A 29-year-old Newmarket man and another man have been arrested after police discovered a stolen truck while investigating a suspected impaired driver on Wednesday night.
York Regional Police had received a report of a possible impaired driver near Green Lane and Main Street North in East Gwillimbury at about 8:40 p.m. on Nov. 4.
The driver of the vehicle failed to stop when officers located it on Yonge Street, south of Green Lane, travelling at a high rate of speed.
The officers did not pursue the vehicle due to concerns for the safety of the community, according to a news release.
However, officers were able to locate the vehicle in Newmarket at Knapton Drive and Osborne Family Way, in the area of Davis Drive and Yonge Street, at about 9 p.m.
The officers' cruiser was intentionally hit when they attempted to stop the vehicle, police said.
The driver and passenger were eventually taken into custody, and no injuries occurred, police said.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen.
According to police, the driver failed a drug recognition test.
John Derick Saturnino, 24, no fixed address, is charged with impaired operation – drug, flight from peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and fail to comply with recognizance.
Ervin Pascual, 29, of Newmarket is charged with flight from peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and breach of probation.
So far this year, York Regional Police have received more than 900 calls to 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.
If you see dangerous driving on the road that could jeopardize the safety of motorists and pedestrians, you are encouraged to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
