The St. Thomas Police Service charged a 33-year-old St. Thomas woman on Monday, March 23, 2026, after she was found driving nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. Officers responded to a report of a vehicle stopped on William Street and found the driver showing signs of impairment while a child was in the vehicle.
Police reported that breath tests taken at the station showed the woman’s alcohol levels were significantly higher than the legal limit. A child who was a passenger in the car was safely released into the care of a family member following the incident.
The driver now faces two criminal charges: operation while impaired and operation while impaired – 80 plus. She was released from custody on an undertaking with a future court date.
This incident occurred after stricter road safety laws took effect in Ontario on January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, roadside licence suspensions for those in the “warning range” increased to seven days, though drivers facing criminal charges continue to receive an immediate 90-day administrative licence suspension. Convicted offenders are also required to use an ignition interlock breath-testing device in their vehicle.
Local police are encouraging members of the community to stay alert and report any drivers they suspect may be impaired to help keep city streets safe.
