What began as a routine patrol quickly escalated into a series of incidents that kept officers busy within a one-kilometre stretch of Innisfil Beach Road, resulting in two arrests and nine charges in less than one hour.
(INNISFIL, ON) – On March 5, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., South Simcoe Police officers conducting proactive patrol on Sideroad 5 in Innisfil were alerted to a vehicle associated with a driver required to operate with an ignition interlock device. Officers conducted a traffic stop and determined the vehicle was not equipped with the required device for the driver. As a result, a 24-year-old male from Orangeville was arrested and charged with:
• Operate conveyance while prohibited – Criminal Code
• Improper braking system – Highway Traffic Act
The vehicle licence plates were seized, and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days. The accused is scheduled to appear in court at a future date.
Approximately 30 minutes later, at 1:15 p.m., police responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision near Innisfil Beach Road and Highway 400. Officers located the vehicle in the ditch. No injuries were reported. While officers remained on scene managing the collision, a third incident occurred nearby.
At approximately 1:50 p.m., police were alerted by a tow truck operator who reported that his arm and foot had been struck by a passing vehicle as it was slowing down for a red light near the collision scene. Officers immediately conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, officers detected a strong odour of alcohol from the driver and observed signs of impairment. Through investigation, police located opened alcoholic beverages in the centre console of the vehicle.
As a result, a 68-year-old male from Coldwater was charged with the following offences:
• Operation while impaired – Alcohol and drugs – s.320.14(1)(a) Criminal Code
• Operation while impaired – Blood alcohol concentration – s.320.14(1)(b) Criminal Code
• Dangerous operation – s.320.13(1) Criminal Code
• Fail to slow down and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle or tow truck – s.159(2) Highway Traffic Act
• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor – s.42(1) Liquor Licence and Control Act
• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor readily available – s.42(1)(b) Liquor Licence and Control Act
• Drive motor vehicle with no currently validated permit – s.7(1)(a) Highway Traffic Act
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on April 16, 2026.
Fortunately, the tow operator was wearing steel-toe safety boots, which helped prevent serious injury. He did not require medical attention.
Drivers are reminded that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and death on our roads. Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing drugs – including those prescribed for medical purposes and be sure to plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride to and from your destination.
Police also remind motorists that slow down and move over laws exist to protect those working on Ontario roadways, including emergency responders and tow operators. These incidents serve as an important reminder that dangerous and impaired driving continues to put lives at risk, even during routine roadside responses.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in protecting our communities.
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Media Contact: Samah Othman, Corporate Communications Specialist
Email: samah.othman@southsimcoepolice.ca