Scooter operator dies in highway collision
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fatal collision involving a pickup truck and a mobility scooter that occurred Saturday night in West Nipissing. On August 1, at approximately 9:15 p.m., members of the Nipissing West OPP, West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Service, and District of Nipissing Paramedic Services (EMS) responded to a collision on Highway 17 near Landfill Road in Sturgeon Falls.
The operator of the mobility scooter, a 73-year-old resident of Sturgeon Falls, was transported to hospital and later pronounced dead. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and was not injured.
The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team assisted with the investigation. Highway 17 was closed for approximately five hours while investigators examined the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact the Nipissing West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
The OPP also remind the public that Mobility Assisted Scooters (MAS) cannot be legally operated on roadways, especially not on provincial highways. They should be treated the same way as pedestrians and should be on the sidewalks or on the side of the road, police advise.
Assault and robbery on downtown street
One individual has been arrested and charged following a brazen daytime robbery in downtown Sturgeon Falls. On Friday, July 24, at approximately 4:10 p.m., members of the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP responded to a reported robbery on King Street. The investigation determined that an individual allegedly approached a pedestrian, assaulted the victim with a metal object, and stole a personal item before fleeing the area. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
In a follow-up interview, OPP Media Relations Officer Constable Rob Lewis assured residents that this was an isolated incident between individuals who were known to each other, and that there is no ongoing danger to the public.
As a result of the investigation, James Restoule, age 31, of West Nipissing, was arrested and charged with robbery with a weapon, and failure to comply with a probation order. He was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on July 27.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nipissing West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online through Crime Stoppers. Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward.
Numerous complaints lead to impaired driving charges
Members of the Nipissing West Detachment of the OPP charged one individual with impaired driving after responding to multiple traffic complaints in West Nipissing.
On July 14, at approximately 10:23 p.m., OPP officers responded to several reports of a black Chevrolet Silverado being driven erratically on Front Street in West Nipissing. The vehicle was reported to have run a red light, driven onto a curb, and nearly collided with another vehicle.
Officers located the vehicle parked at a local business and found the driver seated in the driver’s seat. He was transported to the Nipissing West OPP Detachment, where breath samples were provided to a qualified breath technician. The driver had only a G2 driver’s license.
Brock Woito, age 25, from Sudbury, was charged with Operation while impaired by alcohol; Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; Novice driver with a blood alcohol concentration above zero; driving with an improper windshield wiper; and failing to stop at a red light.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on September 3, 2026, in North Bay. In addition to the criminal charges, the driver’s licence was suspended, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
As a Class G2 novice driver, the accused was also subject to Ontario’s zero alcohol requirement. Under Ontario law, G1, G2, M1, and M2 drivers must not consume any alcohol before driving. “Choosing to drink and drive while holding a novice licence places all road users at risk and carries serious legal consequences,” reads an OPP release on this incident.
“The OPP thanks members of the public who reported the dangerous driving behaviour. Prompt reporting of suspected impaired drivers plays a vital role in keeping Ontario’s roads safe. The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths on Ontario roads. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your timely report could prevent a serious collision and save lives.”
