Suspended driver on Far North road stopped, provided fake name to police

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is pictured in this undated photo with an officer conducting a traffic stop in the background. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 31-year-old man from Attawapiskat is facing a dozen criminal and traffic-related charges following a late-night traffic stop near Moosonee this weekend, provincial police say.

Ontario Provincial Police pulled over a vehicle on the James Bay Winter Road near Fifth Street early on April 5, after noticing it lacked a front licence plate. Officers discovered the rear plate was tied to a terminated registration.

“The driver initially provided police with a false name and was placed under arrest,” OPP said in a news release.

Authorities said a search revealed his true identity, along with identity documents not belonging to him. Investigators said they also determined the man was prohibited from driving.

As a result, the motorist was charged with operation while prohibited, personation with intent to avoid arrest, possession of an identity document, obstructing a peace officer, and failing to comply with a probation order along with additional traffic charges including driving without insurance, using an unauthorized plate, driving while suspended, failing to display two plates, lacking a validated permit, failing to surrender a vehicle permit, and driving without a licence.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 10.