Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a number of individuals in unrelated incidents.
MULTIPLE DRIVERS CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED IN NORTHUMBERLAND RECAP
1. (NORTHUMBERLAND, ON) – Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a number of individuals in unrelated incidents.
Impaired Operation
On June 5, 2026, shortly after 9:00 p.m., a concerned member of the public reported a single-vehicle collision on Lakeport Road in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Police arrived at the location where a passenger vehicle had entered a ditch. The lone occupant was uninjured. After speaking with the motorist, officers initiated an impaired operation investigation.
As a result, the individual was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further testing.
Kenneth HENNING (46) from Colborne, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in July.
On June 7, 2026, at around 5:30 p.m., police received a number of traffic complaints regarding a pickup truck unable to maintain its lane, with its hazard lights flashing, while travelling eastbound on Highway 401 in the Municipality of Port Hope.
Officers located and stopped a vehicle matching the description provided. After speaking with the driver, police initiated an impaired operation investigation, which resulted in the individual being taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further testing.
Kevin KERR (29) from Thornbury, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
· Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in July.
On June 7, 2026, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the fire department, and police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Shearer Point Road in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Police arrived at the location where a passenger vehicle had collided with a hydro pole. Non-life-threatening injuries were reported.
After speaking with the lone occupant, OPP officers initiated an impaired operation investigation, which resulted in the motorist being taken into custody.
Kathy FINLAYSON (44) from Oshawa, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in July.
On June 8, 2026, at around 8:30 p.m., OPP officers were on patrol on Concession Road 8 West in the Municipality of Trent Hills when they observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder.
Police stopped to check on the well-being of the driver. After interacting with the individual, the officer initiated an impaired operation investigation.
Kevin SAWYER (30) from the Municipality of Trent Hills, was arrested and charged with:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in July.
In addition, a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impound were issued for each of the accused.
Motor Vehicle Collision
On June 5, 2026, at around 10:20 p.m., police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Trent River Road in the Municipality of Trent Hills.
An uninvolved caller advised that both occupants of the pickup truck appeared uninjured and provided descriptions. EMS were also dispatched as a precaution.
Both individuals fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of emergency services. There was an increased police presence in the area, as the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Canine Unit (K9) attended to assist with the investigation; however, no persons connected to the incident were located.
Investigators were able to identify the driver of the vehicle a number of hours after the event and took one person into custody the following day.
Everett COCHRANE (21) from Campbellford, has been charged with:
· Obstruct peace officer
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in July.
Theft
On April 26, 2026, police received a complaint regarding a dispute over property. It was alleged that a number of electronic items, including two computers, were not returned to the owner.
Following an investigation, police took one person into custody on June 8, 2026.
Kelly RUCKSTUHL (34) from the Municipality of Trent Hills, has been charged with:
· Theft under $5,000
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in August.
Members of Northumberland OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 705-745-9000 or www.stopcrimehere.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
