K9 Unit nabs suspect after high speed chase: OPP

OPP News Release: 

(KENORA, ON) - On Wednesday April 22, 2015 shortly after 8:30pm members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on Highway 17A in the City of Kenora.

The passenger vehicle bearing Alberta plates began to increase its speed, making an obvious attempt to evade police. 

As the vehicle refused to stop, police engaged in a Suspect Apprehension Pursuit (SAP).  The vehicle continued eastbound on Highway 17A, then turned south onto Airport Road, out of the sight of police.  Within moments, police located the vehicle unoccupied in a driveway on Airport Road.  A police records check indicated the Alberta plates had been reported stolen.

Police observed a male subject running north on Airport Road, across Highway 17A and into a wooded area.  Police contained the area and called for a K9 unit to attend.

Members of the OPP North West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and an OPP K9 Unit conducted a K9 track and located the suspect at approximately 11:25 pm. 

As a result of this investigation 32-year-old Steven HIGGINS of Newcastle Ontario has been charged with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code:

• Flight From Police contrary to section 249.1(1)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 section 354(1)(a)
•  Driving While Disqualified section 259(4)

The accused is being held in custody in Kenora pending a bail hearing.