(Blind River, Ontario) – Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 9:59 a.m. officers of Anishinabek Police Service conducted a traffic stop due to speeding in the Serpent River area on Highway 17. The officers requested assistance and OPP officers attended the area. At the scene the driver was allegedly verbally abusive and when the passenger exited the vehicle to speak to officers the driver drove off leaving the scene. The vehicle quickly accelerated to high rate of speed and proceeded westbound on Highway 17. Police followed the vehicle and short time later officers ended the pursuit and noted the vehicle going westbound entering the Sprague area.
Roadblocks and spike strips were placed in order to stop the vehicle. Traffic in both directions was stopped to ensure the safety of the public.
At approximately 11:50 a.m. officers were advised of a hitchhiker matching the description of the driver. Officers attended the area and arrested the male. With the assistance of the OPP helicopter the vehicle was recovered off a roadway near Highway 17.
Charged with the following is Romeo PEPIN-GENDRON (22) of Quebec.
Assault Police
Flight from Police (X2)
Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
Obstruct/Resist Police
Mischief Under $5,000 (X2)
Possession of Marihuana – under 30 grams
Race a motor vehicle - under the Highway Traffic Act
Deface Plate – under the Highway Traffic Act
Also charged with Possession of Marihuana – under 30 grams is Billy BRISEBOIS (23) of Quebec.
PEPIN-GENDRON remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing on todays date.