Snowmobiler charged after fleeing Sudbury police

An undated photo of a Greater Sudbury Police Service snowmobile. (File photo/Greater Sudbury Police Service/Facebook)

A 19-year-old man from Greater Sudbury faces multiple charges after police say he failed to stop for a snowmobile spot check in Hanmer last month.

On March 30, members of the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Integrated Traffic Safety Unit were conducting a snowmobile spot check on a Sudbury Trail Plan trail in the Hanmer community when a snowmachine approached the checkpoint.

“The driver sped off on the snowmachine,” police said in a news release.

Officers were able to identify the driver believed to be involved in the incident through the subsequent investigation.

Warrant executed in Val Caron

On April 15, police executed a search warrant at a residence in the Val Caron community.

“The driver of the snowmachine, a 19-year-old, man from Greater Sudbury was arrested,” police said.

The individual has been charged with failing to stop for a police officer, careless driving, driving without insurance, disobeying signage, driving a motorized snow vehicle without a trail permit, failing to display registration number and having an improper muffler.

He was released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 12 to answer to the charges.

Documentation requirements

Sudbury police used the incident to remind operators that they are required to carry valid identification, registration, insurance and a current Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit when using designated trails, as these requirements support enforcement, rider accountability, and the consistent maintenance of the trail system.

“Proper documentation is essential to the safe and lawful operation of snowmachines in Ontario,” said police.

Sudbury Police say compliance with documentation and equipment standards helps ensure public safety, protects access to trail network, and reduces the risk to riders, other trail users and enforcement personnel.