The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges in two impaired driving investigations over the weekend. OPP statistics for the area indicate that impaired driving charges doubled from 2024, to last year, 2025. This year is already seeing an alarming number of impaired drivers.
On Friday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Quinte West OPP came upon a vehicle that had driven into a snowbank, the driver was arrested for impaired.
Ronald ALLEN, age 38, from Brighton, was charged with:
• Operation while impaired – alcohol
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Quinte West OPP were conducted a traffic stop, the driver was arrested impaired and taken to detachment for further testing.
Cristopher SHETTELL, age 47, from Belleville, was charged with:
• Red light – fail to stop
• Operation while impaired – alcohol
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on February 26, 2026. Their vehicles were impounded for seven days, and their licenses suspended for 90 days.
If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it. You could save a life.
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
