A large group of vehicles were spotted by Air1 driving recklessly in a commercial area in Pickering last weekend.
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, at approximately midnight, police received complaints from citizens and storeowners regarding a large vehicle gathering at the intersection of Clements Road and Squires Beach Road. Our Air1 Unit spotted several hundred people and approximately 30 vehicles operating recklessly in the intersection. The vehicles blocked the entire intersection and vehicles took turns doing donuts in the middle of the intersection. Occupants of the vehicles were seen hanging out the sunroof and windows recording the event while others were observed climbing street light posts to record the event.
When members of West Division arrived, most participants dispersed from the area at high rates of speed. Officers did not initiate any pursuits out of concern for public safety. However, Air1 did spot numerous vehicles, including a white BMW fleeing on Highway 401 westbound at speeds in excess of 200km/hr.
Most vehicles had their license plates removed or covered to avoid detection. Police are looking for any witnesses that may have dash-cam video of the dangerous driving to contact them.
Sgt Stacey Benson – DRPS Traffic Services Branch “Durham Regional Police would like to remind the public of the increased penalties for the existing stunt driving legislation, which now includes the same enforcement capabilities on private property that it does on a roadway. If you are charged with stunt driving, your licence will be immediately suspended for 30 days as well as your vehicle impounded for 14 days. If convicted, you will face a fine of between $2,000 – $10,000, possible jail time, six demerit points as well as a one-year licence suspension. Our police service supports Durham Vision Zero’s roadway safety initiatives and therefore will continue to actively enforce incidents of dangerous and erratic driving”
To view some of the Air1 footage visit our YouTube account under Durham Regional Police Service or click on this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEcedA67flY
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Cst. Torcivia of the West Division Traffic Safety Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2844.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
