ATV driver in northern Ont. who fled spot check got stuck in a swamp

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is seen in this file photo. (File)

A getaway went wrong for an ATV driver in Spanish, Ont., recently when they were caught by police on foot.

It later emerged the suspect was not only on probation, their driver’s licence was also suspended.

The incident began around early in the morning of Dec. 8 when East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police were conducting RIDE checks on Brennan Harbour Road in the Town of Spanish.

“At approximately 1:30 a.m., police observed an ATV evading the RIDE check,” the OPP said in a news release Monday.

“The vehicle then fled westbound on Brennan Harbour Road, turned into a driveway and entered a trail heading toward Lake Huron.”

Police followed the ATV tracks on foot and eventually discovered the vehicle stuck in a swampy area.

“Continuing to track fresh footprints, police followed them back to Brennan Harbour Road for a short distance before venturing into a wooded area,” police said.

“As they advanced, the sound of breaking branches was heard, and shortly after, the driver emerged from the tree line and was arrested.”

The 24-year-old from Spanish is charged with impaired driving, fleeing police, dangerous driving, driving while suspended, disobeying a stop sign and two counts of violating probation orders.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Feb. 6.