SIOUX LOOKOUT – NEWS – On July 12, 2018, at approximately 12:40 pm, Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint on Highway 72 near Butterfly Lake. Officers located the vehicle and stopped the driver for traveling at a high rate of speed, in a dangerous manner. Officers determined that the driver was impaired and when asked to exit the vehicle – he fled from police with two passengers inside. A brief pursuit ensued but was discontinued due to public safety. Officers set up to intercept the vehicle using a tire deflation device (spike belt).
The vehicle was located at approximately 12:53 pm with the passenger now in the driver’s seat, who pulled over for officers. The original driver had exited the vehicle and began walking along Highway 72. Both the driver and passenger were arrested without incident. A second female passenger was arrested but found not to be involved and released unconditionally. There were no injuries to the occupants or vehicle damage reported.
As a result of the investigation, Garnet SUMNER (29) of Peguis, MB was charged with:
- Driving While Ability Impaired contrary to section 253(1) of the Criminal Code
- Care or Control over 80mgs contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
- Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle contrary to section 249.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer contrary to section 249.1(1) of the Criminal Code
- Obstruct Peace Officer contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
- Drive Motor Vehicle – No License contrary to section 32(1) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Fail to Stop for Police contrary to section 216 of the Highway Traffic Act
- Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available contrary to section 32(1) of the Liquor License Act
- Race a Motor Vehicle – Excessive Speed contrary to section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act
Also charged was Allen YERXA (31) of Frenchman’s Head, ON;
- Driving While Ability Impaired contrary to section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Care or Control over 80mgs contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
- Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle contrary to section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer contrary to section 249.1(1) of the Criminal Code
- Drive Motor Vehicle – No License contrary to section 32(1) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Driving Motor Vehicle with Liquor Readily Available contrary to section 32(1) of the Liquor License Act
- Fail to Stop for Police contrary to section 216 of the Highway Traffic Act
Both males are being held in custody pending a bail hearing on July 18, 2018.
The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
