The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged five drivers with impaired related charges within a span of five days.
On August 20, 2025, just after 7:00 p.m., OPP received a traffic complaint on Highway 60 in North Algona-Wilberforce Township. The vehicle was located a short time after. As part of the investigation a Roadside Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.
John WATERHOUSE, 29 years old, of Dundas was charged with impaired operation.
Then on August 22, 2025, just before 2:00 p.m., OPP received a traffic complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 60 in South Algonquin Township. The vehicle was reported to be all over the road and stopped at the Algonquin visitor center. Police attended and spoke to the driver.
Alexandra FINLEY, 49 years old, from Whitewater Region Township was charged with impaired operation, refusal to provide a sample as well as dangerous operation.
Later, on August 23, 2025, just before 11:30 p.m., OPP received information regarding a vehicle in the ditch in Laurentian Valley Township. As part of the investigation a Roadside Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.
Maxmillian BAGSHAW, 45 years old, of Pincourt was charged with impaired operation.
On August 24, 2025, just after 9:00 p.m., OPP stopped a driver for speeding on Murphy Road in the Town of Petawawa. As part of the investigation a Roadside Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was then transported to the detachment for further testing.
Lynden WALSH, 30 years old, of Petawawa was charged with impaired operation as well as speeding.
Again, on August 24, 2025, just after 11:30 p.m., OPP responded to a report of a vehicle stopped in a live lane of traffic on Highway 60 in Madawaska Valley Township. The driver was transported to the detachment for further testing to be conducted.
Luke ALBERT, 20 years old, of Killaloe was charged with impaired operation.
Each of the accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicles were towed and impounded for seven days. They were released to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke at a later date.
(Richard Evans)