(MIDDLESEX, ON) - On Wednesday September 9, 2020 at 01:46 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to reports of a fail to remain collision in the westbound lanes of HWY 401 at Veterans Memorial Parkway. A lone male suspect was said to have fled the scene on foot from the collision when he was made aware that police had been contacted. Police soon learned that the damaged Mercedes Benz motor vehicle had been reported stolen to the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) during an armed robbery incident that occurred on September 8, 2020 at the Outlet Collection Mall located in Niagara on the Lake. Police also learned that the male suspect may still be armed with a knife as a result of the on-going investigation.
Responding officers quickly located the male suspect running down the eastbound shoulder of HWY 401. Officers quickly engaged the suspect at the roadside when he fled leading responding officers through all six lanes of traffic on HWY 401 on foot. The suspect was observed dropping items from his person as he fled and he failed to follow any directions or commands of the responding officers. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Upon the arrest of the accused, police soon learned that the suspect's ability to operate a motor vehicle at the time of the collision may have been impaired by drugs and or alcohol.
As a result of an investigation police have charged Michael BARRETT -age 28- of London, ON with:
Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada as per section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC).
Dangerous operation as per section 320.13(1) CC.
Failure to stop after accident as per section 320.16(1) CC.
Resist Peace Officer as per 129(a) CC.
Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code as per section 320.18(1)(a) CC.
Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs as per section 320.14(1)(a) CC.
Fail to Comply with Probation Order as per section 733.1(1) CC.
Driving while under suspension as per section 53 of the Highway Traffic Act.
The accused has been remanded into police custody and will be appearing in an Ontario Court of Justice at a future date to speak to the charges. The Middlesex OPP are currently assisting the NRPS with their on-going investigation where the accused has been arrested and charged by the NRPS with eight offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. This is in direct relation to the Armed Robbery incident reported on September 8, 2020.
This is another great example of the positive partnerships between police services across this great province and the members of our community. It takes all of us to do our part to ensure we have a healthy and safe environment.
The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious that puts our communities at risk you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.