The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges in an impaired driving investigation.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., a traffic stop on Richard Street, Quinte West, led Quinte West OPP to suspect a motorist may have been under the influence of alcohol.
The driver was arrested and transported to the Quinte West Detachment where charges were laid under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
Hayden L’ESPERANCE, age 31, from Quinte West, was charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving while under suspension
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on September 17, 2026. Additionally, the vehicle was impounded for seven days, and their licence suspended for 90 days.
Meantime, Quinte West OPP laid charges in a separate impaired driving investigation.
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, at approximately 2:25 p.m., members of the Quinte West Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team were conducting a RIDE program at the intersection of River Drive and Fish and Game Club Road, where an Approved Screening Device (ASD) was utilized, resulting in the arrest of a driver for being impaired. The driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.
Michael MOUNTENAY, age 41, from Quinte West, was charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on September 24, 2026. Additionally, the vehicle was impounded for seven days, and their licence suspended for 90 days.
If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it. You could save a life.
