Police chase Mansfield fail-to-remain suspect through the woods in Northern Ontario

An OPP badge is shown in this file image.. Wed., May 20, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS BARRIE

One week ago, a man was seriously injured while attempting to stop a driver from stealing fuel from the Pioneer gas station in Mansfield.

The driver of the black Ford SUV with a camper in-tow attempted to flee without paying for fuel and struck the gas station attendant on his way out of the parking lot on Wednesday around 2:44 p.m.

The victim sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre for treatment.

One day, and more than 1,200 kilometres later, police with the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) located the vehicle and trailer involved in the fail-to-remain collision that occurred in Mansfield.

A chase ensued and after police deployed a spike belt, the suspect fled into the woods.

After an extensive search of the area, they located him and charged the 53-year-old Brampton man with:

• Two counts of possession property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Theft
• Dangerous operation causing bodily harm
• Fail to stop at accident resulting in bodily harm

The victim remains in hospital in stable condition.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, observed the vehicle involved, or who may have dash camera or surveillance footage, to contact the Dufferin OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).