The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a motorist for impaired driving after a collision on Highway 401.
On Saturday March 22, 2025, just after 6:00 p.m., Quinte West OPP was conducting radar enforcement on the eastbound 401, and an officer had stopped a vehicle for speeding. While the officer was speaking to the driver on the shoulder of the road, a second, unrelated vehicle stopped on the shoulder. That driver wanted to advise the officer of a suspected impaired driver.
Moments later, a vehicle (the one in which the driver was suspected to be impaired) drove into the back of the stopped vehicle, pushing it forward into the initial vehicle stopped by police. The impact pushed the officer into the ditch.
Other officers, Quinte West Fire and Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Service responded to the scene. There were no serious injuries were sustained.
The driver of the vehicle which collided with the others was arrested and transported to the Quinte West OPP Detachment for testing.
Yuliya LESYK, a 45-year-old resident of Oakville, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Dangerous operation
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville, April 10, 2025. Additionally, the vehicle was impounded for seven days, and their licence was suspended for 90 days.
If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it. Provided as much detail about the vehicle and driver as possible. The quicker police receive the information, the quicker they can respond. You could save a life.
This incident also reflects the need for ALL drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stopped police, other emergency vehicles, or tow trucks, stopped at the side of the road.
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
