(PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges for impaired operation on the water.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, shortly after 7:00 p.m., officers with the Prince Edward County Detachment of the OPP and Tyendinaga Police Service (TPS) responded to the report of a boat washed up on a shoreline on the Bay of Quinte.
Officers located the vessel, and through investigation, discovered that the driver was sleeping at the helm. The operator was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.
Robert MITTELSTAEDT, age 70 of Aurora, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on August 20, 2025.
On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, around 7:45 p.m., members of the Prince Edward County and Quinte West detachments of the OPP were conducting joint marine patrols with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Conservation Officer, on West Lake in Prince Edward County.
Officers conducted a vessel stop and observed open alcohol on the vessel. During the investigation an approved screen device was utilized on the operator. The operator was arrested and transported to detachment for further testing.
Russell REID, age 63 of Wellington, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Having care and control of a boat underway with open container of liquor
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on September 3, 2025.
The individuals’ driver’s licences have been suspended for 90 days.
The OPP are committed to highway and waterway safety, focusing on impaired operation of vehicles and vessels. Plan ahead and do your part to keep our highway and waterways safe.