In the early hours of September 13, 2025, a routine Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Little Current resulted in the arrest of a driver for impaired operation. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat impaired driving in Ontario.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., officers from the Manitoulin Detachment were stationed on Meredith Street East near the Swing Bridge when they observed a vehicle speeding towards the checkpoint. This prompted police to instruct the driver to stop. Upon further investigation, officers administered a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) to the driver, which led to the arrest of 29-year-old Danielle Migwans from M’Chigeeng First Nation.

Migwans has been charged with several infractions, including:

• Operation while impaired

• Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

• Fail to surrender insurance card

• Driving while under suspension

• Drive motor vehicle without a permit

• Fail to notify of a change of address

These charges reflect a serious breach of road safety regulations, particularly the impaired driving and driving under suspension charges, which carry significant penalties in Ontario.

Migwans is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on October 7, 2025, to face these charges. The OPP have reiterated the importance of road safety, emphasizing that no amount of alcohol or drugs in a driver’s system is safe. They encourage the public to report any suspected impaired driving incidents to ensure the safety of all road users.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role RIDE checks play in enhancing public safety and reducing impaired driving incidents across the province. As the summer winds down, the OPP’s commitment to maintaining safer roads continues to be a priority.

Impaired driving remains a significant issue within Ontario, and initiatives like RIDE checks are crucial in deterring this dangerous behaviour. The community is urged to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious driving activities to help keep their roads safe.