SUDBURY -- In the early morning hours of Aug. 15, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Huntsville stopped a white Toyota Corolla as part of a R.I.D.E, when the driver abruptly fled the scene, causing the officer to fall in the vehicle before it crashed into a concrete barrier.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. police were conducting the stop on Hwy 11 on the off ramp to Hwy 592 near Novar, Ont. when they observed the vehicle approach at slow speeds.  The man the failed to produce identification and officers suspected he was impaired.

One of the officers approached the passenger side and the man allegedly reached under the seat. 

When he did not comply with directives to turn off the engine, the officer opened the passenger door and the man then put the vehicle in drive causing the officer to fall into the car.  The man fled the scene in the vehicle before crashing into a concrete barrier with the officer still partially inside, leaving him injured. The extent of the officer's injuries has not been released.

According to police, the man then exited the vehicle and ran over the bridge and onto the southbound lanes of Hwy 11. The Emergency Response Team from the Central Region were called in to assist and a search by the North East Region Canine unit yielded no results.

Huntsville OPP is now seeking the public’s assistance in locating the man who is described as of dark complexion with cornrow style shorter hair and between 5’10” to 6’ tall.  At the time of incident, he was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntsville OPP at (705)789-5551 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 should they wish to remain anonymous.