A 19-year-old individual from Ottawa is facing several criminal charges following an incident during a street racing event that resulted in two Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers being struck. The incident occurred late on Friday night, shortly after 11 p.m., in the vicinity of Moodie Drive and Dibblee Road. The OPP’s aerial unit had been monitoring a sizable gathering of vehicles observed engaging in illegal racing activities.
According to police reports, a single vehicle was seen performing burnouts, which was then followed by multiple cars involved in drag racing. In an attempt to halt one of the racing vehicles, police initiated a stop; however, the driver fled the scene and impacted two officers in the process. Fortunately, it was reported that no serious injuries were sustained by the officers involved.
After fleeing, the driver of the vehicle was tracked down and subsequently stopped by the OPP. Following the apprehension, the 19-year-old Ottawa resident was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Two counts of Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon;
- Dangerous Operation;
- Flight from Peace Officer;
- Race a Motor Vehicle;
- Perform Stunt;
- Obstruct Plate;
- Fail to Display Two Plates;
- Colour Coating Obscuring Interior;
- Drive Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available.
In addition to the criminal charges, the driver had their license suspended for a period of 30 days, and their vehicle was impounded for 14 days. This serious breach of traffic laws has led to significant legal repercussions for the young driver, whose actions not only endangered themselves but also the lives of law enforcement officers and other road users.
The driver is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to face the charges. This incident highlights the danger associated with street racing and the serious legal consequences that can result from such reckless behavior. The OPP has reiterated its commitment to ensuring road safety and holding those who engage in illegal activities accountable.
