beer can in the cup holder and dozens of other beer cans throughout Klassen’s vehicle, some open or finished.

Klassen, who had been steadying himself against the gas station wall, was arrested and taken to the Petrolia OPP station where he gave the staggering readings.

“I’m not an alcoholic,” says Klassen. He says it was a one-off event, and he drank so much after becoming upset over a relationship issue.

“I hate drinking and driving, it’s all bad and terrible. I just made a stupid mistake, and I hope you take it easy on me,” he says.

Klassen added he doesn’t have time for probation, which had been a suggestion of the Crown.

“When individuals are operating motor vehicles with alcohol levels that high, there can only be the assumption that there must be some alcohol issues with that individual,” says Crown Attorney David Nicol.

Leszczynski told Klassen he would have to make the time, calling the incident a “red flag.” He was given 12 months of probation, during which he must complete counselling for alcohol abuse.

“Frankly sir, although you indicate this was just a stupid mistake, it’s one that could have cost you your life, or it could have cost the lives of others in this community,” says Leszczynski.

Klassen was also handed a $2,500 fine and is banned from driving for one year.

The Local Journalism Initiative supports the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.

Share This

Image
Front Page

All Canadian Clash in Gold Medal Game At U17 World Challenge

November 9, 2024

John Wright/The Independent For the first time since 2009, two Canadian teams will meet in the gold medal game of the U17 World Challenge. Canada White beat Sweden 6-4 in the first semifinal Friday in Sarnia. Mathis Preston led the way offensively recording a hat trick and an assist. Special teams continued to a big part of Canada White’s success

Read More

Image
Front Page

Flyers snap losing skid

November 8, 2024

The Petrolia Flyers snapped a mini two game losing skid by beating Lucan, 10-1 Thursday at the Greenwood Recreation Centre. Owen Peters and Andrew Jaques led the winners with four points each. Peters had two goals and two assists and Jaques scored once and added three helpers. Evan Morningstar also scored twice for Petrolia. Parker Davidson, Logan O’Leary-Dilosa, Noel Sanderson,

Read More

Image
Front Page

Lancers win Lambton-Kent volleyball titles

November 8, 2024

LCCVI has claimed both the Junior and Senior boys Lambton-Kent volleyball titles. In the Senior game, LCCVI beat John McGregor 3-0, winning the sets 25-19, 25-22 and 25-16 at home. The Juniors defeated the Wolfpack at Great Lakes 3-0. The Lancers won the sets 25-14, 25-18 and 35-14.

Read More

Image
Front Page

Two buildings destroyed in Marthaville fire

November 8, 2024

Two buildings were destroyed and at least two more were heavily damaged in a Marthaville fire. Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighters were called to Prince Street, just off Lasalle Line around 3 pm Friday. When firefighters arrived, two people were on the property with a hydro wire arching overhead, according to Fire Chief Rick Cousins. The pair left the property as high

Read More