Motorcyclists observed racing on Ottawa highways at 230 km/h

OPP badge shown in this undated file image. CTV NEWS/BARRIE

A motorcyclist is facing stunt driving and dangerous driving charges after being observed racing at speeds up to 230 km/h on Ottawa highways Friday night, according to police.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers conducted a “major traffic safety initiative” to target dangerous driving in Ottawa, with assistance from an OPP aircraft.

• 2 police officers struck by vehicle attempting to flee street racing gathering in Ottawa, OPP says

The OPP says officers observed two motorcyclists driving at high speeds on Highway 417 and Highway 416.

“The OPP aircraft tracked them, recording speeds up to 230 km/h,” OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson said in a statement.

“The plane followed them off the highway and through Barrhaven, where they could be seen lane splitting, weaving through traffic and running red lights.”

Dickson says one motorcycle was tracked to a home in Barrhaven, where a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act.

The driver is facing charges of dangerous driving, stunt driving, speeding, no insurance, using a licence plate not authorized and driving a motorcycle with no motorcycle licence.

Officers in the OPP aircraft also helped police track a fleeing vehicle that struck two OPP officers when they converged on a street racing gathering in the area of Alti Place near Highway 416 Friday night.

“Officers converged on the area, while the OPP plane circled above. When two vehicles started street racing, officers attempted to stop them,” Dickson said.

“One vehicle stopped, while the other struck two OPP officers and fled. The officers were not seriously hurt, and the aircraft was able to track the fleeing vehicle until other officers could successfully stop it and arrest the driver.”

A 19-year-old from Kanata is facing several charges, including assaulting a police officer with a weapon, dangerous operation, racing a vehicle and stunt driving. Dickson said the other driver stopped and is facing charges under the Highway Traffic Act.

Two other drivers were charged for stunt driving on Ottawa highways Friday night.

Police say a 17-year-old G2 driver was caught going 185 km/h on Highway 417. The speed limit is 100 km/h.

A 37-year-old driver was observed going 155 km/h on Highway 417. The driver was also charged with improper use of an HOV lane.

The stunt driving charge includes a 30-day licence suspension, and the vehicle is impounded for 14 days.

“This was an outstanding example of teamwork, with a goal of making our highways and streets safer,” Dickson said.

“This involved not only officers on the ground and in the air, but also excellent work by our OPP Communications Centre professionals.”