(MUNICIPALITY OF PORT HOPE, ON) - Officers from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint that led to a driver being charged with impaired.

On Sunday June 8, 2025 at approximately 6:45 am police received a traffic complaint involving a silver colored passenger van heading east bound on Highway 401 near the Morrish church overpass. The vehicle was described to be travelling at a high rate of speed nearly causing two collisions. Officers located the vehicle and pulled it over at Toronto Road.

Benildus ARIYARATNAM (age 57) of Whitby, Ontario, was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on a date in August 2025.