Rolling block used to stop stolen truck on 401

OPP say that a 19-year-old person was arrested in a stolen pickup truck this afternoon after allegedly driving dangerously on Highway 401 in Loyalist Township, Ontario.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021, police received a report from a motorist about a pickup truck driving aggressively and erratically eastbound on Highway 401 near Belleville. An officer from the Lennox & Addington (L&A) County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) who was observing for the vehicle saw it pass by just west of Napanee.

According to the OPP, when the officer checked the licence plate attached to the vehicle, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen from York Region earlier in the day. Other L&A County detachment officers responded and coordinated a plan to utilize alternative stopping techniques to bring the vehicle safely to a halt.

As the suspect vehicle passed the Camden East Road interchange at mile marker #593, the officers moved in and performed a ‘rolling block’ preventing any opportunity for the vehicle to flee. The driver of the vehicle was placed under arrest at the scene and the vehicle was recovered without damage.

Pierre Djaim, 19 years old and from Montreal, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5000.00. He was released from police custody on an undertaking and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on May 25, 2021.

“The patience, planning, training and fantastic teamwork displayed by our members today maintained public safety, prevented damage to property and safely apprehended a suspect” said detachment commander, Inspector Scott Semple. “The successful conclusion of this incident demonstrates the dedication and professionalism of the OPP members that serve our community.”