Suspects Accused of Dangerous Flight from Traffic Stop
Durham Regional Police have laid charges against two men following a dangerous incident at a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checkpoint in Oshawa. The event, which resulted in damage to police vehicles, occurred in the early hours of January 14, 2026.
According to authorities, the suspects' vehicle approached the checkpoint but then allegedly refused to stop. Instead, the driver is accused of accelerating away from the scene, initiating a police pursuit.
Vehicle Rams Police Cruisers During Escape Attempt
The situation escalated when the fleeing vehicle reportedly collided with multiple Durham Regional Police cruisers during the attempt to evade officers. This act of ramming the police cars significantly increased the severity of the incident, elevating the potential charges from a traffic violation to more serious offences.
Police have not released the specific extent of damage to the cruisers or detailed any injuries sustained by officers. The focus of the R.I.D.E. program is to identify and deter impaired drivers through spot checks, making such a violent response exceptionally rare and concerning for law enforcement.
Multiple Charges Laid Following Arrest
Officers successfully apprehended the two individuals after the collision. Both men now face a series of criminal charges related to their alleged actions.
While the specific charges were not enumerated in the initial report, incidents of this nature typically involve allegations such as:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Flight from a peace officer
- Assault with a weapon (using a vehicle)
- Mischief over $5,000 (related to damage to police property)
The Durham Regional Police service has emphasized the seriousness with which it treats any assault on its officers or attempts to obstruct the critical work of the R.I.D.E. program, which aims to keep Ontario roads safe.
The case highlights the risks police officers face during routine traffic enforcement and the legal consequences for those who choose to escalate situations violently. The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
