(WASAGA BEACH, SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged four individuals with impaired driving related charges over the course of one day.
On March 16, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Huronia West OPP officers responded to a single vehicle collision on County Road 90 west of George Johnson Road in Springwater Township. Officers located the vehicle and the driver at the address provided. After noticing an odour of alcohol, officers conducted an impaired driving investigation on the driver. As a result of the investigation, Isabel FARR, 19-year-old of Beeton New Tecumseth was arrested and has been charged with the following:
· Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
· Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
On March 16, 2025, at approximately 3:43 a.m., Huronia West OPP officers responded to an individual driving an all-terrain vehicle on County Road 90 in Springwater Township. Officers located the vehicle and its driver at a nearby gas station. After speaking with the individual, officers noticed an odour of alcohol and conducted an impaired driving investigation. As a result of the investigation, Michael HUGHES, 40-year-old of Essa Township was arrested and has been charged with the following:
· Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
· Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
· Two counts of Mischief Under $5000
· Fail to Comply with Probation Order
On March 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Huronia West OPP officers were conducting general patrol on Queen Street East Road in Springwater Township. Officers were alerted to a possible suspended driver by the in car Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system and conducted a traffic stop. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee from police but was caught and arrested at the scene. As a result of the investigation, Matthew LABADIE, 28-year-old of Barrie was arrested and has been charged with the following:
· Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
· Flight from Peace Officer
· Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance
· Driving while Under Suspension (HTA)
· Drive Motor Vehicle, No Currently Validated Permit (HTA)
On March 16, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Huronia West OPP officers responded to a possible impaired driver on Rose Valley Way in Wasaga Beach. Officers located the vehicle and spoke to the driver. After noticing an odour of alcohol, officers conducted an impaired driving investigation on the driver. As a result of the investigation, James SCHMIDT, 49-year-old of Wasaga Beach was arrested and has been charged with the following:
· Operation while Impaired Alcohol and Drugs
· Operation while Impaired Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
· Dangerous Operation
· Failure to Comply with Release Order other than to attend court
The accused are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Drivers and members of the public are reminded to respect our communities, comply with all laws, and not jeopardize the safety of our citizens or our neighborhoods with risky, illegal, and dangerous actions.
The OPP and Traffic Safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads. For safety and crime prevention tips, please visit our website at www.opp.ca.
The Huronia West OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Townships of Springwater and Clearview. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.