Ottawa motorcyclist driving on shoulder of Hwy. 417, striking officer charged: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say officers are looking to identify this motorcyclist, who was seen riding on the shoulder of Hwy. 417 Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (OPP/X)

An Ottawa motorcyclist is facing multiple charges after allegedly striking an officer while escaping a traffic stop for driving on the shoulder of Highway 417 Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The 33-year-old man has been charged with dangerous operation, flight from peace officer, drive motor vehicle - perform stunt, operate a motor vehicle without insurance, careless driving, fail to stop for police, drive motor vehicle with no plates, operate unsafe vehicle and pass off roadway.

He is also facing a 30-day driver’s licence suspension.

Police said shortly before 4:30 p.m., police spotted a motorcyclist driving on the shoulder of the highway near Woodroffe Avenue. When an officer attempted to stop him, he drove away at high speeds, striking the OPP member, according to police.

As a result, the officer suffered minor injuries, according to the OPP.

On Wednesday, police asked the public for help identifying the suspect following the incident.

“The OPP would like to extend their appreciation to all the members of the public who responded to our social media posts, providing us with the information necessary to locate and arrest the individual,” police said in a news release Friday.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.