IGNACE, ON – On August 8, 2017, Dryden Police Service requested Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assist in locating a stolen pick-up from the City of Dryden. Dryden OPP members advised Ignace OPP members of this stolen vehicle possibly headed eastbound on Highway 17.
Members of the Ignace OPP located the suspect vehicle headed eastbound on Highway 17 and when a traffic stop was initiated the suspect vehicle fled from police continuing eastbound.
As the suspect vehicle continued eastbound from Ignace, a second traffic stop was initiated on Highway 17 and with the assistance of a Shabaqua OPP member; a tire deflation device (spike belt) was successfully deployed. Officers arrested the lone male driver and occupant of this stolen vehicle.
Charged with the following offences is John TAPAK, 24 years of age of Thunder Bay, Ontario:
1. Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
2. Flight while pursued by peace officer contrary to Section 249.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
3. Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
4. Fail to comply with probation contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
5. Resist peace officer contrary to Section 129(a) of the Criminal Code.
TAPAK was held in custody and will appear for a Bail Hearing in Dryden Court on August 9, 2017.
