Off-Duty OPP officer spots reckless driver on 401, leads to impaired charge

An 81-year-old from Kingston will be in a Brockville court in March.

An off-duty member of the Ontario Provincial Police helped take an alleged impaired driver off the road after spotting dangerous driving on Highway 401 near Gananoque.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m. on February 17, 2025, the Leeds County officer observed a pickup truck being driven recklessly and alerted on-duty officers. The vehicle was later located at a local business in Gananoque, where officers conducted an investigation.

Police say the driver registered a fail on a roadside screening device and was arrested at the scene.

As a result, an 81-year-old woman from Kingston has been charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on March 20, 2026.

Her driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Story by Tim Baltz

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