East Algoma OPP – Driver Charged with Impaired after Traffic Stop

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrols on Highway 638 in the Town of Bruce Mines.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., officers observed a white pickup truck and conducted a licence plate query. The query revealed the vehicle was not insured and that the temporary vehicle permit had expired. As a result, police initiated a traffic stop near Henderson Lane.

While speaking with the driver, police determined the individual had consumed alcohol and subsequently arrested the driver for impaired operation.

As a result of the investigation, John HAMEL, 67 years old from Bruce Mines, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol
• Owner operate motor vehicle with open container of liquor
• Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance
• Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

In addition to the charges, the driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on December 3, 2026.

The OPP remains committed to removing impaired drivers from Ontario roads. Anyone who observes dangerous driving behaviour or suspects a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

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OPP

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provide policing services throughout Ontario. Our officers are responsible for policing over one million square kilometres of land and waterways. They provide frontline policing services to more than 320 Ontario municipalities and patrol over 126,000 kilometres of provincial roadways.

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