Grimsby – Goderich Free Press

(GRIMSBY, ON) – A driver was arrested and charged criminally after driving approximately 20 km in the wrong direction on the QEW from Hamilton to Grimsby.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 2:43am, members from the Burlington and Niagara OPP Detachments began receiving calls from the public of a vehicle driving the wrong way on the QEW in the Toronto bound lanes from Nikola Tesla Blvd in Hamilton.

An Officer from the Burlington detachment, driving the proper direction with traffic travelling in the Fort Erie bound lanes of the QEW was able to catch up to the wrong-way vehicle near Christie St in Grimsby as it continued to drive Fort Erie bound in the Toronto bound lanes.

The Officer was able to get the attention of the driver using their emergency equipment and the vehicle then turned around. A second OPP Officer from the Niagara detachment was able to locate the vehicle and stop it near Casablanca Blvd.

As a result of the investigation, Carolann TOST, age 54, from Hamilton has been charged with:

· Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

· Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

· Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

· Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence

· Novice Driver – B.A.C. Above Zero

The accused was released from custody and is set to appear on March 17^th, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice, St. Catharines.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. The OPP relies on the public to report crime. Impaired driving is a serious crime that should be treated no differently. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

(GRIMSBY, ON) – A female was arrested and charged criminally after the stolen vehicle she was driving was stopped with the deployment of a tire deflation device (spike belt) on Sunday, January 19^th at approximately 3 p.m. in the Town of Grimsby.

A member of the Burlington OPP from the Niagara Detachment was on general patrol in the area of Windward Ave, Grimsby when a stolen white Subaru Impreza was located, with the assistance of Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. The vehicle failed to stop for Police in a parking lot, nearly striking the Officer. The vehicle was again observed near the intersection of Hunter Rd and Winston Rd and a spike belt was deployed successfully. The stolen vehicle fled the intersection, striking another vehicle. Members of Niagara Regional Police attended the area and located the stolen vehicle with the female nearby on Princess Blvd where she was arrested.

As a result of the investigation, Linsay OAK, age 39, from Hamilton has been charged with:

· Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

· Flight from Peace Officer

· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5,000

· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Under $5,000

· Failure to Stop after Accident

· Driving While Under Suspension – two counts

· Possession of a Schedule I Substance

The accused was released from custody and is set to appear on March 10^th, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice, St. Catharines.

Members of the OPP Highway Safety Division are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing, in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about this incident, please contact the Niagara OPP at 905-356-1311 or 1-888-310-1122 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.com.