Goderich Repeat Offender Arrested After Playing Chicken In Stolen Tow Truck With Police Cruiser

(BLUEWATER, ON) – A 29-year-old driver from Goderich is facing a slew of charges following an out of control ride that took place late last week. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 9th, 2016 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers received information about a tow truck that was travelling in an extremely dangerous manner. Witnesses reported the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed, crossing into both lanes of traffic and venturing into both the south and north ditches. Officers began patrolling for the tow truck whereupon they located the tow truck travelling southbound on Airport Line.

The officer that first observed the tow truck had to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision when the tow truck entered into the oncoming lane directly into the path of the police vehicle. After dodging the tow truck the officer immediately turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle however the driver failed to stop for the officer. The fleeing driver caused several other oncoming drivers to take evasive action to avoid colliding with the tow truck. In addition, the driver failed to stop for a stop sign located at the intersection of Airport Line and Zurich-Hensall Road.

The out of control driver then drove off the roadway into a farmer’s field for a short distance before he entered back onto the roadway. Officers followed behind from a distance where they witnessed the suspect leave the roadway once again into another field. This time, after ditching the vehicle the driver struck a tree upon trying to get back onto the roadway.

At that point the driver exited his vehicle and his wild ride came to an end. Upon locating the male officers arrested the driver for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Impaired Driving by Drug. He was subsequently transported to the Huron OPP Detachment where he submitted to tests conducted by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). It was determined by the DRE the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by a drug.

Further investigation revealed the tow truck had been stolen earlier in the day from a business located in Central Huron. In addition, officers learned the driver sideswiped a minivan and also collided with a stop sign located at the intersection of Airport Line & Kippen Road.

As a result, 29-year-old Cory HODGES from Goderich has been charged with the following offences:

Theft of Motor Vehicle

Dangerous Driving

Mischief Under $5,000

Flight from Police Officer

Impaired Driving by Drug

Two Counts of Breach of Probation

Two Counts of Fail to Remain at Scene of Collision

Drive Motor Vehicle with Suspended Licence

Drive Motor with No Licence

He remains in custody with a video court appearance scheduled for the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on June 15, 2016.

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