Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two motorists in unrelated impaired driving investigations.
On January 16, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a report from a concerned citizen regarding a single‑vehicle collision in the area of Archer Road and Lakeshore Road.
Police arrived and located a passenger vehicle on its side in the ditch. The driver was uninjured. After speaking with the individual, officers entered into an impaired driving investigation. The driver was taken into custody and transported to a local OPP detachment for further testing.
Patricia BLASTORAH (54) from Cobourg, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Drive motor vehicle – no license
On January 18, 2026, shortly after 2:00 a.m., police were notified of a single‑vehicle collision on County Road 45 near Division Street.
Officers located the vehicle on the Highway 401 eastbound on‑ramp. The driver was not injured. Following initial interaction, officers commenced an impaired driving investigation. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further testing.
Grant SCHWASS (29) from North York, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Each accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in February 2026. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impound were also imposed.
If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. Your call could prevent serious consequences. Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offence, and speeding is another dangerous behavior that can lead to those same serious consequences. If you plan to drink or consume drugs, plan ahead: arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or choose another safe option. Slow down, stay sober, and help keep our roads safe for everyone.
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
