In a concerning incident over the Thanksgiving long weekend, a 40-year-old driver from Barrie was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Essa Township for impaired driving after he refused to comply with a breath demand.

On the morning of October 13, 2025, shortly after 8:30 a.m., officers from the Nottawasaga Detachment were conducting routine patrols in the vicinity of Willoughby Road and the 5th Line when they observed a vehicle with the driver apparently asleep behind the wheel.

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers detected a strong odour of alcohol emanating from the driver. This raised immediate concerns regarding the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Based on the driver’s behaviour and the smell of alcohol, the officer rightfully issued a demand for an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test to assess the driver’s level of impairment.

However, the driver, identified as Fred Tah, refused to comply with the breath demand. This refusal prompted the officers to take action, resulting in his arrest. In addition to the charge for failing to comply with the breath demand, Tah was also charged for failing to surrender his vehicle’s insurance card and permit.

In line with the OPP’s commitment to road safety, Tah’s vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days, and he received a 90-day license suspension. He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on November 6, 2025, to respond to the charges laid against him.

The OPP is emphasizing the importance of responsible driving, especially during holiday weekends when road conditions and driver behaviours can pose significant risks. Motorists are reminded that any amount of alcohol can impair driving abilities and that refusing a breathalyzer test carries serious legal consequences.

As the community reflects on the importance of safety during festive times, the OPP’s actions serve as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the legal implications of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.