Two youths operating off-road vehicles are facing criminal charges after fleeing from the RCMP in Witless Bay on Sunday, April 2.
Police were patrolling the Witless Bay Line when they observed ATVs driving on the roadway, said RCMP spokesperson Glenda Power.
“Upon the activation of police emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, the three ATVs fled at a high rate of speed,” she said. “In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicles.”
Power said additional officers parked and waited for the ATVs at the intersection of Witless Bay Line and Route 10. Two of the three ATVs came upon the intersection, failed to stop at the stop sign and continued to flee. They were last seen turning onto Deans’ Road. Police made a patrol on Dean’s Road and observed the ATVs parked by a guard rail at the end of the road. Two youths were arrested for flight from police and were transported to the RCMP Bay Bulls Community Office. They were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charges. The ATVs were seized and impounded.
The third ATV operator was not located. The investigation is continuing.
Power said according to the provincial Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, it is illegal to operate any off-road vehicle on a roadway and offenders could be liable for $325 summary offence ticket.
“Operators who fail to stop for police put themselves and others at unnecessary risk and place themselves in breach of a criminal offence – Flight from Police – which can result in a criminal record,” Power said.
