Northumberland OPP – Motorist Charged with Refusal After Flashing Headlights at Onduty OPP Officer (Name Released)
The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual following an impaired operation investigation.
On March 18, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., an officer was parked in a fully marked cruiser off Oak Ridges Drive in the Township of Hamilton. A second officer, travelling on the same road in an unmarked cruiser, was approached by an oncoming pick-up truck whose driver flashed their headlights.
The motorist was stopped, and after speaking with the driver, officers began an impaired operation investigation. The individual was taken into custody, and an open container of liquor was observed inside the vehicle.
Benjamin LATCHFORD (50) from Lindsay, has been charged with:
– Failure or refusal to comply with demand
– Fail to use lower beam – oncoming
– Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in April, 2026. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven day vehicle impound were also imposed.
OPP would like to remind the public that intentionally flashing headlights to alert other motorists to upcoming police presence can interfere with ongoing investigations and compromise public safety. Such actions may unintentionally warn impaired drivers, suspended drivers, individuals operating unsafe vehicles, or persons involved in criminal activity. It may also hinder police responses to time-sensitive matters such as Amber Alerts.
The Northumberland OPP also would like to remind the public that failing to provide a suitable sample of breath or blood upon an officers demand, carries the same consequences as ‘Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs’, and ‘Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)’.
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 behaviour 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.
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