(PICTON, ON) – On March 16, 2016 at approximately 7:20 am, members of the Prince Edward County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a possible impaired driver near Big Island, Prince Edward County. A short time later officers observed the vehicle, but the driver fled. The officer discontinued attempting to stop the fleeing suspect vehicle for safety concerns.
A second report of a stolen vehicle in Wellington at the arena resulted in the initial suspect vehicle being recovered.
An officer observed the stolen vehicle traveling on Loyalist Parkway, Wellington and attempted to stop the fleeing suspect vehicle. The driver lost control near the intersection of Loyalist Parkway and Huycks Point Road, and came to rest in the southwest ditch of Huycks Point Road, Prince Edward County.
The driver, 29-year-old Corey WENTZELL of Kingston, is charged with:
1. Fail to comply with OIC Undertaking (3 counts)
2. Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle (2 counts)
3. Flight while Pursued by Police (2 counts)
4. Theft of a Motor Vehicle
5. Possession of Stolen property
6. Possession of a Sched I Drug (methamphetamine)
7. Fail to remain at the scene of an accident (2 counts)
He is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Belleville, today, Thursday, March 17, 2016 for a bail hearing.
Officers had set-up road checks on Highway 62 near Belleville, Highway 33 in Quinte West, County Road 49 near Tyendinaga Territory and at the Glenora Ferry during the ongoing investigation. Highways were not closed.