(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Officers from the Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid criminal charges after a vehicle failed to stop for police.
Just after 8:00 pm on March 3, 2024, officers patrolling in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout observed an SUV driving without headlights or taillights illuminated, after dark in poor weather conditions. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop to address the safety issue presented by the un-lit vehicle. The vehicle fled from police.
Officers re-located the vehicle in the community of Alcona. Police again attempted to stop the SUV, at which time the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into an area of dense bush. With assistance from members of the OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit, the driver was located, identified, and arrested.
The accused is a 17-year-old from the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, a young person as defined under the Criminal Code who cannot be named. As well as multiple charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, the accused is facing the following charges for offences contrary to the Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substance acts:
– Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
– Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
– Flight from Peace Officer
– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
– Failure to Comply with Release Order
– Failure to Comply with Undertaking
The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on March 5, 2024.
A public safety alert was posted about this active incident on the OPP Northwest Region social media sites, to ensure the safety of the community during this dynamic event with many unknown variables. The public response in sharing the brief safety bulletin and securing nearby properties was appreciated.
