NIPIGON – On Sunday, October 1, 2017, at approximately 2:30 pm, the Marathon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a theft of gasoline from a local gas station. The suspect vehicle was described as a black GMC Terrain Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) bearing a Nova Scotia licence plate.
Shortly afterward, members of the Schreiber OPP observed the suspect vehicle operating westbound on Hwy 17 at a very high rate of speed. Keeping public safety in mind, the units did not attempt to stop the vehicle but allowed it to continue westbound.
Multiple traffic complaints were received regarding the suspect vehicle’s erratic and aggressive driving that was forcing motorists to the shoulders of the highway or ditches in order to avoid head-on collisions.
A Nipigon OPP officer proceeded to set up a spike belt on the Ruby Creek bridge. At approximately 3:55 pm, the suspect vehicle attempted to negotiate around the Nipigon cruiser by entering the ditch. The vehicle proceeded to travel approximately 200 metres and straight into the creek. The vehicle was severely damaged and the driver sustained minor injuries. The spike belt was not utilized.
The suspect was successfully removed from the motor vehicle and was placed under arrest. He was transported from the scene by Emergency Medical Services for treatment and subsequently released and transported to the District Jail to await his bail hearing.
Jody Ronald Robert DECZMINSKI (33) of Dartmouth Nova Scotia has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
- Theft Under $5000
- Drive While Disqualified
- Flight from Police
- Dangerous Driving
Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Nipigon OPP at 807-887-2637 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
