Alleged impaired driving continues to be a problem on local roads after Northumberland OPP says four people were charged in unrelated incidents in recent days with three of the four arrests within a 24-hour timeframe.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at about 12:45 a.m., police said they received a traffic complaint about a pick-up truck unable to maintain its lane travelling on Hwy. 401 eastbound in the Municipality of Port Hope.
OPP’s emergency response team ended up stopping the suspect vehicle, and the motorist was arrested and transported to a nearby detachment for further tests, reported police.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 48-year-old Port Hope resident was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
Also on Saturday, just after 8:30 p.m., a caller reported a possible impaired driver on Masters Road in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Officers later located a pick-up truck matching the description provided on Taylor Road, and said a single occupant appeared to be sleeping. After being woken up and interacting with police, an impaired driving investigation was initiated, leading to the accused being taken into custody and further testing at the station, reported OPP.
The investigation has led to a 58-year-old Port Hope resident charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
In another unrelated incident at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, police said they responded to a report of a driver allegedly yelling at residents and driving while impaired in the Hillside Camp Drive area in Alnwick/Haldimand.
Officers stopped the vehicle, and alleged the driver exited the vehicle to confront police before being taken into custody.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 40-year-old Alnwick/Haldimand resident was charged with dangerous operation, operation while prohibited, operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) driving while under suspension, driving a vehicle while failing to display two plates, and using a plate not authorized for a vehicle.
Finally, on Monday, Aug. 18, at about 2:40 a.m., OPP were on patrol in the King Street East Cramahe area when police allegedly observed a vehicle unable to maintain its lane before mounting a sidewalk and backing onto the roadway.
The vehicle was subsequently stopped, and the officer observed four children in the rear seat, along with an adult passenger in the front – and all passengers were not wearing seat belts, reported OPP.
After speaking with the driver, an impaired driving investigation was initiated and the motorist taken into custody, said police.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 28-year-old Whitby resident was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) careless driving, driving without a proper rear light, novice driver – B.A.C. above zero, class G2 licence holder – more passengers than seat belts, class G2 holder – excess passengers under 20, and four counts of driving while child passenger not property secured.
None of these charges in the above unrelated incidents have been proven in court.
All of the accused were dished out September court dates in Cobourg, 90-day licence suspensions, and seven-day vehicle impoundments.
Northumberland OPP continues to urge residents to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911 and for all motorists to plan ahead as opposed to driving impaired while behind the wheel.
