Police Respond to Early Morning Call on Highway 652
A Cochrane snowplow driver faces impaired driving charges after their vehicle was found in a ditch
COCHRANE, ON – A snowplow driver faces impaired driving charges after their vehicle was found stuck in a ditch east of Cochrane.
In the early hours of March 11, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., officers from the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a snowplow stranded in the westbound ditch but facing eastbound on Highway 652 in Kennedy Township, about 10 km east of Cochrane.
Upon arrival, police determined that the driver had consumed alcohol. The individual was arrested and transported to the Timmins Police Service for further testing.
Charges and Legal Consequences
As a result of the investigation, Bradley Minogue, 50, of Cochrane has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on April 15, 2025. In addition, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Community Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving, particularly among operators of heavy machinery, which poses significant risks to public safety. Authorities continue to urge drivers to make responsible choices and report suspected impaired drivers.
