On December 26 and 27, members of our Integrated Traffic Safety Unit (ITSU) and Patrol Operations conducted Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checks as part of our Festive Campaign. Several notable incidents occurred, resulting in arrests and one fail-to-stop at a RIDE check, the fourth fail-to-stop incident since the campaign launched in November.

 

Incident #1

On December 26, 2025, an off-duty officer observed a vehicle being driven erratically while on his way to work. The off-duty officer contacted the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centre and provided details about the vehicle and its direction of travel. Officers in the area located the vehicle and confirmed the erratic driving before initiating a traffic stop on Kathleen Street.

Upon speaking with the driver, officers detected signs of impairment and observed multiple containers of alcohol in plain view. The driver was arrested for impaired operation and transported to police headquarters, where she registered more than twice the legal limit.

The 32-year-old woman has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration 80mgs+
  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

She was released with a court date of January 21, 2026, to answer to the charges. Her name cannot be released at this time as the information has not yet been sworn to through the court process.

 

Incident #2

On December 26, 2025, officers were conducting a RIDE check on Regent Street at Ramsey View Court when a dark-coloured pickup truck sped through the checkpoint, narrowly avoiding a vehicle that had stopped for officers. Officers on foot directed the driver to pull over, but the vehicle continued driving erratically and nearly left the roadway.

Due to concerns for public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing to identify the driver.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171.

 

Incident #3

On December 27, 2025, officers conducting a RIDE check on Lorne Street stopped a vehicle where the driver was acting erratically. The driver provided a false identity and was arrested for Obstruct Peace Officer.

A database search revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for an impaired driving incident on November 7, 2025.

A search of the vehicle incident to arrest uncovered drug paraphernalia. Based on the driver’s behaviour and the items found, officers formed reasonable grounds to believe the driver was impaired by drugs.

The driver was transported to police headquarters, where a Drug Recognition Expert confirmed impairment by drugs.

44-year-old Ryan Arlt has been charged with:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Driving While Under Suspension

Ryan Arlt attended Bail Court on December 27, 2025, to answer to the charges.

 

Incident #4

On December 27, 2025, officers conducting a RIDE check on Frood Road at Burton Avenue stopped a vehicle and requested identification. The driver refused to provide a driver’s licence and gave multiple birth dates, failing to properly identify himself.

Through investigation, officers identified the individual and arrested him for Obstruct Peace Officer. A search of the individual and vehicle incident to arrest revealed 7.5 grams of suspected cocaine, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia. It was also determined the driver was bound by a probation order with conditions prohibiting him from operating a motor vehicle and possessing controlled substances. Officers formed reasonable grounds to believe the driver was impaired by drugs.

The driver was transported to police headquarters, where a Drug Recognition Expert confirmed impairment by drugs.

47-year-old John Markell has been charged with:

  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Impaired Operation
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Drive While Under Suspension
  • Breach of Probation Order x2

John Markell attended Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) Court on December 28, 2025, to answer to the charges.

 

Over the two days, officers stopped 466 vehicles, administered 14 Approved Screening Device, 57 Mandatory Alcohol Screening Tests, 2 Standard Field Sobriety Tests and conducted four Drug Recognition Evaluations.

We want to thank everyone who made the responsible choice to drive sober. Your commitment to safety helps protect lives and keeps our roads safer for everyone We also extend our sincere gratitude to our officers who continue to brave harsh weather conditions to conduct RIDE checks throughout the year and festive season. Their dedication ensures offenders are held accountable and reinforces our shared goal of making our roadways safe.

 

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