(GODERICH, ON) – A traffic stop initiated for an expired validation sticker ended up leading to a much bigger problem for a South Bruce resident this past weekend.
On Sunday, March 29, 2020 at approximately 4:52 a.m. a Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer observed a motor vehicle travelling on Britannia Road East in Goderich with an expired licence plate sticker. The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle however the driver immediately took off and failed to stop for the officer. The officer followed after the vehicle for a short distance and watched as the driver abruptly pulled into a laneway on Gibbons Street.
The driver quickly exited his vehicle where he was immediately confronted by the officer. While speaking with the driver the officer observed cannabis inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine was also located.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle was not insured and the validation on the licence plate was expired.
As a result, Jonathan MCLEAN, 37 years of age, from South Bruce has been charged with:
Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
Drive Motor Vehicle, No Validation
Drive Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available
Disobey Stop Sign – Fail to Stop
Flight from Peace Officer
Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
He has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for June 29, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich