On Saturday November 21, 2020, members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot checks throughout Northumberland County. As a result of their efforts two alleged impaired drivers were removed from our roadways.
(MUNICIPALITY OF PORT HOPE, ON) – Just after 1:00 pm a white Buick four door sedan approached a RIDE check point being conducted on Ganaraska Road. Officers detected an odour of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP detachment in Cobourg after failing a Roadside Screening Device (ASD) test. Officers seized liquor, cannabis and unmarked tobacco from within the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation David John STEPHEN (age 51) of Clarington, Ontario was arrested and charged with;
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on December 30, 2020.
A passenger within the vehicle was additionally charged under the Tobacco Tax Act for being in possession of unmarked cigarettes.
(CRAMAHE TOWNSHIP, ON) – At approximately 4:00 pm, a grey GMC pickup truck approached a RIDE check point being conducted on County Road 21. Officers detected the odour of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver. A Roadside Screening Device (ASD) was administered to the vehicle operator at the scene resulting in a “fail”. The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP detachment in Brighton for further testing.
As a result of the investigation Blair HADWEN (age 63) of Cramahe Township, was arrested and charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on January 6, 2021.
The OPP remains committed to enforcing impaired driving laws and educating road users about the dangers posed by motorists who drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drivers need to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair one’s ability to drive. Do your part in keeping our roads safe by planning ahead.
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
