A Windsor man is facing a series of serious charges following a frightening wrong-way collision with an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser on New Year's Day in Lakeshore.
New Year's Night Incident on Highway 3
According to Essex County OPP, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on January 1, 2026. The collision took place on Highway 3 near County Road 8. Police allege the 42-year-old Windsor man was driving in the wrong direction when his vehicle struck the marked police cruiser.
Charges and Immediate Consequences
The suspect was arrested at the scene. He now faces multiple criminal charges, including:
- Operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 milligrams
- Dangerous operation causing bodily harm
- Failure to stop after an accident
In addition to the criminal charges, police immediately imposed a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and ordered a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
Officer Injured, Court Date Set
The OPP officer involved in the collision was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The accused driver is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in downtown Windsor on January 20, 2026.
OPP reiterated important contact numbers for the public. For urgent traffic complaints or suspected impaired driving, call 911. Non-emergency traffic complaints can be reported to 1-888-310-1122, and anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
