(OTONABEE-SOUTH MONAGHAN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged an individual with impaired driving after a vehicle ended up in the ditch.
On Tuesday January 20, 2026, just before 7:00pm, officers from the Peterborough County OPP detachment were on patrol on County Road 2 when they observed a vehicle off the roadway. A passerby told officers that the vehicle drove through the intersection straight into the ditch.
Officers approached the vehicle and found the driver still in the vehicle. Officers assisted the driver in exiting the vehicle and after speaking with them, determined them to be impaired. Officers were also able to determine that the driver was Prohibited from driving at the time of the incident. The driver was arrested and transported to the Peterborough County OPP detachment for further testing.
Michael KESSEL (age 70) of North Frontenac Township, ON., was arrested and charged with;
• Operation while impaired
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80+)
• Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code – two counts
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on February 24, 2026.
The accused had their driver’s licence further suspended for 90-days, and their vehicle impounded for seven days.
The Peterborough County OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.
To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).