A Hwy 11 driver put many lives at risk when he barrelled the wrong way down the highway and refused to stop for the police, a Bracebridge court heard recently.
Earlier this month, Garret Allison, 54, of Orillia pled guilty to dangerous driving, refusing a demand for a breath sample, mischief, driving with no insurance, failing to stop for police and failing to attend court.
Court heard that on March 24, 2023, at roughly 7:30 pm the Bracebridge OPP received some 20 calls from concerned members of the public regarding a pick-up truck on Hwy 11 at Holiday Park Drive travelling in the wrong direction.
The police arrived and attempted to slow traffic and block the highway as multiple vehicles swerved out of the way to avoid a head-on collision. At one point the vehicle missed one of the cruisers attempting to block it by just a few feet, court heard.
The driver, later identified as Allison, eventually crossed the highway and got into the proper lane but nearly crashed in the process. The police were able to catch up with Allison, now travelling at roughly 60 km southbound on Hwy 11 but he did not pull over for another 2 km. A high-risk takedown ensued.
There were multiple cans of beer inside the vehicle, court heard, but Allison refused a breath sample.
Detained at the Bracebridge OPP detachment, Allison proceeded to cause damage to the cell which required a hazmat cleaning.
Court heard Allison has a criminal record that includes a previous impaired driving conviction.
Crown Daniel Thorpe said Allison’s actions has caused a “catastrophic risk of death or injury.”
Allison told the court he had no memory of the incident.
“I want to apologize to the entire community. I’m embarrassed and ashamed,” said Allison.
He was sentenced to four months in jail, a three-year driving ban, 12 months of probation, and $2,500 in fines.
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