(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – Numerous drivers were arrested for impaired related offences in Essex County over the long weekend.
On Friday February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:31 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted traffic stop in relation to a shoplift occurrence on Erie Street South in the Municipality of Leamington.
As a result of the investigation, two persons were charged.
Cassandra PALMER, 35-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Liquor Licence Act and Cannabis Control Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Theft Under $5000-Shoplifting
- Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place
- Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
- Drive motor vehicle – no licence
Also, Margaretha JANZEN, 38-years-old of Leamington, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offence:
- Theft Under $5000-Shoplifting
Both accused are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 25, 2026, to answer to the charge.
At approximately 9:57 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a single motor vehicle collision on Arthur Avenue in the Town of Essex.
Daniel GRATTON, 41-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Dangerous Operation
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 25, 2026, to answer to the charges.
On February 14, 2026, at approximately 4:42 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on Amy Croft Drive in the Municipality of Lakeshore.
Michael SARGENT, 41-years-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.
At approximately 7:13 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a vehicle in a ditch on St. Clair Road in the Municipality of Lakeshore.
David BEACH, 59-years-old of Belle River was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 24, 2026, to answer to the charges.
On February 15, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a traffic complaint on County Road 23 near South Malden Road in the Town of Kingsville.
William STEWART, 55-years-old of Kingsville was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Cannabis Control Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.
At approximately 2:52 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 in the Town of Tecumseh.
Minh TRAN, 32-years-old of Windsor was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code, Controlled Drug and Safety Act, and Highway Traffic Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000- in Canada
- Traffick in Schedule 1 substance-Cocaine
- Fail to remain
- Drive motor vehicle-no licence
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on May 4, 2026, to answer to the charges.
On February 16, at approximately 2:07 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Mersea Road 19 in the Municipality of Leamington while investigating an intimate partner violence complaint.
A 30-year-old of Essex was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Assault-Spousal
The accused appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on February 16, 2026, to answer to the charges.
At approximately 10:18 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on County Road 42 near Manning Road in the Town of Tecumseh.
Jeffery LACHANCE, 53-years-old of Maidstone was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on March 26, 2026, to answer to the charges.
A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute for all charged drivers.
The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”.
If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).