On Friday November 11, 2022 at 1:15 p.m. a Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was on patrol on Wellington Street in the town of Bracebridge and noticed a vehicle contravening the Highway Traffic Act. As the officer turned to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle sped away quickly, travelling on Monck Road to Manitoba Street. The vehicle failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of Manitoba Street and Taylor road, colliding with another motorist and then carried on southbound where it also failed to stop for a stop sign at Entrance Drive.
Police received information from other motorists about the vehicle traveling in an unsafe manner on Ecclestone drive, leading officers to Highway 11 South where they attempted to slow traffic to safely stop the suspect vehicle however the vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the highway, passed officers at a high rate of speed, and continued southbound. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle.
Very shortly after, officers came upon the occupants of the vehicle climbing out of the swamp at the Bethune Drive South off ramp from Highway 11 South, further investigation revealed that they had attempted to navigate the off-ramp and left the roadway, crashing their vehicle in the swamp. Neither suffered any injuries.
Police arrested and charged 19 year-old Dijon STEWART of Ajax, ON with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle CC 320.13(1) and Failure to Stop After Accident CC 320.16(1) along with eleven Highway Traffic Act offenses. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge, ON on December 20, 2022 to answer to his charges.
The passenger was also arrested at the scene and was later released unconditionally.
Police are asking for anyone with information such as dash camera surveillance or other recordings to please call Bracebridge OPP at (888)310-1122.
Anyone with information on a crime may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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