On September 11TH, 2014 at 10:44am Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting stationary RADAR enforcement on Fingal Line near Southwold Public School in the Township of Southwold. Officers were monitoring east bound traffic in the 50 Km/h school safety zone.
At that time officers observed an east bound black SUV vehicle travelling at a very high rate of speed. Police RADAR confirmed that the vehicle was traveling in excess of 120km/hr in the 50km/h Community Safety Zone and was being driven by a male.
Upon observing the police vehicle the black SUV attempted to evade police by pulling into a private driveway.As officers pulled in behind the suspect vehicle officers observed that the male driver had switched seats with a female passenger who attempted to convince police that she had been the driver.
Police investigation has resulted in the male driver being charged with numerous offences.
The driver of the vehicle Francois PAQUET, age 42 of West Elgin has been charged with;
Stunt Driving contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
2 X Driving while Under Suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
Obstructing a Police Officer contrary to the Criminal Code
Failing to Comply with Probation Order contrary to the Criminal Code
PAQUET was arrested and remanded into custody.
Charges are pending against the female passenger.
The involved vehicle has been impounded for 7 days.