Rideshare passenger jumps in the driver’s seat to flee police on Hwy. 69

Two people from southern Ontario have been charged with drug, weapons and other offences following a traffic stop this week near Parry Sound, Ont. (OPP photo)

Two people from southern Ontario have been charged with drug, weapons and other offences following a traffic stop this week near Parry Sound, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police and Anishinabek Police Service were conducting spot checks on Highway 69 on March 10 when they stopped a vehicle in Pointe au Baril around 11:25 p.m.

“A rideshare vehicle with five occupants was stopped and police initiated a Cannabis Control Act investigation with the driver, who was removed from the vehicle,” police said in a news release Wednesday.

“While speaking with the driver, a rear passenger entered the driver seat of the vehicle and began to drive away. Two passengers attempted to exit the vehicle prior to it leaving but were unsuccessful.”

Police deployed a spike belt and then followed the vehicle until it stopped.

Stopped by a spike belt

“The driver attempted to flee on foot but was arrested by police,” the release said.

“A search of the vehicle located cellular phones, a loaded prohibited handgun and drugs suspected to be cannabis, cocaine and fentanyl.”

A 27-year-old from Toronto was charged with fleeing police, drug possession, weapons possession, drug trafficking, dangerous driving, motor vehicle theft, mischief, driving while suspended, stunt driving and forcible confinement, among other offences.

A 31-year-old from Brampton was also charged with numerous offences, including drug possession, weapons possession, drug trafficking, fleeing police, motor vehicle theft and two counts of forcible confinement.

Both accused were held for bail court, then remanded back into custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on March 17 in Parry Sound.