MARATHON, ON — A 40-year-old driver from Carievale, Saskatchewan is facing 14 charges after allegedly fleeing from police and driving dangerously on Highway 17.
On Monday, August 4, 2025 at about 11:24 a.m., Marathon OPP responded to multiple 911 calls about a pickup truck headed east on Highway 17 and being driven in an unsafe manner. Officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
Near Three Finger Lake, the driver left the highway, entered a forested area and ATV trails, and was arrested shortly after exiting the trail.
Aaron OLNEY, 40, of Carievale, Saskatchewan is charged with:
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Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (Criminal Code)
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Flight from peace officer (Criminal Code)
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Fail to comply with release order (Criminal Code)
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Disobey court order (Criminal Code)
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Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition (Criminal Code)
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Possession of break-in instruments (Criminal Code)
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Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (Criminal Code)
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Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (Criminal Code)
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Possession of Schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking (CDSA)
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Possession of Schedule I substance — methamphetamine (CDSA)
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Possession of Schedule I substance — cocaine — two counts (CDSA)
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Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available (Ontario Cannabis Control Act, 2017)
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Drive motor vehicle with speed-measuring warning device (Highway Traffic Act)
The accused was remanded into custody in Thunder Bay after a first court appearance in Marathon on August 5, 2025. A further court appearance is expected.
All accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Possible Penalties on Conviction (Maxima Set by Law)
Actual sentences depend on the facts, prior record, and whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment.
Criminal Code (federal):
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Dangerous operation (s.320.13(1)) — Hybrid offence: up to 10 years (indictable) or up to 2 years less a day (summary).
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Flight from peace officer (s.320.17) — Hybrid: up to 10 years (indictable) or up to 2 years less a day / $5,000 fine (summary).
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Fail to comply with release order (s.145(5)) — Hybrid: up to 2 years (indictable) or up to 2 years less a day / $5,000 fine (summary).
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Disobey court order (s.127) — Hybrid: up to 2 years (indictable) or summary penalties.
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Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition — Penalty depends on the section laid:
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Unauthorized possession (s.91(2)-(3)) — Hybrid: up to 5 years (indictable) or summary penalties.
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Knowing possession while unauthorized (s.92(2)) — Straight indictable: up to 10 years.
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Possession of break-in instruments (s.351(1)) — Hybrid: up to 10 years (indictable) or summary penalties.
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Possession of property obtained by crime —
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Over $5,000 (s.355(a)) — Hybrid: up to 10 years (indictable) or summary.
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Under $5,000 (s.355(b)) — Hybrid: up to 2 years (indictable) or summary (default summary max up to 2 years less a day / $5,000 fine).
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Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):
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Possession for the purpose of trafficking — Schedule III (s.5(3)(b)) — Hybrid: up to 10 years (indictable) or up to 18 months (summary). Justice Laws Website
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Simple possession — Schedule I (s.4) (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine) — Hybrid: up to 7 years on indictment; on summary, first offence up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months, subsequent up to $2,000 and/or 1 year.
Provincial offences (Ontario):
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Drive with cannabis readily available (Cannabis Control Act, 2017, s.12) — Typically enforced by set fine of $175; courts may impose higher penalties on conviction in some circumstances.
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Drive with speed-measuring warning device (HTA s.79) — Set fine $140; statute provides for $100–$1,000 fines and seizure/forfeiture of the device.
Investigation Continues
The Marathon OPP Community Street Crime Unit is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
NetNewsLedger will provide updates as new information becomes available.
