Quebec driver facing multiple charges after driving dangerously on 401
A driver from Quebec is facing multiple charges after ramming a police cruiser with a stolen vehicle, among other things.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jul. 4, 2021, officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an erratic driver travelling westbound on Highway 401, just east of the Camden East exit.
The vehicle was driving in a dangerous manner, passing vehicles on the shoulder and driving at a high rate of speed, according to a report from OPP. The same vehicle was the subject of an investigation by Ottawa police earlier in the day, which remains ongoing.
Police initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle rammed the police cruiser, according to the report. Police were able to use multiple cruisers to block the suspect vehicle in and arrested the lone occupant.
Police have charged Andre Merilainen-Cayen, age 30, of Gatineau, Quebec contrary to the Criminal Code with:
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime;
- Flight from Police;
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose;
- Operation While Impaired – alcohol and drug; and
- Operating a motor vehicle while over legal blood alcohol limit.
Police said a knife was located in the vehicle, and the vehicle itself was the property obtained by crime.
The accused was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on July 6, 2021.