Highway 17 Stop Followed Reports of Aggressive Driving
NIPIGON, ON — Ontario Provincial Police say a Geraldton-area driver is facing impaired driving and stunt driving-related charges following a Highway 17 traffic stop.
Police report that on January 3, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., officers with the OPP Nipigon Detachment responded to multiple complaints of a vehicle being driven aggressively at high speed on Highway 17. The vehicle was located and confirmed by RADAR to be travelling 157 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone.
OPP allege further investigation determined the driver was impaired by alcohol. The driver was arrested and taken to the detachment for additional testing.
Charges Laid
As a result, Konner CAMPBELL, 20, of Geraldton, Ontario, has been charged with:
Criminal Code (Canada):
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Operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs (commonly laid under Criminal Code s. 320.14(1)(a))
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Operation while impaired — blood alcohol concentration “80 plus” (commonly laid under Criminal Code s. 320.14(1)(b), alleging BAC ≥ 80 mg/100 mL within two hours of driving)
Highway Traffic Act (Ontario):
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Perform stunt — excessive speed
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Novice driver — blood alcohol concentration above zero
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Nipigon on March 3, 2026.
All allegations have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What the Criminal Code Charges Mean
Under the Criminal Code, it is an offence to operate a motor vehicle while ability is impaired by alcohol or a drug (even “to any degree”), and it is also an offence to have a blood alcohol concentration equal to or over 80 mg/100 mL within two hours after driving, subject to listed exceptions.
Potential Criminal Code Penalties If Convicted
Sentencing depends on factors including prior convictions and whether the Crown proceeds by summary conviction or indictment, but the Criminal Code sets mandatory minimums and maximums for basic impaired operation offences:
Minimum and maximum penalties (basic impaired operation / “80 plus”)
For an offence under s. 320.14(1), the Criminal Code provides minimum punishments of:
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First offence: $1,000 fine minimum
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Second offence: 30 days imprisonment minimum
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Subsequent offences: 120 days imprisonment minimum
Maximum penalties can be as high as 10 years imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment, or up to two years less a dayon summary conviction (with additional fine/jail possibilities as set out in the section).
Mandatory driving prohibition (federal)
If convicted of s. 320.14(1), the court must also impose a driving prohibition order. The Criminal Code sets the required ranges as:
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First offence: 1 to 3 years
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Second offence: 2 to 10 years
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Each subsequent offence: at least 3 years
(Additional sanctions—such as ignition-interlock related conditions—may also apply depending on the circumstances and provincial programming.)
Why 157 km/h Can Trigger “Stunt Driving” Allegations in Ontario
Ontario’s stunt-driving framework includes a speed-based definition in regulation: driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit where the limit is 80 km/h or more can qualify as a “stunt.” In this case, police allege 157 km/h in a 90 km/h zone—67 km/h over the posted limit.
Stunt driving can carry significant consequences, including lengthy roadside suspensions/impoundment and, upon conviction, major fines and further licence consequences (penalties vary by circumstances and outcome).
Novice Drivers and “BAC Above Zero”
Ontario has a zero BAC condition for novice drivers, and set fines exist for “Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero” matters under provincial offences schedules.
Ontario’s driver handbook also notes that novice drivers can face an immediate roadside suspension and, if convicted, further penalties including a fine and at least a 30-day suspension.
OPP Reminder: Report Impaired Driving
OPP continue to urge the public to report suspected impaired drivers:
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Call 911 in emergencies
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For impaired, aggressive, or careless driving complaints: 1-888-310-1122
