Driver in stolen vehicle faces multiple charges after chase through northern Ontario

An undated dated police image of a black Ontario Provincial Police vehicle. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 26-year-old man from Quebec City is facing multiple charges after police say he dangerously drove a stolen vehicle across several northern Ontario communities, then fled from police on a stolen bicycle on Sunday.

Police services from multiple jurisdictions coordinated efforts on June 7 to track the suspect, beginning with reports of a stolen grey Mercedes originating from Barrie at about noon.

Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service all responded to the reports.

Vehicle failed to stop

“The vehicle failed to stop for police in Sault Ste. Marie and continued eastbound on Highway 17,” the OPP said in a news release Monday.

“Officers received numerous reports of the vehicle being driven at high rates of speed and in a dangerous manner, placing members of the public at risk.”

Members of provincial police along with the Anishinabek Police Service continued efforts to locate the vehicle.

The East Algoma OPP Detachment ultimately located the suspect vehicle abandoned on Francis Street in the Town of Blind River.

Fled on stolen bike

“The driver then stole a bicycle and fled the area,” said police.

At about 4 p.m., officers located and arrested the suspect on King Edward Street.

Acting Staff Sgt. Andre Chenier of the East Algoma OPP Detachment praised the cross-agency response.

“The successful arrest of this individual is a direct result of the coordinated efforts and strong working relationships between the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, the Anishinabek Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.”

“This incident involved a stolen vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner across multiple jurisdictions, placing members of the public at significant risk. Through effective communication … officers were able to safely locate and apprehend the accused, helping to prevent further harm to our communities.”

Multiple charges laid

As a result of the investigation, the Quebec man was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, flight from a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was held pending a bail hearing scheduled for June 8.