Driver in stolen vehicle flees police. Spike belt deployed

OPP NEWS RELEASE

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Stolen vehicle stopped on Hwy 17 between White River and Wawa

WHITE RIVER AND WAWA - On February 6, 2013 an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Wawa Detachment was conducting radar patrol on Highway 17 near Hammer Lake. 

The officer attempted to stop a 2008 Hyundai car for a speeding infraction. 

The vehicle accelerated and fled from police. 

OPP pursued vehicle and a records check of the Ontario licence plate revealed that it was stolen from Belleville, Ontario. 

The stolen vehicle was followed for 65 kilometres before it was stopped by the deployment of a spike belt in Menzies Township.

OPP arrested the driver, 27-year-old Joshua Parks of Belleville and the passenger, 56-year-old Gerald Smith of Belleville. 

Further investigation revealed multiple stolen items in their possession. 

As a result the following charges were laid against Parks:

• Flight from police
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Drive disqualified
• Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000 (x2)
• Breach of probation

The second accused was charged with the following:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Breach of probation

Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Sault Ste. Marie.

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