Several new drivers charged for impaired driving over the weekend

Several drivers were caught impaired behind the wheel on Highway 417 in Ottawa over the weekend, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Between Oct. 3 and 5, officials charged five people for impaired driving-related offences and laid several other offences after tag-teaming an enforcement stop on the Ottawa throughway and several other roadways.

The first incident was around 11:00 p.m. on Friday. Using a speed gun, police caught a vehicle travelling 148 km/h on the highway. During the stop, they conducted a Mandatory Alcohol Screening with a roadside device before taking the driver back to the detachment.

As a result, an 18-year-old from Carleton Place is facing offences of novice driver – B.A.C. above zero and speeding. This resulted in their licence being suspended for three days.

Then, just before midnight, police got a complaint about an “erratic” driver who had no licence plates and almost struck the centre median.

Officials found the suspect vehicle near March Road and laid charges against Modeste Kevin Signe Cheudjou, 28, of Ottawa:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
• Fail to display two plates
• Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner

The busy night continued for police as around 1:00 a.m. Oct. 4, they got another report from the public, this time for a stolen vehicle on Highway 416.

In the incident, they arrested Cory Brown, 52, who faces charges of theft, fail to comply with a release order and crime over $5,000 among others.

Back on Highway 417 the next day, police saw a vehicle flying down the road. On the speed gun, the vehicle was clocked going 166 km/h.

Officials intervened and, while speaking to the driver, suspected them to be under the influence of alcohol.

Mark Agbor, 36, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Dangerous operation
• Stunt driving – excessive speed
• Speeding – 166 km/h in a posted 100 km/h zone
• Novice Driver – B.A.C. above zero
• Use plate not authorized for vehicle

Collisions result in charges

More incidents led officers to charge drivers for collisions or led them to suspect an impaired person.

Just after 6:00 a.m. on Oct. 5, a teen from Gloucester was involved in a crash on Highway 416 near Hunt Club Road.

The single-vehicle crash had the people inside flee, but they were found shortly by officers. Victoria Petrasek is facing impaired driving charges as a novice driver and failure to remain.

Officials on Highway 417 saw a driver hit a construction cone, prompting them to track down the vehicle. In this incident police suspected the driver was impaired and brought them in for further testing. Patrick-Jordan Diegel, 32, was charged with drug and alcohol related offences.

---

#OttawaOPP charged five drivers between October 3rd and 5th with #ImpairedDriving. A G2 driver also faces alcohol related charges, and #OPP also recovered a stolen vehicle. These incidents were a result of proactive policing, traffic complaints called in by the public,… pic.twitter.com/KsPNbxH1BG

— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) October 6, 2025

---

Finally, police were called just before 3:00 a.m. on Highway 417 after a vehicle struck the centre median near Maitland. The driver suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision and was sent to hospital.

Officers charged Sami Elkout, 39, with dangerous operation, operation while impaired (alcohol and drugs) and operation while impaired (blood alcohol concentration above 80).

“All drivers who were charged with impaired driving-related charges had their licences suspended for 90 days and had their vehicles impounded for seven days,” OPP said. “All of the accused individuals are set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice, in Ottawa at a later date.”