DRIVER ARRESTED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING FOLLOWING A WEEKEND TRAFFIC STOP

(ESSA, ON)- Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual with impaired driving following a traffic stop in Essa Township

On October 19, 2025, shortly after 2:00 am, Nottawasaga OPP officers were conducting routine patrols on County Road 10, north of County Road 21 in Essa Township. Officers observed a vehicle displaying erratic driving behaviour, including intermittent braking, travelling 10 km/h below the posted speed limit of 80 km/h, and failing to maintain its lane-at times drifting toward the centre line. The driving pattern raised concerns for officer and public safety, prompting a traffic stop.

During the interaction, officers noted signs of impairment, including glassy eyes, an odour of an alcoholic beverage on the drivers breath, slow and deliberate speech, and difficulty locating his driver’s licence. Grounds were formed that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol, leading to the driver’s arrest. 

As a result of the investigation, Justin WRIGHT 43-years-old of Egbert was charged with:

Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

Dangerous operation

Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on November 27, 2025, to answer to the charges. The driver’s licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.