Man, 61, faces multiple charges following rideshare incidents

An undated image of a ride-sharing app opened on a smartphone. (File photo/CTV News)

A 61-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is facing multiple criminal charges, including mischief and fraud, following two separate incidents involving rideshare services this month.

The first incident was reported to 911 operators at about 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said officers investigated a report of transportation fraud and determined the accused had used a rideshare service but did not pay for the ride.

As a result, the man was charged with transportation fraud.

The accused was then released on an appearance notice and scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1.

Second incident leads to additional charges

Just two days later, on Oct. 4 at about 2 p.m., police were called again for a report of transportation fraud involving the same man.

“The investigation revealed the accused had used another rideshare service to attend a business in the 800 block of Great Northern Road from which they are trespassed and did not pay for their ride,” police said in a news release.

“The accused had also caused significant damage to a vehicle on the property by scratching it and chipping the windshield and window.”

Officers located and took the man into custody shortly after the incident.

Following the second investigation, the accused was charged with additional offences – including mischief, another count of transportation fraud, entering a premises when entry was prohibited and failing to leave a premises when directed.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.