Rifle-toting driver who fled from RIDE, and then OPP, busted

OPP cruiser in this file image. Mon., May 25, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS BARRIE

Provincial police hosting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program in Meaford attempted to arrest a man who was ignoring court-imposed conditions.

Police say the driver of the car sped off at around 1 a.m. May 19.

Five local and provincial authorities joined forces – including the OPP Aviation Unit – to arrest the man at a Chatsworth home but he fled in a stolen car and drove straight into a police cruiser.

Two officers sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.

The individual then fled on foot but was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. Two more people were arrested inside the stolen vehicle.

During the investigation, police seized a .22 calibre bolt-action rifle.

Police arrested the 24-year-old Owen Sound man and charged him with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Three firearms weapons charges
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Two counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon
• Possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition order
• Two counts of failing to comply with a release order

A 36-year-old South Bruce Peninsula man was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Three firearms weapons charges

An 18-year-old of Kincardine is charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Three weapons charges

All accused parties were held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.

Since that time:

• The 18-year-old and 36-year-old were released on court-ordered conditions
• The driver has been remanded into custody

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Grey County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure tip online at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.