A traffic stop for a speeding violation on a rural Ontario highway has led to the recovery of a vehicle stolen from Ottawa and multiple criminal charges against a local man.
Highway Stop Uncovers Stolen Vehicle
On Tuesday morning, an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police's Lanark County detachment was conducting routine traffic enforcement on Highway 7 between Perth and Innisville. The officer clocked a vehicle travelling at a speed exceeding 110 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone, prompting a stop.
Upon interacting with the driver, a 36-year-old man from Arnprior, the officer's investigation quickly revealed more serious issues than just speeding. A check of the vehicle's information confirmed it had been reported stolen from Ottawa in late December.
Multiple Charges Laid Following Investigation
The investigation further determined that the driver was subject to a licence suspension and was operating the vehicle without valid auto insurance. As a result, the OPP laid a total of six charges against the individual.
The man now faces charges for:
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Driving while under suspension
- Driving without a licence
- Failing to have insurance
- Speeding
- Breach of recognizance
Following his arrest, the accused was scheduled for a bail hearing at the court in Perth on Tuesday. The communities of Perth and Innisville are located approximately 75 kilometres southwest of Ottawa, where the theft originally occurred.
Quick Recovery After December Theft
The successful recovery of the vehicle, just weeks after it was reported stolen in the nation's capital in late December, highlights how routine police work can intersect with more significant criminal investigations. The OPP highlighted the incident in a news release issued on January 13th, noting the chain of events from a simple speeding stop to a felony arrest.
This case serves as a reminder to drivers about the importance of obeying traffic laws and for vehicle owners to remain vigilant. The swift action by Lanark County OPP has taken a suspected stolen vehicle off the road and led to multiple charges against the individual in possession of it.
