Man faces charges after fleeing Manitoulin RIDE check on ATV

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service crest is shown on an officer's sleeve against a blurred background in this undated image. (File photo/Supplied/Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service)

An all-terrain vehicle driver is facing multiple criminal charges after fleeing a police checkpoint on Manitoulin Island and later colliding with a police cruiser on Tuesday night.

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) says the incident began at about 10:09 p.m. on Dec. 9 when an ATV approached a R.I.D.E. program checkpoint on Wikwemikong Way.

“Police attempted to stop the ATV; however, the driver refused and officers did not pursue in the interest of public safety,” said tribal police in a news release.

Crash, medical emergency

Officers remained in the area to locate the driver.

The police service said the incident concluded when the ATV, travelling on the wrong side of the road, “collided with a police vehicle.”

The male driver was taken into custody and immediately experienced a medical emergency consistent with an opioid overdose. Officers administered naloxone and paramedics transported him to hospital.

“He was medically cleared and later lodged at the WTPS station,” said police.

Investigation, charges

The investigation revealed the adult male was currently before the courts on criminal charges and bound by conditions including a curfew. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant and subject to a criminal driving prohibition.

The man now faces charges including flight from a peace officer, impaired driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle, operation while prohibited, mischief and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.

In addition to the charges the ATV involved was impounded for 45 days.

The accused is being held pending a bail hearing.

Broader concern

The police service noted this is the fourth instance in six weeks where individuals driving ATVs have failed to stop for police.

“In these occurrences, the operators were repeat offenders on judicial release conditions from the courts,” said police.

Tribal police chief Ron Gignac linked the enforcement action to broader community safety efforts.

“Ogimaa Ominika and the Wiikwemkoong Band Council have been steadfast in supporting our enforcement initiatives,” said Gignac.

“Their leadership and commitment to community safety are helping us remove repeat offenders and disrupt the flow of drugs into our community.”

The service said it continues to adjust its methods to address crime trends.

“We are aware of repeat criminals using ATV, snowmachines, and cars in the use of criminal offences and this will not be tolerated,” said police.

Further, the police service used the incident to issue a reminder that impaired driving is a serious criminal offense and encouraged residents to report dangerous or suspected impaired driving.

Non-emergency crimes can also be reported online using the portal on the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service’s website or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

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