Close call for OPP officer stopping vehicle on Hwy. 401
Posted Mar 25, 2025 01:19:06 PM.
Last Updated Mar 25, 2025 01:19:13 PM.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are showing photos of a crash scene that forced an officer into the ditch on Highway 401.
It happened over the weekend just after 6:00 p.m. west of the nation’s capital. Officers were conducting radar enforcement in the eastbound lanes when police stopped a vehicle for speeding. While speaking to the driver on the shoulder of the road, another person came up telling the officer they suspected an impaired driver.
“Moments later, a vehicle (the one in which the driver was suspected to be impaired) drove into the back of the stopped vehicle, pushing it forward into the initial vehicle stopped by police. The impact pushed the officer into the ditch,” a release reads.
More officers, paramedics and firefighters responded quickly. No serious injuries were sustained for anyone.
Yuliya Lesyk, 45, Oakville was taken to Quinte West headquarters and charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Dangerous operation
The accused was released from custody with a court date in April. Their licence was suspended and the vehicle impounded for the next week.
With this harrowing situation, police are reminding people to slow down and pull over when an emergency vehicle are approaching or at the side of the road.
“If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it providing as much detail about the vehicle and driver as possible,” OPP said. “The quicker police receive the information, the quicker they can respond. You could save a life.”
