Motorcycle rider facing multiple charges
A 24-year-old Ottawa man is facing a number of charges following a high-speed chase of a motorcycle along Highway 417 involving Ontario Provincial Police vehicles, including a helicopter, late Thursday.
In a release, OPP said the speeding motorcycle was spotted travelling westbound about 150 kilometres per hour near Moodie Drive.
“When officers attempted to stop the motorcycle, the rider fled at higher speeds,” police said.
With the assistance of an OPP helicopter, police tracked the motorcycle and driver to an address on Preston Street, where an arrest was made. The motorcycle driver faces a number of charges, including speeding and flight from police.
The motorcycle was impounded until the completion of the court case. The accused was released from custody and was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Sept. 27.
OPP said a second motorcyclist was spotted travelling at more than 200 km/h on Highway 417.
That driver failed to stop for police and was tracked for a short time by the OPP helicopter.
“However, in the interest of public safety and the safety of the driver, the helicopter disengaged as the driver's behaviour was becoming increasingly dangerous,” police said.
A third motorcycle driver failed to stop for police, but officers were able to obtain the plate information. That investigation was continuing and charges were pending.
OPP said the arrests were part of a joint initiative with several units and Ottawa police “to help promote safer roads following several fatal collisions over the August long weekend.”
In total, police laid 51 charges, including 16 speeding charges and four stunt driving charges.