Teen stunt driver, wanted man caught in ‘unauthorized car meet’ crackdown in Kanata

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says a teenage stunt driver and a wanted suspect were among the individuals caught during what police are calling an “unauthorized car meet” in the Kanata area Saturday evening.

Police say officers were deployed as part of the service’s “Residents Matter” late-night traffic enforcement initiative in response to illegal car gatherings.

Police say a 17-year-old driver with a G2 licence “driving his friend’s dad’s car” was among the four motorists who will face a day in court.

The driver was allegedly caught speeding at 156 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 416 at West Hunt Club Road. They were charged with stunt driving – excessive speed.

A second 17-year-old G licensed driver was stopped on Campeau Drive and Journeyman Street and was charged for allegedly operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failing to apply for a permit upon becoming owner, using a licence plate not authorized for the vehicle and for driving without the proper headlights.

At a third traffic stop, police received an Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert for a wanted 21-year-old man in the area of Highway 417 and Palladium Drive.

The driver had been wanted to failing to appear in court for various offences, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, obstructing a peace officer and public mischief.

The warrant was executed at the scene.

At a fourth traffic stop, officers received an ALPR alert about a vehicle with expired plates in the area of Palladium Drive and Huntmar Drive.

A 20-year-old G2 driver was charged on various offences, including for driving without insurance, failing to surrender their permit and for using a plate not authorized for the vehicle.

None of the allegations against the suspects have been proven in court.

“Ottawa Police, along with OPP, will continue to monitor these car gatherings and will have a zero-tolerance approach to any illegal activity,” said Const. Phil Kane of the Ottawa Police Traffic Escort & Enforcement Unit in a news release.

Officers also issued a total of 26 fines for various offences, including speeding, unnecessary noise, failing to display plates, having no muffler and no rear lights.

Drivers charged with stunt driving face with an automatic 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound. Upon conviction, drivers could receive a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, a further one to three-year licence suspension, six demerit points, and the possibility of six months in jail, police say.

The penalties are further increased for repeat offenders. For driver’s caught driving while suspended, a conviction in court results in a minimum $1,000 fine. For drivers charged with driving without insurance, a minimum $5,000 fine is given upon conviction.