The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a wanted person and laid provincial offence charges following proactive foot patrols in downtown Orillia.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an officer conducting a proactive foot patrol in downtown Orillia observed a driver using a handheld communication device while operating a motor vehicle. During the traffic stop, the officer determined the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant and was subsequently arrested.
As a result of the investigation, a 35-year-old from Orillia was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:
- Using a hand-held communication device while driving
- Driving while under suspension
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable collisions on Ontario roads. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have serious consequences for you, your passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.
Drivers are reminded that the use of handheld communication devices while driving is prohibited under Ontario law. Even if a phone is mounted in a holder, manually holding, using, typing, scrolling, dialing, or otherwise interacting with the device is not permitted while driving. Before getting behind the wheel, put your phone away, set your destination, and focus on driving safely. No text, call, email, or notification is worth risking a collision, injury, or loss of life.
The Orillia Detachment values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP. For non‑emergencies, contact the OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. In an emergency, call 9‑1‑1
