Police Pursue Skid Steer
On November 11, 2022 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Belleville police received information about a male driving a skid steer on city streets and appearing to be under the influence of alcohol. Police located the skid steer, best described as a small front-end loader, and attempted on several occasions to stop it, however, the male driver refused to stop for police. After 55 minutes, police were able to distract the driver for a brief second which afforded enough time for officers to enter the skid steer and remove the driver from the vehicle. No members of the public, police officers or the accused were injured during the extended police pursuit.
As a result, 38-year-old Kevin Wardhaugh of Belleville was charged with the following Highway Traffic Act offences:
- 7 counts of fail to stop for a red light
- Adult fail to remain at an accident
- 5 counts of drive the wrong way on a divided highway
- 2 counts of pass on the right side of a vehicle
- 5 counts of driving while under suspension
- Adult drive a motor vehicle and perform a stunt
- Fail to stop for Police
- 6 counts of failing to stop at a stop sign
- Drive left of the centre approaching a grade
Wardhaugh was further charged with the following Criminal Charges:
- 4 counts of Operation while prohibited
- Obstruct police officer
- Mischief
- Flight from police
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Dangerous operation
- Fail to comply with a release order
Wardhaugh was held for a bail hearing on Nov 12, 2022
