Kingston man facing multiple charges after fleeing from OPP

A Kingston man created quite a commotion after his erratic driving caught the attention of the Ontario Provincial Police, who pursued the man and ended up deploying a tire deflation device to stop him.

At approximately 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, officers from the Central Hastings Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report dangerous driving in the westbound lanes of Highway 7. Officers from the Lanark Detachment of the OPP initially attempted to stop the vehicle in question in the Perth area where it was observed travelling over 150 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The driver fled the area when officers attempted to stop the car, and officers did not pursue the vehicle due to concerns for public safety. Instead, OPP officers further west were notified to keep an eye out for the vehicle.

At approximately 8:41 p.m., officers from the Central Hastings Detachment observed the vehicle driving erratically and speeding westbound on Highway 7. Officers used a tire deflation device and the vehicle was stopped a short time after, however, the driver fled on foot. The OPP Canine Unit was deployed and the driver was located quickly.

As a result, Benn Vincent Trecartin, 22, of Kingston was arrested and charged with the following under the Criminal Code and provincial offences:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
• Flight from a peace officer
• Driving while under suspension

Trecartin was also charged with two counts of racing a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. He was held for bail at the Belleville Court of Justice.