Suspended driver from Sudbury charged with stunt driving on Hwy. 17 in Marathon

An OPP logo is seen in this file photo.

A 23-year-old from Valley East has been charged with stunt driving and other offences following an incident involving two vehicles Oct. 22 near Marathon. Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police said they tried to stop the vehicles "travelling at a high rate of speed" around 1:30 p.m. on Highway 17.

"Both vehicles fled at extremely high speeds," police said in a news release Wednesday.

"In the interest of public safety, the officers did not engage in a pursuit."

But the first vehicle, driven by the suspect from Valley East in Greater Sudbury, was found a short distance away and police made an arrest.

Charges include driving while suspended, fleeing from police, stunt driving, using a plate not authorized for the vehicle and two counts each of dangerous driving and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused remains in custody with a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.

The second vehicle was located a short distance away where the driver fled on foot.

"Members of the OPP's emergency response team along with the Thunder Bay Police Service canine unit assisted with the search for the driver but were unable to locate the driver," police said.

"The investigation is ongoing and police are reminding members of the public to always ensure their residences and vehicles are locked securely."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Marathon OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).