Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged three motor vehicle operators with impaired driving this past weekend.
On Saturday August 24, 2019 at approximately 1:15 pm officers attended the area of Highway 401 westbound near Shelter Valley Road in Alnwick-Haldimand Township after receiving reports of a grey Chevrolet sedan that was pulled off onto the shoulder of the highway. The driver’s side door was open and the driver was reportedly slumped over and appeared to be in some type of distress. Officers located the vehicle and found the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. As a result of the investigation Drew DOUGHERTY (age 21) of Stittsville, Ontario was arrested and charged with Operation while impaired-alcohol and drugs, and Operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
On Sunday August 25, 2019 just after 4:30 am police received a traffic complaint involving a grey Pontiac Sedan travelling eastbound on Highway 401. The vehicle was described as swerving and unable to maintain travelling in a marked lane. Officers located the vehicle and stopped it near Gully Road in Alnwick-Haldimand Township. Kyle Taylor COUGHLAN (age 34) of Oshawa, Ontario was arrested and charged with Failure or refusal to comply with demand, and Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.
Just after 10:00 am on Sunday August 25, 2019 police stopped a white Ford SUV after it was measured travelling 41 km/h over the posted speed limit in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Hamilton Township. Upon speaking with the female driver the officer detected the odour of an alcoholic beverage. A Roadside Screening Device (ASD) was administered resulting in a “fail”. She was arrested, then transported back to the detachment for further testing. Shelby Leigh FALLIS (age 25) of Pickering, Ontario was charged with Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
All three accused were released and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on September 25, 2019. They additionally received an immediate driver’s licence suspension and the vehicles they were operating were towed and impounded.
The OPP would like to remind motorists that highway safety is a shared responsibility. If you choose to consume alcohol or drugs, plan ahead to ensure that yourself and others travelling our roadways arrive home safely.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
