(CENTRAL HURON, ON) A 27 year old male driver from Seaforth is facing several charges following a short police chase on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Just before 11:00 a.m. a Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer observed a Pontiac Grand Prix racing westbound into Clinton on Huron Road. A RADAR device showed the vehicle was travelling 103 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The police officer activated his emergency lights in an effort to stop the driver. The driver failed to immediately come to a stop. Rather, the driver pulled into a private parking lot and attempted to evade police when he jumped out of the vehicle and took off running. A short foot chase ensued into a nearby backyard whereupon the officer was able to catch up and arrest the fleeing driver.
The driver then provided a false name to officers in an effort to mislead police. The true identity of the driver was later confirmed to be John TOPOR, 27, from Seaforth. It was also determined he is currently a prohibited driver. He has been charged with the following offences:
Flight from Police Officer contrary to section 249.1(1) Criminal Code
Dangerous Driving contrary to section 249 (1)(a) Criminal Code
Drive Disqualified contrary to section 259(4)(a) Criminal Code
Obstruct Police – Mislead Officers contrary to section 129(a) Criminal Code
Race a Motor Vehicle contrary to section 172(1) Highway Traffic Act
He remains in custody with a scheduled video court appearance on September 16, 2013 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. The Pontiac Grand Prix was towed from the scene and has been impounded.