Suspected cocaine seized after driver flees traffic stop: OPP

A Sault Ste. Marie man was arrested after police say the driver fled an attempted traffic stop on Neebish Road in Laird Township last Wednesday evening.

The suspect vehicle was stopped a short time later and suspected cocaine was seized during a search, said a news release issued by OPP. Officers also discovered the individual was driving with a suspended licence.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Full text of the release follows:

A traffic stop has resulted in multiple charges for one individual.

On March 13, 2024, shortly before 9 p.m., the Batchewana First Nation Police was conducting general patrol on Neebish Road in Laird Township, when they observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.

When officers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, it fled the scene. It was located shortly after and a traffic stop was conducted. Investigation revealed that the driver's licence was suspended. A subsequent search of the individual yielded a small amount of suspected cocaine.

As a result, Isaiah Schiele, 24 years of age of Sault Ste. Marie, was arrested and charged with:
    •    Failing to stop for police
    •    Driving while under suspension
    •    Possession of a Schedule I Substance - cocaine

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 22, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie.