(ESSA TOWNSHIP, ON) (CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON)– Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment and Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a prohibited driver after an impaired driving investigation that began in Essa Township and concluded in Clearview Township on February 4, 2026.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m., police received a report of a possible impaired driver in a white Honda Civic in Essa Township. Officers located the vehicle a short time later as it attempted to leave the area. Police attempted to stop the driver who fled at a high rate of speed.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m., police were notified that the vehicle had arrived at a construction site in Clearview Township. Four occupants fled the vehicle. Officers located the driver hiding behind a building. They attempted to flee on foot but were arrested after a brief foot pursuit. Three passengers were later located and found to not be involved in the driving offences.
As a result of the investigation, Bruce CHURCHILL, a 45-year-old of Barrie has been charged with:
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
• Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Flight from peace officer
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order
The accused party was held for a Bail hearing and had their drivers licence suspended for 90 days, and their vehicle impounded for 45 days.
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.