Greater Sudbury Police are on the hunt for a local man who allegedly fled a traffic stop on Oct. 31, dragging a police officer a short distance in the process.
On Oct. 31, officers from the Integrated Traffic Safety Unit (ITSU) and Patrol Operations were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) check at the roundabout on Lasalle Boulevard at Frood Road.
“Around 11:45 p.m. officers stopped at vehicle at the check point and while speaking with the driver, officers detected signs of impairment,” a GSPS press release states. “Upon asking for the driver’s identification, it was determined that his driver’s licence was expired and that he was a prohibited driver.”
The driver refused when officers ordered him to turn off vehicle and exit, police said in the news release.
“An officer opened the driver’s door to affect an arrest, however, the driver drove forward striking the officer and then dragging him a short distance before the officer was able get free,” GSPS said. “The driver then fled the scene in the vehicle.”
The officer sustained minor injuries as a result, police said.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 47-year-old Devin Taylor, who remains on the run, for the following offences:
- Assault Peace Officer with a Weapon
- Resist Arrest
- Flight From Peace Officer
- Operation While Impaired
- Dangerous Operation
- Failure to Stop After Accident
- Operation While Prohibited x3
- Class G1 Licence Holder - Unaccompanied by Qualified Driver
Police seek the public’s help in locating Taylor “as it is believed he is actively evading police.”
Anyone with information related to the man’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.