Teen facing multiple charges after vehicle flees police traffic stop

Tim Brody - Editor

A 17-year-old from Sioux Lookout is facing multiple charges after failing to stop for police on the evening of March 3.
The incident resulted in a public safety alert being posted on the OPP Northwest Region social media sites.
Sioux Lookout OPP shared, “Just after 8:00 pm on March 3, 2024, officers patrolling in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout observed an SUV driving without headlights or taillights illuminated, after dark in poor weather conditions. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop to address the safety issue presented by the un-lit vehicle. The vehicle fled from police.
“Officers re-located the vehicle in the community of Alcona. Police again attempted to stop the SUV, at which time the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into an area of dense bush. With assistance from members of the OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit, the driver was located, identified, and arrested.” 
The accused is a 17-year-old from the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, a young person as defined under the Criminal Code who cannot be named. As well as multiple charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, the accused is facing the following charges for offences contrary to the Criminal Code and Controlled

Drug and Substance acts:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  
• Flight from Peace Officer
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  
• Failure to Comply with Release Order
  
• Failure to Comply with Undertaking
  

Sioux Lookout OPP say the public safety alert was posted, “to ensure the safety of the community during this dynamic event with many unknown variables.”
Police added, “The public response in sharing the brief safety bulletin and securing nearby properties was appreciated.”