Many charges laid after ‘dangerous driver’ nearly strikes firefighters in Belleville, flees east on Highway 401
An Ottawa man is facing ten charges following a multi–jurisdictional dangerous driving investigation spanning from Belleville to Lansdowne.
In a Sept. 3 media release, police explain that on Monday, Sept. 2, shortly after 5:30 p.m., Leeds County OPP officers were requested to assist Belleville Police Service and Quinte West OPP in locating and arresting a dangerous driver who was reported to have nearly struck firefighters in Belleville.
Police say the vehicle was also reported as having overtaken a number of vehicles at extremely high rates of speed, including on the shoulders of Highway 401.
“The driver refused to cooperate with police and would not stop the vehicle,” the media release says. “Officers were eventually able to make an arrest without incident.”
As a result of this investigation, 55 year-old Robert K. Smith of Ottawa has been charged with:
- Dangerous Operation, Criminal Code
- Resist Peace Officer, Criminal Code
- Flight from Peace Officer, Criminal Code
- Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm, Criminal Code
- Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs, Criminal Code
- Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand – two counts, Criminal Code
- Drive Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available, Cannabis Control Act
- Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt, Highway Traffic Act
- Possess Unmarked Cigarettes, Tobacco Tax Act
Charges have not been proven in court.
The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville later this month.