Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in several unrelated incidents recently, including two impaired driving investigations that originated as speeding stops.
On October 20, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., officers were conducting traffic enforcement on County Road 22 in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand when a vehicle was observed travelling at 141 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
The vehicle was stopped and, after speaking with the driver, officers initiated an impaired operation investigation, resulting in the individual being taken into custody.
Alim BAYTEKIN (39) of Warkworth has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Dangerous operation
– Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in December 2026.
On October 19, 2026, shortly after 1:00 a.m., an officer was on patrol on Highway 401 westbound in the Township of Hamilton when a vehicle was observed travelling at 161 km/h.
The vehicle was stopped and, after interacting with the driver, officers initiated an impaired operation investigation which resulted in the motorist being taken into custody.
Christopher WATSON (32) of Cobourg, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
– Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in November 2026.
In both impaired operation incidents, officers imposed a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and impounded the vehicles for seven days.
The Northumberland OPP continues to encourage the public to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Drivers should arrange for a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, stay overnight, or make other transportation arrangements.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
On October 10, 2026, police responded to a dispute on Rabbit Road in the Municipality of Brighton. During the investigation, officers also reviewed several related incidents that had been reported over the previous year.
In October 18, 2026, Pamela BASSETT (74), of Brighton, was charged with:
– Mischief – interfere with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property – under $5,000
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in January 2027.
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 1-8 88-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 or www.ontariocrimestoppers.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
