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An Echo Bay resident was arrested last evening after police say the accused fled as officers attended a Church Street residence for a well-being check.
A news release issued by the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) states that once apprehended, the suspect was in possession of a substance believed to be cocaine and a switchblade knife.
Full text of the OPP news release follows:
MACDONALD-MEREDITH-ABERDEEN ADDITIONAL TOWNSHIP - On May 29, 2022 shortly after 8 p.m., members from the Sault Ste. Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the assistance of Batchewana First Nation Police Service and the Anishinabek Police Service responded to a well-being check at a residence on Church Street in Town of Echo Bay.
Before police arrival, the person had left the residence in a car and was later located travelling eastbound on Pioneer Road. Officers attempted a traffic stop and the car continued onto Watson Road and entered Highway 17 travelling westbound. The car turned onto Church Street in Echo Bay driving at a high rate of speed and continued to Highway 17B where it turned into a private driveway. The driver tried to exit the vehicle and flee from police on foot and was subsequently arrested.
While searching the vehicle police located a small amount of suspected cocaine and a switchblade knife. The driver was transported to local hospital via Sault Ste Marie Paramedic Services for further assessment.
As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old from Echo Bay was charged with:
• Dangerous operation, contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code (CC)
• Flight from peace officer, contrary to section 320.17 of the CC
• Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition
• Possession of a schedule I substance - cocaine, contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on July 25, 2022.