Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 16-year-old from McMurrich-Monteith Township after an off-road vehicle fled from officers on Highway 518 last month. OPP said the incident occurred on Sept. 22, shortly after 6 p.m., when officers observed an off-road vehicle being operated on a roadway without a licence plate. “When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to comply by evading police at a high rate of speed,” OPP said in a news release. Police said investigators quickly identified and located the driver. As a result, the teen was charged with dangerous operation, flight from a peace officer, failing to stop for police, driving a motor vehicle with no plates and operating a motor vehicle without insurance as the owner. Safety reminders OPP used the incident to remind the public that “off-road vehicles must be operated in accordance with Ontario laws and regulations.” “Ride safe, ride legally and know the rules of the road before heading out,” said Const. Kristin Lake in a recent social media post. OPP said riders are encouraged to ensure they know where off-road vehicles may be legally ridden and to do so safely and responsibly. For information regarding off-road vehicle rules and regulations, review the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Handbook. Authorities also encourage anyone who witnesses an off-road vehicle being operated illegally or unsafely to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
