WALDEN – A novice driver has been arrested and charged following an incident on Highway 17 west of Sudbury in which a motorist drove off after being stopped by police and later fled on foot.
Manitoulin OPP say on April 25 shortly after 9 a.m., police received multiple complaints regarding the erratic driving of a vehicle on Highway 17.
Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. As the officer spoke to the driver, the motorist drove off and continued down the highway, according to an OPP news release.
A second attempt was made by police to stop the vehicle, which was successful, with the driver then fleeing on foot.
Manitoulin OPP with the assistance of the canine unit located the driver, who was arrested and transported to the OPP detachment.
After further investigation, Matthew Luttrell-Vaillancourt, 20, from Sudbury was charged with:
- Dangerous operation
- Flight from peace officer
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Fail to stop for police
- Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 10.
The driver was issued a 90-day driver's licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Luttrell-Vaillancourt is considered innocent unless proven guilty.