A man on an ATV is facing several criminal charges after evading a police checkpoint on Manitoulin Island and later crashing into a police cruiser.
The incident began shortly after 10 p.m. on Dec. 9, when the ATV approached a R.I.D.E. checkpoint on Wikwemikong Way and refused to stop. Officers did not pursue immediately for safety reasons but continued searching the area.
The situation ended when the ATV, travelling on the wrong side of the road, struck a police vehicle. The rider was arrested and soon went into a medical emergency consistent with an opioid overdose. Officers administered naloxone, and paramedics transported him to hospital. After being medically cleared, he was held at the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service station.
Investigators learned the man was already facing criminal charges, subject to a curfew, prohibited from driving, and wanted on an outstanding warrant. He is now charged with fleeing from police, impaired and dangerous driving, operating a vehicle while prohibited, mischief, and three counts of breaching a release order.
The ATV has been impounded for 45 days, and the accused remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.