Hwy. 401 file photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.Hwy. 401 file photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.
London

Spike belt used to stop racing vehicles on the 401

Provincial police had to use a spike belt to stop a pair of vehicles that were racing at more than 160 km/h along Highway 401 in London.

Police first received complaints about the vehicles speeding and driving in a "dangerous manner" in the eastbound lanes in the area of Chatham-Kent around 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers attempted to stop the vehicles a short time later at Iona Road in Elgin County, but both continued on.

Police did not give chase out of concern for public safety.

One of the vehicles was finally stopped without incident near the Wellington Road exit in London after police laid a spike belt across the eastbound lanes, deflating its tires.

Police arrested three people and seized a quantity of illicit drugs and stolen property.

"Investigations such as this one highlight the importance of cooperation amongst the police and the public. As a result of detailed information from concerned citizens, the police were able to coordinate a safe and successful resolution to this driver's wanton disregard for the safety of others on the highway," Middlesex OPP Detachment Commander Dean Croker said in a statement.

A 25-year-old Mississauga man has been charged with ten offences including dangerous driving, racing a motor vehicle, drug trafficking, flight from peace officers, possession of stolen property, and failure to comply with a probation order.

A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Mississauga, are charged with trafficking in a Schedule I substance, possession of drugs and possession of stolen property.

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