West Nipissing Ouest – Sturgeon Falls, Verner, St Charles, Field and Area News (WEST NIPISSING, ON) – On November 18, 2020 at 7:50 a.m., while on general patrol, a member from the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed an e-bike disobey the stop sign at the intersection of Levesque Street and Front Street, Municipality of West Nipissing (Sturgeon Falls).
The officer attempted to stop the e-bike but it fled. Shortly thereafter, another officer located and stopped it on Railway Street.
Investigation revealed the e-bike did not have a chain, making it impossible to use the pedals, therefore making it modified, now rendering it a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
Further investigation revealed the driver was disqualified as well as breaching their court ordered release conditions and was subsequently arrested. Officers seized prohibited weapons (brass knuckles and knives).
As a result, Joseph COMMANDA, age 28, from Sturgeon Falls, was charged with:
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (two counts), contrary to section 88 of the Criminal Code (CC);
- Flight From Peace Officer, contrary to section 320.17 of the CC;
- Operation While Prohibited Under the Criminal Code, contrary to section 320.18(1)(a) of the CC; and
- Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other than to attend Court, contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC.
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice – Bail Court on November 23, 2020, in North Bay.