Edmonton man charged with stunt driving, fleeing police in northern Ont.

A 39-year-old man from Edmonton is facing several charges after police said he fled police on Highway 17 in northern Ontario after being caught stunt driving. (File)

A 39-year-old man from Edmonton is facing several charges after police said he fled police on Highway 17 in northern Ontario after being caught stunt driving.

The interaction took place around 11:30 p.m. March 29 when police spotted an SUV travelling eastbound “at an excessive speed of more than 150 km/h near Waltonen Road east of the Town of Bruce Mines,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release March 31.

“A traffic stop was conducted east of Big Perch Bay Road. While speaking with the officer, the driver became argumentative and refused to provide a valid driver’s licence or vehicle documentation. The driver continued to argue, then suddenly put the vehicle into gear. The officer stepped back as the SUV accelerated away.”

Found sleeping on a side road

OPP units from Blind River and Thessalon searched Highway 17 for a few hours in search of the suspect, including side roads in the area.

“At approximately 2:30 a.m., officers located the SUV on Emily Court, off Jarret Road, parked in a snowplow turnaround with the driver asleep inside,” the release said.

“Police blocked the vehicle in and arrested the driver.”

The Edmonton man is charged with stunt driving, fleeing police, dangerous driving, obstructing police and failing to surrender his licence, vehicle permit or proof of insurance.

The vehicle was later towed and impounded for 14 days.

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court in Blind River on March 30 and was remanded into custody.