CHASE DOWH HWY. 11, THROUGH PINE RIDGE, LEADS TWO PEOPLE CHARGED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO FLEE POLICE IN BRACEBRIDGE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — A break and enter and a police chase from Bracebridge that ended in a wild neighbourhood pursuit here yesterday has led to several charges against two northern Ontario men yesterday around noon.

Provincial police charged the men after they attempted to flee several officers.

They say on Friday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. police conducting patrols in the area of Taylor Road and Depot Drive in Bracebridge observed a highway traffic act offence.

While trying to stop the vehicle it fled a high rate of speed, say police, onto Hwy. 11 south.

The driver jumps from his vehicle after ditching it in snow bank and flees. Photos OPP

Officers were able to track the vehicle’s whereabouts as it exited and then re-entered the highway as it sped toward Gravenhurst, ultimately turning onto Pinedale Road and into the Pineridge senior’s community.

Again officers attempted to stop the vehicle.

Once again the vehicle failed to stop and in the interest of public safety in the busy residential neighbourhood, officers disengaged.

With the help of the public who were paying close attention and calling 911 they provided information to police about the vehicle’s direction of travel.

And ultimately a resident with a keen eye reported that the suspect vehicle was in his neighbourhood.

Officers found the vehicle in a driveway and when they approached it the vehicle attempted to flee again, narrowing missing the police cruiser and became lodged in a snow bank.

Undeterred, the driver fled his car and took off on foot as officers gained control of the female passenger.

The OPP K-9 unit and the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) were quickly called in and commenced a search.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. the suspect was apprehended.

Police have charged 29-year-old Eric Daoust, of Espanola, with the following:

  • Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)
  • Flight from Peace Officer CC 320.17
  • Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code CC 320.18(1)(a) X 2
  • Fail to Comply with Release Order CC 145(5)(a) X 3
  • Break and Enter CC 348(1)(b)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime CC 354(1)(a) X 2
  • Possession of Break In Instruments CC 351(1)
  • Theft Over $5000 CC 334(b)
  • Possession of Schedule I (Methamphetamine) CDSA 4(1)

Police also charged 20-year-old Sage Sagassige, of Sables-Spanish Rivers Twp. (near Massey), with:

  • Possession of Break In Instruments CC 351(1)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime CC 355(b) X 2
  • Possession of Schedule I (Methamphetamine) CDSA 4(1)

Daoust and Sagassige were held in custody for a bail hearing this morning Saturday Dec. 7, 2004, in the Ontario Court of Justice, to answer to their charges.

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