A Toronto man is facing charges after an alleged impaired driving by drug incident stretching across Hwy. 401 in Northumberland, according to OPP.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, at about 9:45 a.m., Northumberland OPP said police were alerted by a concerned citizen about a vehicle being driven in “an erratic manner” travelling westbound from the Colborne area.
Police said the vehicle was described as travelling at inconsistent speeds, unable to maintain its position in a marked lane and braking often.
Officers caught up with the suspect vehicle and also allegedly observed it being driven in an unsafe and dangerous manner to other motorists on the highway.
“The officer in a fully-marked cruiser made attempts to stop the vehicle; however, the driver failed to pull over,” reported OPP. “The officer then pulled up alongside the vehicle with lights and sirens activated and still had (to) roll their window down to motion and vocally tell the driver to pull over.”
Police said the vehicle eventually pulled onto the on-ramp at Toronto Road in the Municipality of Port Hope and “stopped in a live lane.”
After interacting with the driver, police allege signs of impairment were observed, resulting in the accused being arrested and then transported to the Quinte West OPP detachment where a drug recognition evaluation was completed.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 42-year-old Toronto man was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and dangerous operation.
None of these charges have been proven in court. The accused is set to appear in Cobourg court on July 16, 2025.
Police continue to encourage citizens to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
