(SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two drivers with impaired-related offences during the first two days of the New Year.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, shortly after 3:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch on County Road 10, north of Concession 12 Sunnidale. Officers located the vehicle and conducted an impaired driving investigation. Subsequently, the driver was arrested.
Matthieu-Michel DASTI, a 26-year-old of Barrie, was arrested and charged with the following:
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
The male is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on February 3, 2026, to answer to the charges.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, shortly before 2:00 a.m., officers responded to a call from a male who reported being stuck in the snow on Anne Street, south of Carson Road. Upon investigation, officers determined the driver was 14 years old and had taken his father’s vehicle without consent. Officers had a suspicion of alcohol involvement and made a breath demand, which the youth refused.
The 14-year-old youth from Springwater Township, who cannot be named due to the provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), was arrested and charged with the following:
· Failure or refusal to comply with demand
The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Youth Court of Justice in Collingwood on February 5, 2026, to answer to the charges.
Although the Festive RIDE campaign has concluded, officers will continue to conduct RIDE checks throughout the year. The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety and is never worth the risk. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately. Together, we can keep our roads safe for everyone.
For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving
