NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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INNISFIL - A 39-year-old Barrie man faces a long list of charges following a police pursuit that started in Innisfil and ended in Bradford.
On Monday, April 6, 2020 around 4:30 p.m., a South Simcoe Police Service officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a licence plate infraction on County Road 89 west of County Road 4. The vehicle sped off at a high rate of speed confirmed to be 140 km/h in a posted 60 zone. A pursuit was initiated but was subsequently terminated for public safety.
The suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed south through Innisfil, disobeying a stop sign as it travelled into Bradford. The vehicle lost control on the 12th Line, left the road and wound up on Metrolinx tracks. The male suspect fled on foot down the tracks but citizen bystanders assisted police by keeping the suspect in sight until additional units could respond.
Police Service Dog Nitro conducted a track through a wooded area where he located and apprehended the suspect. The suspect was transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Thirty-nine-year-old James Canning of Barrie is facing 17 charges.
Nine Criminal Code charges:
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation
• Operation while prohibited
• Possession of break in instruments
• Failure to comply with release order (four counts)
• Possession of drugs (suspected crystal methamphetamine)
Eight Provincial charges, including:
• Driving while under suspension
• Stunt driving
• Speeding
• Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
• Disobey stop sign
• Fail to remain
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
Thank you to the citizens who acted as eyes and ears for police during this serious incident. Even in the midst of a pandemic, our residents step up to help make our communities safer for everyone.
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