(ESSA, ON) - The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one driver for refusing to comply with a breath demand over the Thanksgiving long weekend in Essa Township.
On October 13, 2025, shortly after 8:30 am, Nottawasaga OPP were conducting general patrols in the area of Willoughby Road and the 5th Line in Essa Township when officers observed a driver asleep behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
Upon initial contact, the officer detected an odour of alcohol on the driver’s breath. Based on the driver’s behaviour, the officer formed a suspicion of impairment by alcohol and issued an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand. The driver subsequently refused to comply.
The driver: Fred TAH 40 years-old, of Barrie, was arrested and charged with:
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
- Fail to surrender insurance card
- Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
In addition to the charges, the driver was issued a 90-day license suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Bradford on November 6, 2025, to answer to the charges.