(HURON EAST, ON) – A dangerous situation this morning on Highway 8 resulted in a safe resolution for everyone involved after a high-risk maneuver by an officer succeeded.
At approximately 7:49 a.m. this morning Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received two calls about a commercial truck that was travelling on Highway 8 in an erratic fashion. Witnesses reported the suspect vehicle was westbound from Seaforth travelling at low speeds into the oncoming lane.
OPP officers responded and were able to locate the suspect vehicle near Front Road. Despite the numerous police vehicles following behind with lights and sirens activated the driver failed to stop. Spike belts were deployed and several tires were deflated however the vehicle continued trucking along at a slow speed.
With the knowledge the vehicle was approaching Clinton, near the school zones the level of urgency to get the vehicle stopped was extremely high. Without hesitation a senior member of the Huron OPP Crime Unit instinctively leapt onto the side of the truck and was able to get into the cab compartment. With the assistance of another officer they were able to get the truck stopped and the driver out of the vehicle.
Police are suspecting the driver was experiencing a medical related event however this remains under investigation.
Highway 8 between Clinton and Front Road re-opened to the public at approximately 10:15 a.m.