NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ESPANOLA — One person has been arrested and is facing charges after a single vehicle collision.
On Feb. 28, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an unwanted person at a residence in Espanola, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. When police arrived on scene, they observed a vehicle leave the address at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then failed to stop for police. Shortly after, police came across a single vehicle collision on Highway 6. The same vehicle was in the ditch, and the driver had fled from the vehicle on foot.
With assistance from the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine Unit, and the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the driver was located and arrested. The driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result, Joseph Best, 38-years-old from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired
- Flight from peace officer
- Dangerous operation
- Fail to remain
- Drive motor vehicle - no licence
- Driver fail to properly wear seatbelt
The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sudbury on February 28, 2025, and was remanded into custody.
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