Spike belt ends dangerous pursuit across Highway 17; teens from Pickle Lake and Lac Seul face serious charges

DRYDEN, ON – What began as a routine traffic stop quickly turned into a dangerous early-morning pursuit, ending with a police cruiser rammed and two northern Ontario teens in custody.

Just before 3:00 a.m. on May 7, 2025, officers from the Dryden Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attempted to stop a vehicle in the City of Dryden. The driver fled at high speed, prompting officers to disengage in the interest of public safety.

The vehicle was later located on Southworth Township Road but again refused to stop, continuing eastbound on Highway 17. OPP officers deployed a tire deflation device (spike belt) to bring the vehicle to a halt. Before stopping, the suspects rammed a marked police vehicle, escalating the incident further.

Two Youths Arrested, Face Multiple Charges

A 15-year-old from Pickle Lake, ON, and a 16-year-old from Lac Seul First Nation, were arrested following the incident. The passenger initially fled the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly afterward.

Due to their ages, the names of both accused are withheld under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

🔹 Charges for the 15-year-old from Pickle Lake include:

• Theft Over $5,000 of a Motor Vehicle

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

• Resisting and Obstructing a Peace Officer

• Mischief Under $5,000

🔹 Charges for the 16-year-old from Lac Seul First Nation include:

• Theft Over $5,000

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Impaired Driving (Alcohol and Drugs)

• Failure to Stop for Police

• Assaulting a Peace Officer (2 counts, including with a weapon)

• Flight from Police

• Mischief Over $5,000

• Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration

• Failure to Stop After an Accident

• Possession of Proceeds of Crime

• Multiple Breaches of Court Orders

Multi-Agency Response on the Ground

The OPP’s Traffic Incident Management and Emergency Response Teams, along with Treaty Three Police Service and Sioux Lookout Detachment, were instrumental in locating and safely apprehending the suspects.

Both youths have been remanded into custody, and the investigation remains active.

🚔 Community Asked to Assist

Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.