A 27-year-old North Bay man is in custody following a stolen-vehicle investigation that triggered a heavy police presence in the Temagami area and a series of public advisories over the weekend. The incident began Sunday when Ontario Provincial Police received information about a stolen vehicle travelling through northeastern Ontario. “The vehicle was subsequently observed in the Highway 11 corridor and failed to stop for police,” OPP said in a news release Monday. “Throughout the investigation, officers received reports that the vehicle was being driven at a high rate of speed and in a manner that endangered public safety.” Public safety concerns Police received reports that the vehicle was being driven at high speed and in a manner endangering public safety. OPP issued its first advisory at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 16, warning that the vehicle, described as an older-model blue Mitsubishi, may have been in the North Bay area or possibly Bonfield. At the time, it was last seen travelling southbound on Highway 630. Residents were told not to approach or follow the vehicle and to call 911 immediately with any sightings. By 6 p.m., police advised of a heavy presence near Highway 11 and Rabbit Lake Road in Temagami and asked the public to avoid the area. A subsequent advisory less than an hour later urged those nearby to remain indoors with doors and windows locked. Coordinated police response Numerous OPP resources were deployed, including the canine unit, aviation services, a remotely piloted aircraft system and specialized teams along with frontline officers from North Bay and Temiskaming detachments. Provincial police said the investigation led officers to the Rabbit Lake Access Road area, where a substantial police presence was established. Arrest and charges Shortly after midnight on Aug. 17, police said officers located the stolen vehicle in a remote area off Rabbit Lake Access Road. “The driver fled on foot when approached by police but was safely taken into custody a short time later,” OPP said. Shortly after 1 a.m., OPP announced that the increased police presence was ending and that one individual was in custody “without incident.” Officers also confirmed no other suspects were being sought and that there was no threat to public safety. “OPP would like to thank members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the investigation,” police said. The 27-year-old who was apprehended has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and flight from a peace officer. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
