On Nov. 3, 2025, officers with Patrol Services charged 41-year-old Aaron Ritza with operation while impaired and dangerous operation.
Around 6:00 p.m., 911 Communicators received a report of a motor vehicle having driven into a ditch in the 0-100 block of Manitou Drive.
Upon arrival, officers located the driver—who identified as the accused—standing outside the vehicle. Upon speaking with the accused, officers developed grounds to believe their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol.
The accused provided a breath sample into an Approved Screening Device, which registered as a fail. He was arrested. A search of the accused located a small quantity of cannabis, police said.
The accused was transported to the Police Services Building where they provided additional breath samples to a qualified technician, all of which registered above the legal limit.
The accused is charged with:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and/or Drug
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80+)
- Dangerous Operation
- Drive Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available (under the Cannabis Control Act)
Ritza was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 1.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Ritza is considered innocent until proven guilty.