Sudbury man charged with criminal harassment after following vehicle for hours

A Greater Sudbury Police Service vehicle is shown parked in the city in this undated photo. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

A 57-year-old man is facing multiple charges after police say he followed a vehicle for nearly three hours before being stopped in downtown Sudbury.

Police received a report from a caller who stated that a dark pickup truck had been following her vehicle for nearly three hours, at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Feb. 15.

The caller, who had three other passengers with her, reported that the truck continued to follow them throughout various areas of the city.

Officers were immediately dispatched and quickly located the suspect vehicle following the complainant’s car downtown.

Police said a traffic stop was conducted at 3:27 a.m., and “the male driver of the pickup truck was detained.”

“Through interviews with the complainant and witnesses, officers learned that the pickup truck had followed the complainant’s vehicle from Val Caron to the South End,” police said in a news release.

During this time, the driver reportedly operated his vehicle in an erratic manner, including driving into the oncoming lane, slowing down excessively, and rapidly accelerating.

“During the interaction with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment,” said police.

“A drug recognition expert later determined that he was impaired by drugs.”

As a result of the investigation, a 57-year-old man from Greater Sudbury has been charged with criminal harassment, dangerous operation of a vehicle and impaired driving.

“His name cannot be released at this time as the information has not yet been sworn to through the court process,” noted police.

In addition to the charges, the accused’s pickup truck was impounded for seven days and his driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days.

The man was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 1 to answer to the charges.

Safety reminder

Local police used the incident to raise awareness and provide tips on what to do if you believe someone is following you while driving.

Officers recommend the following steps to help keep yourself safe:

• Take note of the vehicle’s make, model, colour and licence plate if you can do so safely.
• Do not drive home or to an isolated area. Head toward a busy, well-lit public place.
• Drive to a police station, fire station, or another safe location where people are present.
• Do not stop or confront the other driver.
• Keep your doors locked and windows up.

The police service said that in an emergency, crime in progress or where there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others, call 911.

To file a police report for a non-emergency, call 705-675-9171.