PETERBOROUGH-The Provinces Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate after a crash on July 8 in Havelock that knocked out power to thousands of residents.
On July 8, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m., an officer patrolling on County Road 48 received an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert for a vehicle that passed in the opposite direction and unsuccessfully attempted to initiate a traffic stop. A short time later, the vehicle collided with a hydro pole on Belmont Sixth Line. The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the investigation, James Martin, 21 years old of Havelock, was arrested and charged with:
- Dangerous operation
- Flight from peace officer
- Fail to comply with Probation Order
- Driving while under suspension
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on August 20, 2024.
Belmont Sixth Line remained closed for several hours between County Road 48 and Fire Route 29 for the police investigation and hydro pole repair. Power outages were reported in the area.
The OPP has notified the SIU, which has invoked its mandate.
