OPP Update – Image Kevin Palmer / Palmer Creative Group Thunder Bay / RAITH – National News – A man from Brampton is now facing four counts of attempted murder along with several other charges after the Ontario Provincial Police reported that a van evaded officers on Highway 11-17 west of Thunder Bay and later collided with three police vehicles during an arrest near Raith.
Police Report That Van Did Not Stop on Highway 11-17
Thunder Bay OPP and officers from the Shabaqua satellite detachment took part in the arrest on Wednesday, June 10. The police state they first spotted a parked Sprinter van shortly before 10 a. m. along Highway 11-17 close to Highway 527. After having a brief conversation with the driver, officers became suspicious and initiated a traffic stop. The driver stayed at the scene for just a moment before fleeing, according to police. Later on, additional officers found the vehicle further west along Highway 11-17, but again it failed to stop. Around 11 a. m., near Raith, multiple police vehicles were deployed to bring the van to a halt. Authorities claim that the driver intentionally hit and caused damage to three police vehicles. During the apprehension, officers used a conducted energy weapon after the suspect reportedly resisted arrest and tried to set fire to the vehicle. The suspect was arrested without any further serious incidents or significant injuries to anyone involved. A few officers experienced minor injuries that didn’t require medical treatment. The accused also received care for minor injuries.Brampton Man Facing Various Charges
Gurjit Singh, 41, from Brampton has been charged with: Attempted murder, four counts; assaulting a peace officer, three counts; dangerous operation; mischief over $5,000, three counts; fleeing from a peace officer, two counts; operating while impaired – alcohol and drugs; resisting peace officer; possession of Schedule I substance – heroin; possession of Schedule I substance – methamphetamine; driving while under suspension; failing to surrender permit for motor vehicle; insecure load; operating unsafe vehicle; using plate not authorized for vehicle; multiple offences under dangerous goods transportation regulations; and operating motor vehicle without insurance. Singh remains in custody and is scheduled for an appearance before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Monday, June 15. None of these allegations has been tested in court. Singh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.Criminal Code Context
Attempted murder falls under section 239 of the Criminal Code. It is considered an indictable offence and carries up to life imprisonment as a maximum penalty. Minimum penalties can apply in cases involving firearms, although police haven’t indicated firearm use based on their report. Assaulting a peace officer is covered by section 270 of the Criminal Code. This includes assaulting public or peace officers engaged in their duties or assaulting someone intending to resist or prevent lawful arrest. If prosecuted by indictment, it carries up to five years in prison but may also be prosecuted summarily. The dangerous operation falls under section 320.13 when someone operates a conveyance dangerously towards others. Fleeing from law enforcement is covered by section 320.17 when drivers do not stop as soon as reasonably possible during pursuits by police. If prosecuted by indictment for dangerous operation without causing bodily harm or death-and for fleeing-penalties can reach up to ten years in prison or lower penalties if pursued summarily. Operating while impaired due to alcohol or drugs relates back to section 320.14. Basic impaired driving offences could lead up to mandatory minimum fines for first-time offenders and jail terms for repeat offenders-maximum sentences can reach ten years if prosecuted by indictment. Mischief over $5,000 comes under section 430 of the Criminal Code regarding damage or interference with property-if this exceeds $5,000 in value when indicted maximum sentences can reach ten years or lesser penalties through summary conviction routes. Resisting peace officer refers back to section 129 carrying up two years maximum if indicted or summary conviction options available too. Possessing heroin and methamphetamine are categorized as Schedule I substance allegations within Controlled Drugs and Substances Act regulations-simple possession brings about maximum sentences reaching seven years if indicted compared against lesser penalties through summary convictions.Regional Impact For Northwestern Ontario
Highway’s significance extends beyond local travel-it serves vital connectivity among communities like Thunder Bay alongside Kenora Dryden Ignace Nipigon stretching throughout Northwestern Ontario regions Incidents related both law enforcement stops impairments hazardous materials have broader implications impacting emergency response commercial transport public safety matters spanning vast stretches remote highways.
The location near Raith emphasizes challenges faced responding agencies including paramedics fire services addressing situations outside metropolitan areas longer travel times backup towing hazardous material assistance necessary health care provision issues arise compounded due geography
Public Information
Anyone who has information related urgent traffic complaints suspected impairment should call911 Those wishing remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at1-800-222-8477
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