Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laid impaired driving charges and conducted proactive traffic enforcement throughout the Labour Day long weekend.
Driver Charged with Impaired Operation
On September 4, 2026, at approximately 8:10 a.m., officers, along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of County Road 2 and Lawson Settlement Road in the Municipality of Brighton.
One driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, officers initiated a parallel impaired driving investigation, which resulted in an individual being taken into custody.
There were no serious injuries reported among the occupants of the other vehicles involved.
As a result, William SINCLAIR (18) of Prince Edward County, has been charged with:
– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
– Novice driver – B.A.C above zero
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October.
Driver Charged with Refusal
On September 5, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a traffic complaint regarding a vehicle reportedly unable to maintain its lane on County Road 30 in the Municipality of Brighton.
Police located a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller and attended to the well-being of the driver. During the response, officers initiated a parallel impaired operation investigation, which resulted in the motorist being taken into custody.
A 29-year-old male of Oakville, has been charged with:
– Failure or refusal to comply with demand
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October.
Driver Charged with Refusal
On September 5, 2026, shortly after 1:00 a.m., officers received a report regarding a possible impaired driver in the area of Bridge Street West in the Municipality of Trent Hills.
Police located a pickup truck matching the description provided and initiated an impaired driving investigation, which resulted in an individual being taken into custody.
David WATSON (55) from Campbellford, has been charged with:
– Failure or refusal to comply with demand
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in October.
For each person charged with impaired operation, a 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment were imposed.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
If you suspect a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Traffic Enforcement
Throughout the Labour Day long weekend, Northumberland OPP laid a total of 274 charges, including:
· Speeding: 181
· Seatbelt violations: 7
· Distracted driving: 3
· Stunt driving: 1
On September 7, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers conducting speed enforcement on County Road 22 in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand observed a vehicle travelling 152 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
The vehicle was stopped, and the driver, a 21-year-old male from Cobourg, was charged with:
– Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
In addition to a future court date, the driver received a 30-day license suspension and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.
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.
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
