Wednesday, June 3, 2009

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED

(Espanola, ON.) – Sometime between June 1, 2009 at 11:00 p.m. and June 2, 2009 at 1:00 a.m., a 2006 Honda car was stolen from a residential driveway in the town of Lively.

On June 2, 2009 at 11:35 a.m., while patrolling on West Branch Road, Gough Township, an officer from the Espanola OPP Detachment observed the stolen vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed and in an erratic manner. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver refused. A short pursuit of 6.7 kilometres was initiated until it was terminated for safety reasons. The vehicle was last seen travelling eastbound on Old Webbwood Road, which leads to Highway 6.

All available officers continued to keep observation for the stolen vehicle. Shortly thereafter, officers observed the vehicle crossing Highway 6 from Old Webbwood Road and onto Jacklin Road, Town of Espanola. After approximately 400 metres, the vehicle came to a stop and the suspects fled in the bush.

OPP officers then set up a perimeter and requested the Espanola Police Service to assist with the perimeter, in their jurisdiction. The following agencies assisted in securing the area and searching for the suspects: Officers from the Espanola Police Service and their Canine Unit, Greater Sudbury Police Service Canine Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources Canine Unit, UCCM Police Service, Anishnabek Police Service, OPP Emergency Response Team and members of the Espanola and Sudbury OPP Detachments.

At 1:35 p.m., officers arrested one 16-year-old male from Lively, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and one adult, Chris GRANZIE, age 18. As a result of further investigation, both accused persons were found to be involved in number of criminal incidents prior to their arrest and are charged as follows:

Young Person: Possession of Stolen Property, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Police, Theft Over $5,000, Mischief Under $5,000, Break and Enter, Attempt Break and Enter, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and G1 Driver-Drive contrary to Conditions.

Chris GRANZIE: Theft Over $5,000, Mischief Under $5,000, Break and Enter, Attempt Break and Enter, Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

Both accused persons were released from custody and will appear in Espanola Court on September 1, 2009.

The investigation is continuing.

ATV Safety Sits Squarely on the Shoulders of the Operator
ATV maintenance, operation and trail safety

(Northeastern Ontario) - When you think you’re ready to hit the ATV trails, make sure you’ve completed your pre-trip inspection. Mechanical failure can mean more than a trailside inconvenience, brake failure on a sharp corner on downhill run could be a life threatening situation. Traveling on an ATV in Northern Ontario can easily distance the operator 30 to 60 kilometres away from home base. It makes good sense to perform regular preventative maintenance and to take the time to go over your machine using a pre-trip circle check.

• Wash the machine to easily identify damaged, worn or loose parts.
• Inspect the condition of the frame, engine guards, cables, grease fittings and fuel line.
• Check for twigs or rocks that may have become lodged in the frame.
• Check steering for excessive play and test suspension components.
• Tighten the wheels, check tire pressure and wear.
• Listen for excessive wheel and brake noise.
• Check that the battery has sufficient cranking power and that the throttle and choke operate smoothly.
• Check the running lights and the brake lights.
• Ensure the license plate is properly affixed.

Always operate your machine in a safe and responsible manner. Inexperienced riders operating a borrowed machine may drive beyond their capabilities with catastrophic results. An older style three-wheeled machine can easily become unstable and flip causing serious injury or death. Alcohol and speed often factor in ATV crashes. Quite simply, the responsibility for ATV maintenance, operation and trail safety sits squarely on the shoulders of the operator.

In 2008, North East Region OPP investigated five ATV deaths and so far in 2009, one ATV death.

Recreational ATVing is meant to be enjoyable but these machines should never be considered toys. Safety equipment, proper clothing and footwear are recommended and an approved motorcycle helmet is required by law.