A 36-year-old Barrie man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing police twice before crashing his vehicle and attempting to escape on foot.
The incident began on August 3 when Barrie police noticed a speeding vehicle run a red light at the intersection of John and Anne streets. After the driver appeared to stop on George Street, he suddenly made a U-turn and sped away. Officers did not pursue because of heavy traffic.
Around noon, police spotted the same vehicle travelling south on the Queensway at a high speed. When officers tried to stop it again, the driver allegedly swerved around the cruiser and fled. The chase ended when the vehicle struck a light pole, after which the driver ran from the scene but was quickly arrested following a brief foot pursuit.
The accused has been charged with two counts each of dangerous operation and fleeing a peace officer, along with failure to remain at the scene, driving while suspended, and failing to stop for a red light.