THUNDER BAY – Officers from the OPP detachment in Nipigon had an interesting start to their day. Just after midnight, OPP received reports of a pickup truck travelling east on Highway 11-17 in the wrong lane and at a dangerous rate of speed.
Officers from the Nipigon OPP detachment located the vehicle eastbound near Dorion. The suspect vehicle failed to stop for police and continued eastbound in the wrong lane.
The OPP say that the driver then attempted to turn around on the highway. The driver entered the ditch and the vehicle became stuck.
The driver then called 911 and made verbal threats to the police. The scene was immediately secured.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) attended the scene.
While attempting to negotiate with the driver the suspect vehicle caught fire.
ERT members breached the window of the vehicle and arrested the driver without further incident.
The pickup was completely burnt.
The male driver and single occupant of the vehicle Dustin Allan Smith 34-years-old of Thunder Bay.
Smith is charged with the following offences;
- Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle contrary to section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Arson – Damage to Property contrary to section 434 of the Criminal Code.
Dustin Allan Smith is scheduled to appear in Nipigon Provincial Court to answer to the charges.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
