On October 16, 2025, a routine traffic stop in Kincardine escalated into a fledgling incident that has left a local man facing multiple charges. Members of the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initiated the stop at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Millennium Way due to a seatbelt violation.

When the officer activated the cruiser’s emergency lights, the driver, later identified as Ethan Hopkins, 32, continued driving into a nearby parking lot. Upon being approached, Hopkins reportedly used foul language towards the officer before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. Due to public safety concerns, the officer did not pursue him.

Later that same day, law enforcement was able to locate and apprehend Hopkins. He was subsequently charged with several offenses, including:

• Flight from a peace officer, under the Criminal Code of Canada (CC) 320.17

• Failing to properly wear a seatbelt, under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) 106(2)

• Failing to surrender his driver’s licence, under the HTA 33(1)

• Failing to surrender the permit for his motor vehicle, under the HTA 7(5)(a)

• Operating a vehicle that had been modified without applying for a new permit, under HTA Regulation 628/90 3

• Failing to surrender an insurance card, under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) 3(1)

Hopkins is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, to respond to these charges.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying traffic laws and cooperating with law enforcement. The South Bruce OPP continues to encourage the public to drive responsibly and respect the rules of the road.