Driver busted after hitting officer with car door while fleeing police

The emblem of the South Simcoe Police in this undated file image.

The strong odour of cannabis met the police officer’s nose as they approached the Honda Accord at a Catholic school in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The South Simcoe Police officer spoke with the man and woman in the car and saw a large quantity of cannabis on the floor of the vehicle Saturday at 8:40 p.m.

The driver offered a valid G2 licence to the officer, but when he was told the car would be searched, the driver tried to drive away.

A struggle ensured between the police and the young man, and the officer was struck by the door as the driver reversed the car.

Police say as the Honda sped off, reaching speeds over 100 kilometres-per-hour in a 40 km/h safety zone.

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Any chance of pursuit was halted due to safety concerns, but as he had shown the officer his driver’s licence, police attended a nearby property and arrested the 20-year-old Bradford man.

Police performed a roadside drug test which showed the presence of both cannabis and cocaine.

The Honda was towed and seized for 14 days, and the young man was issued multiple driving suspensions related to his driving and drug use, including:

• Assault peace officer
• Flight from peace officer
• Dangerous operation
• Resist arrest
• Fail to stop after accident
• Stunt driving
• Escape by flight (police pursuit)
• Young driver with presence of drug
• Novice driver with presence of drug
• Cannabis readily available in vehicle