Northumberland OPP say a Lindsay resident is facing charges following an impaired driving investigation in Hamilton Township.
Police say the incident occurred March 18 at around 3:50 p.m. on Oak Ridges Drive. An officer in a marked cruiser was conducting speed enforcement when another officer in an unmarked vehicle observed an oncoming pickup truck flashing its headlights, a common signal used to warn other drivers of police presence.
The vehicle was stopped, and officers began an impaired operation investigation.
Police allege the driver refused to comply with a demand for a breath sample. During the investigation, officers also observed an open container of liquor inside the vehicle.
As a result, a 50 year old driver from Lindsay is charged with refusal to comply with a demand, failing to use lower beam headlights and driving with an open container of alcohol.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in April. Police also issued a 90 day administrative driver’s licence suspension and impounded the vehicle for seven days.
Northumberland OPP is reminding the public that flashing headlights to warn other drivers of police presence, including speed enforcement, can interfere with investigations and potentially allow impaired drivers to avoid detection.
Police say refusing to provide a breath or blood sample carries the same consequences as impaired driving and urge anyone who suspects impaired driving to call 911.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)