Sarnia police say charges have been laid following a dangerous vehicle pursuit that began during a RIDE initiative on Exmouth Street on the evening of Dec. 21.
“Vehicular flight from police is a crime. The driver’s criminal decision to flee places their passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and the involved officers, in grave danger. The officers in this incident kept public safety as their priority, terminating this pursuit before someone was injured or worse. An immediate and thorough investigation resulted in a swift and safe arrest. Another example of excellent work by our SPS team,” said Sarnia Police Service Chief Derek Davis.
Police said officers conducting mobile RIDE checks at about 9:05 p.m. observed individuals leaving a licensed restaurant and entering a small blue vehicle parked nearby. The vehicle exited the parking lot and turned onto Exmouth Street, prompting officers to follow and make driving observations as it continued eastbound onto Quinn Drive.
At about 9:07 p.m., police attempted a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and sirens. Investigators said the driver immediately conducted an evasive U-turn and accelerated at a high rate of speed westbound on Quinn Drive, then failed to stop for a red light at Barclay Drive before continuing southbound. The vehicle again failed to stop at a red light at Exmouth Road before travelling eastbound on London Line.
Police said the driver showed no regard for the safety of others, fleeing at high speeds and passing recklessly into oncoming lanes. Due to the risk to public safety, officers terminated the pursuit, but were able to obtain the vehicle’s licence plate.
A subsequent investigation identified a person associated with the vehicle, who police said was already out on bail for similar offences and subject to GPS monitoring. Investigators reviewed restaurant security footage, earlier police observations and GPS data. At about 10:21 p.m., officers located the individual and made an arrest.
Police said the accused faces charges of flight from police, dangerous operation and failing to comply with a release order. Following a bail hearing, the individual was remanded into custody.
