NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – On March 20, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), alongside local emergency services received a report of a single vehicle collision involving a hydro pole at the intersection of Southgate Sideroad 49 and Highway 89, within Wellington North Township, just outside of the Town of Mount Forest.
On arrival, a hydro pole was found to be struck with hydro wires over the roadway, and the vehicle involved discovered in a nearby field and ended up on its roof.
The driver was able to escape the vehicle and was sent to local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. No other occupants were inside of the vehicle and no one else was injured.
As a result of the investigation, Christopher WHITTEN, a 23-year-old of Grey Highlands is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Dangerous Operation
A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.
The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on May 1, 2026.
If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.
Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
