On September 15, 2025 at 11:45 p.m., officers of the Huntsville O.P.P. were conducting a R.I.D.E. CHECK on Centre Street observing for impaired drivers.
Officers observed a blue pickup truck travelling on Centre Street as it approached the checkpoint. Police detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver and an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a cup holder. Police had the driver perform a roadside test, which the driver failed.
As a result of the investigation, Zachary McDowell, 36 years old of Huntsville Ontario, has been charged with Operation while impaired – alcohol – 80 plus.
The accused is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge at a later date.
The vehicle has been impounded for 7 days and the accused was also served a 90 Administrative Driver’s License Suspension.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING.
Prescription medication is a drug and can impair your ability to drive
This event could have easily been avoided had the driver planned ahead before consuming alcohol or drugs. Don’t include alcohol or drugs in any plans to drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another option that takes driving out of the picture altogether.
If you suspect impaired driving, please call 911. Keep our roads safe!
