On Thursday June 19, 2025, at approximately 9:45 am, members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were alerted by a concerned citizen regarding a reddish colored Ford two door sedan being driven in an erratic manner travelling westbound on Highway 401 from the Colborne area.
The vehicle was described as travelling at inconsistent speeds, unable to maintain position in a marked lane, and braking often. Officers located the suspect vehicle and observed it to being driven in a manner that was unsafe and dangerous to other motorists on the highway. The officer in a fully marked cruiser made attempts to stop the vehicle, however the driver failed to pull over. The officer then pulled up along side the vehicle with lights and sirens activated and still had roll their window down to motion and vocally tell the driver to pull over. The vehicle finally pulled into the highway 401 on-ramp at Toronto Road and stopped in a live lane. Upon officers’ interaction with the driver, it became apparent the individual was displaying obvious signs of impairment. The driver was arrested for impaired operation then transported to the OPP detachment in Quinte West where a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE) was completed.
As a result of the investigation Michael WALLACE (age 42) of Toronto Ontario, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Dangerous operation
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on July 16, 2025.
Police continue to rely on members of the public to report suspected impaired drivers. Many of these drivers are caught because of concerned citizens being conscious of irregular or erratic driving behavior’s that continue to put other motorists at risk.
The Northumberland County OPP reminds motorists that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.
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
