NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On July 1, approximately 2:30 a.m., the Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a male for driving dangerously on Highway 11 in the Orillia detachment area.
Orillia OPP members were on patrol when a vehicle travelling well above the speed limit was observed travelling southbound on Highway 11. The vehicle was noted to be travelling in excess of 160 kilometers per hour (km/hr) in a posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers radioed ahead to other officers who were waiting with a spike belt where the vehicle was successfully stopped at line 7 on Highway 11. The driver then exited the vehicle and, after a short foot chase, was arrested. While officers were investigating the incident it was discovered that the vehicle was stolen from a residence in Seguin Township.
Orillia OPP charged Mitchell Powell, age 23, from Barrie with the following offences:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Flight from police contrary to Section 249.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
- Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- Stunt driving contrary to Section 172(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
- Driving while under suspension contrary to Section 53(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
The accused was held in custody for the weekend and statutory holiday court and remanded into custody for an appearance at a later date
Members of the Orillia detachment of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers here or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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