Our community's construction workers play a vital role in keeping our roads safe, and one flagman's vigilance on Highway 7 may have prevented a tragedy this week.
The Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a local driver with impaired operation after a concerning incident that unfolded just before midnight on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
An OPP officer patrolling Highway 7 was stopped at a construction zone when a construction worker reported that a vehicle had failed to stop for the flagman. The officer quickly located the vehicle in question and noticed it was traveling without rear lights illuminated—a dangerous situation on any roadway, particularly at night.
During the subsequent traffic stop, the officer determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol and placed them under arrest for Operation while Impaired. The driver was transported to the Peterborough County OPP detachment for further testing, where results revealed a blood alcohol concentration over four times the legal limit—a staggering level that represents an extreme danger to everyone on our roads.
Sean OVENDEN, age 31, of Douro-Dummer Township, ON., was arrested and charged with Operation while impaired and Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on Monday, August 4, 2026. In the meantime, OVENDEN has had his driver's licence suspended for 90 days, and his vehicle has been impounded for seven days.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of planning ahead when alcohol or drugs are involved. The Peterborough County OPP emphasizes that motorists should arrange for a designated driver, use a cab or public transit, or stay overnight rather than risk driving impaired. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair judgment and reaction time.
Construction workers face enough hazards on the job without having to contend with impaired drivers who ignore their safety signals. This case highlights the critical role these workers play not just in building our infrastructure, but in protecting our community.
Anyone with information about suspected unlawful activity is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
