NEWS RELEASE
THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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A Whitby man who fled from police in a stolen vehicle in September was located and arrested on Wednesday, and now faces additional drug-trafficking related charges.
A member of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Intelligence Unit was in the area of Cumberland Street near River Street at about 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, when they observed a black sedan known to police as a stolen vehicle.
The officer began to follow the vehicle for a short distance, and learned the driver was suspected of being in possession of a handgun.
Officers with the Uniform Patrol Branch, in a patrol vehicle, assisted and initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block area of Northern Avenue.
As officers approached the vehicle, the motorist sped away at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was discontinued due to public safety concerns. As a result of an ongoing investigation, police were able to identify the driver involved in this incident.
Police located and arrested the accused on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2022 during the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant in the 300 block of Cumberland Street North.
The accused was transported to the TBPS headquarters at 1200 Balmoral Street.
Gada RAGASA, 29, of Whitby, Ont., is charged with:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession with Intent to use Forged Document
• Possession of an Identity Document
• Flight from Peace Officer
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor vehicle
He appeared in bail court on Thursday, Jan. 13, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
