A youth was arrested and charged after taking his father's car in what's believed to be one of the first impaired-related driving offences of 2026, according to Huronia West OPP
Just before 2 a.m. on Friday, officers responded to a call from a male who reported being stuck in the snow on Anne Street, south of Carson Road. Upon investigation, officers determined the driver was a 14-years-old that had taken his father's vehicle without consent.
They became suspicious that alcohol played a factor, but the youth refused police's demand for a breath sample. Eventually, the youth, from Springwater was arrested and charged with refusal to comply with a demand.
Their appearance in front of a youth court in Collingwood is set for February 5.
In another unrelated incident, a Barrie driver was found to have driven his vehicle into a ditch on Thursday, leading to an arrest.
Just after 3 a.m., OPP responded to the report of a stuck vehicle on County Road 10, north of Concession 12 Sunnidale Road. Upon locating the vehicle, they investigated for potential impaired driving, and eventually arrested the driver.
The 26-year-old from Barrie was given two charges related to impaired driving.
He is set to appear in court in Collingwood on February 3.
"Although the Festive RIDE campaign has concluded, officers will continue to conduct RIDE checks throughout the year," Huronia West OPP said in a news release. "Impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety and is never worth the risk."
