The City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to remove impaired drivers from roadways and waterways through proactive enforcement and calls for service.
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of death and serious injury on OPP-patrolled roads and waterways. Officers remain committed to enhancing public safety by identifying and apprehending drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
On May 11, 2026, at approximately 10:19 p.m., officers were contacted by a driver who admitted to operating a vehicle while impaired. Officers located the driver on Sturgeon Street near Highway 7. Through investigation, the driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving offences.
Oscar VILCHEZ, 51-year-old of Whitby, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Failure or refusal to comply with demand
On May 15, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on Lindsay Street in Fenelon Falls. The subject had left the area and was believed to be operating a motor vehicle while impaired. Officers patrolled the area and located the individual operating an electric scooter. Through investigation, the rider was arrested and charged with impaired driving offences.
Dylan WOODCOCK, 23-year-old of Fenelon Falls, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
On May 16, 2026, at approximately 9:14 p.m., officers conducting enforcement on local waterways stopped and spoke with a watercraft operator on Four Mile Lake. Through investigation, the operator was charged with impaired driving offences.
William NASH, 66-year-old of St. Catharines, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Failure to have proof of competency on board a pleasure craft
· Operating boat underway with open container of liquor
On May 16, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a traffic complaint on Golf Course Road. Officers located the vehicle, and through investigation, the driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving offences.
Steven THOMPSON, 19-year-old of Lindsay, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor
· Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero
On May 18, 2026, at approximately 9:27 p.m., officers responded to a single motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers confirmed there were no life-altering injuries. Following the investigation, the driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving offences.
Katie CHRISTIE, 42-year-old of Peterborough, was charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
All accused individuals received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension, a seven-day vehicle impoundment, and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay at a future date.
Public Reminder
The OPP reminds motorists and boaters:
• Never operate a vehicle or vessel while impaired – plan a safe ride home.
• Call 9-1-1 if you suspect an impaired driver or operator.
• Impaired operation includes alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
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
