L&A OPP arrest two impaired drivers within five hours

The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are crediting “concerned citizens” after traffic complaints called in by members of the public led to the arrest of two impaired drivers in as many days.

In fact, the two drivers were arrested within hours of one another, the L&A OPP said in a press release on Monday, Apr. 3, 2023.

The first arrest occurred after police received a traffic complaint with regard to a driver on Glastonbury Road in Northbrook at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 1, 2023. Responding officers located the vehicle that was the subject of the complaint, and conducted a traffic stop. As part of their investigation, police administered an ‘Approved Screening Device ASD,’ which screens drivers for the presence of alcohol. The driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the L&A OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result, Justin Kennedy, 35, of Tamworth was charged with:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired – drugs and alcohol
• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit

Just hours later, police received another reported traffic complaint, this time regarding a vehicle on Main Street in Newburgh, at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, Apr. 2, 2023. OPP officers located that vehicle, and the driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the L&A OPP Detachment, according to police.

As a result, Riley Readman, 24, of Newburgh was charged with:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired – drugs and alcohol
• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired – blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit

Both Kennedy and Readman were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee at a later date. Additionally, both drivers’ licences were automatically suspended for 90 days, and could face longer suspensions if convicted. Both drivers also had their vehicles impounded for seven days. The drivers will be responsible for the fees and fines related to their respective incidents.

“The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways,” the OPP said. “Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.”