A joint-police initiative on Ottawa-area roads has led to dozens of charges and the seizure of three motorcycles.
On Friday, Sept. 20, project “Gust” was carried out over three hours on Highway 417 and other local roads in response to a recent increase in stunt driving-related offences.
During the course of the operation, officers laid 39 Highway Traffic Act (HTA) charges, including seven stunt driving charges.
Officers also laid 10 criminal charges and seized three motorcycles, including one that had been reported stolen.
Two of the individuals charged by police have previous convictions for stunt driving and one Ottawa man had been charged in September 2022 when a similar operation was conducted in Ottawa using the OPP plane.
Robert Staple, 31, of Ottawa, faces the following charges:
- Dangerous Operation
- Flight From Peace Officer (two counts)
- Operation While Prohibited Under the Criminal Code (two counts)
- Fail to Stop for Police (two counts)
- Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt
- Careless Driving
- Use Plate Not Authorized for Motor Vehicle
- Staple was held in custody pending bail.
Meantime, Sagar, 20, of Ottawa, faces the following charges:
- Dangerous Operation
- Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt
Sagar was release with a court date on October 22.
Members of the Ottawa OPP, Highway Safety Division (HSD), OPP Aviation Services, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Traffic Services, and OPS Neighbourhood Resource Team-West (NRT) took part in project GUST.