The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a number of individuals in unrelated incidents recently.
Hastings Man Charged with Theft
On May 9, 2025, police received a complaint from an owner of a business in Alderville regarding an individual who had stolen approximately $750 worth of product and $60 in cash on April 6, 2025.
As a result of the investigation, an individual was arrested on May 10, 2025.
Nicholas VANHOEKELEN (age 23), from Hastings, has been charged with:
– Theft under $5,000.
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg at a future date.
Bridgenorth Man Charged with Impaired
On May 10, 2025, at around 10:35 a.m., police received a traffic complaint regarding a passenger vehicle unable to maintain it’s lane while travelling south on Burnham Street North in the Township of Hamilton. OPP stopped a vehicle matching the description provided a nd following speaking to the driver, officers entered into an impaired operation investigation. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand was made of which the motorist complied. With the result of ‘FAIL’, the individual was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further tests.
Harry PROCTOR (age 18), from Bridgenorth, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Driver – fail to properly wear seat belt
– Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero.
Brighton Man Charged with Impaired/Mischief
On May 11, 2025, shortly before 2:00 a.m., police reported to a report of a disturbance near an address on Meade Street in the Municipality of Brighton. The caller advised that two persons had caused damage to the windows of a vehicle and a residence.
Officers stopped two individuals in a vehicle matching the description provided by the complainant on Elizabeth Street. Upon speaking with the driver, OPP entered into an impaired operation investigation. As a result, the accused was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further tests. The passenger was also taken into custody in relation to mischief.
Leland STILES (age 19), from the Municipality of Brighton, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Mischief
– Class G1 licence holder – carry front-seat passenger
– Class G1 licence holder – drive at unlawful hour
– Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver
– Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero.
A 17-year-old from the Municipality of Brighton, has been charged with:
– Mischief – two counts.
They shall not be named due to the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
Both are due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg at a future date.
Brighton Man Charged with Impaired
On May 11, 2025, at around 1:45 p.m., police responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 eastbound in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Officers arrived an observed a passenger vehicle off the highway and among the trees near the off ramp at Lyle Street. Police spoke to the uninjured driver and began an impaired operation investigation. An ASD demand was made and following the result, the accused was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment.
Darren WHITEHEAD (age 37), from the Municipality of Brighton, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available.
Family Dispute Leads to Assault Charge
On May 13, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., OPP responded to a report of a family dispute at a residence in Alderville. The complainant advised that they had been assaulted. The accused had left the location before the arrival of police. No injuries were reported.
On May 14, 2025, a 21-year-old male, from Roseneath was taken into custody and has been charged with:
– Assault with a weapon
– Break, enter dwelling house – commit indictable offence
– Mischief – domestic
– Forcible entry.
The accused was held for bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg. They shall not be named to protect the identity of the victim.
In addition to a future court date for each accused charged with impaired operation, a further 90-day Administrative Driver Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impound was initiated as per statute.
If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life. Whether you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired and driving under the influence of either is a criminal offence. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
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
