Life jackets may have saved the lives of two boaters on the weekend.
Late Sunday afternoon, Northumberland OPP responded to a report of an overturned boat on Rice Lake, in the vicinity of a marina in the Township of Hamilton.
Both individuals on board had access to life jackets at the time the boat became submerged. The Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services were also dispatched to assist.
The individuals were able to make their way to the shoreline but were unable to climb onto land due to the terrain. They were safely rescued by the fire department’s boat and transported to the marina for medical assessment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The vessel was removed from the lake on Tuesday.
Police say this incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of wearing personal flotation devices. When unexpected things happen on the water, life jackets can make all the difference.
Sunday afternoon, at approximately 4 p.m., officers responded to a report of a fail-to-remain collision on Highway 401 west in the Township of Cramahe. The caller reported no injuries. Shortly after, additional traffic complaints were received from other motorists regarding the same vehicle.
A vehicle matching the description was located and stopped by officers on Highway 401 in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand. After speaking with the driver, officers entered into an impaired driving investigation. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a local detachment for further testing.
As a result, Connor Paddon, 32 years old, from Etobicoke, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Dangerous operation
- Failure to stop after accident
In addition to a future court date, a further 90-day Administrative Driver Licence Suspension and a seven-day vehicle impound was initiated as per statute.
On June 30, 2025, a complainant attended the Northumberland Detachment to report a domestic dispute that had occurred the previous day. During the report, the victim disclosed additional details regarding multiple incidents that had taken place earlier this year. Police initiated an investigation, and an individual was sought in connection with the complaints.
On July 4, the individual was located and arrested by OPP officers in Lindsay. As a result, a 24-year-old male from Cobourg has been charged with:
- Assault with a weapon – spousal
- Forcible confinement – two counts
- Assault – spousal
- Failure to comply with probation order
- Failure to comply with undertaking
The accused was held for a bail hearing. His name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.
