(ESSA TOWNSHIP, ON) – Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), while conducting Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints, have charged two individuals with multiple charges in unrelated incidents.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, shortly after 12:00 a.m., the Nottawasaga OPP while conducting a RIDE checkpoint on County Road 10 in Essa, observed a vehicle turn around before the checkpoint in what was believed an attempt to evade interacting with police.
Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the in car Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) device alerted police that the licence plate was unattached to any vehicle. Police spoke with the driver and learned the driver was currently prohibited from driving.
Shortly afterwards another driver approached the RIDE checkpoint and did not stop as directed and drove through the RIDE with officers standing on the highway. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and investigated.
As a result of the first investigation, the driver, Blayne O’ROURKE, a 30-year-old of Innisfil, has been charged with:
• Operation While Prohibited
• Use plate not authorized for vehicle
• Fail to notify change of name
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Fail to surrender of insurance card
As a result of the second investigation, the driver, Justin SMITH, a 19-year-old of Brampton has been charged with:
• Fail to stop for police
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Driver fail to surrender licence
• Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance
The first driver received a 45 day impound of the vehicle they were driving and was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford. The second driver was issued four Part III Summons with a future court date to answer to the charges.
The OPP remains committed to keeping Ontario roads safe from impaired drivers. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1 immediately to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.