Wrong Way Driver Charged with Dangerous Driving and Arson
NIPIGON, ON – Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 at approximately 12:35 am, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a pick-up truck travelling eastbound on Highway 11-17 in the 4 lane area of Shuniah in the wrong lane at a high rate of speed. Officers from the Nipigon OPP detachment located the vehicle eastbound near Dorion. The suspect vehicle failed to stop for police and continued eastbound in the wrong lane.
The driver then attempted to turn around on the highway and entered the ditch where the vehicle became stuck. The driver then called 911 and made verbal threats to the police. The scene was immediately secured.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) attended the scene. While attempting to negotiate with the driver the suspect vehicle caught fire. ERT members breached the window of the vehicle and arrested the driver without further incident. The pickup was completely burnt.
The 34 year old male driver and single occupant of the vehicle [edited by ONN] of Thunder Bay is charged with the following offences;
- Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle contrary to section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Arson – Damage to Property contrary to section 434 of the Criminal Code.
Smith is scheduled to appear in Nipigon Provincial Court to answer to the charges.
