Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laid charges in several unrelated incidents over the recent long weekend, including a stolen vehicle investigation, impaired driving offences, and extensive traffic enforcement.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered
On October 6, 2026, Northumberland OPP received a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence on Percy Street in the Township of Cramahe.
As part of the investigation, officers attended a local auto dismantling facility where the stolen vehicle was recovered later that day.
On October 9, 2026, police arrested an individual in connection with the incident.
Justin SPRING (40) of no fixed address has been charged with:
– Theft of motor vehicle
– Theft under $5,000
– Personation with intent – identity fraud
– Mischief
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in December 2026.
Impaired Operation
On October 12, 2026, shortly after 6:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a stationary vehicle in a live lane on Highway 401 westbound in the Municipality of Port Hope.
After speaking with the driver, officers initiated an impaired operation investigation.
As a result, Joseph VAN BELLEGHAM (35) of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in November 2026.
Officers issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and impounded the vehicles for seven days.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
Traffic Enforcement
Throughout the long weekend, Northumberland OPP officers laid 200 traffic-related charges, including:
110 speeding charges
6 stunt driving charges for excessive speed
For those motorists charged with stunt driving – excessive speed, a 30-day license suspension and 14-day impound was imposed.
Whether travelling across town or along Ontario’s highways, safe driving habits save lives.
The OPP encourages all motorists to slow down, leave adequate space between vehicles, remain focused on the road, and move over for emergency vehicles and roadside workers who are carrying out their duties in potentially hazardous conditions.
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
