OPP deploy spike belt to end Highway 11 stolen vehicle pursuit

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle is seen in a snowy landscape in this undated image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 20-year-old man from Longlac, Ont., faces multiple criminal charges following a police pursuit that ended with a spike belt deployment near Geraldton last week.

The incident began at about 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, when Ontario Provincial Police received a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence in Long Lake 58 First Nation.

Police pursuit

“OPP members located the vehicle travelling westbound on Highway 11,” said police in a news release.

Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop and continued west.

“Officers attempted to block the vehicle at which time a police cruiser was hit and damaged,” said OPP.

The vehicle continued fleeing and was later observed by police on Highway 11, near Geraldton.

“A spike belt was successfully deployed, and the lone occupant was subsequently arrested,” said police.

Multiple charges laid

The investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from operating a vehicle.

As a result, the accused has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation, flight from a peace officer, operation while prohibited, possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of mischief and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

The accused was remanded into custody pending a court appearance in Thunder Bay on Monday.

RELATED STORIES:

• Sudbury police say driver injured officer while fleeing arrest
• Dozen charges laid after driver rams cruiser, flees police in Sudbury
• North Bay man charged with 17 offences after hitting cruiser, fleeing police
• ATV driver charged after fleeing police, hitting pylon in northern Ont.