A 33-year-old Barrie man has a long list of charges to answer for after a dangerous drive through the city.
Police say the man was already known to them and driving while suspended when he was spotted around 9 a.m. Thursday on Essa Road near Anne Street by detectives.
"A uniformed officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it sped off at a high rate of speed northbound on Bradford Street," police said in a news release.
The driver continued to operate the vehicle with disregard for other motorists, said police, and nearly struck a pedestrian on Sophia Street.
The wild ride ended when the driver made his way from Sophia Street and onto Bayfield Street, where the vehicle collided with scaffolding at a building under construction.
The driver attempted to flee, but there was too much damage done to the car.
"In the interest of public safety and recognizing the immediate need to stop this driver, a Barrie police unmarked pickup truck was able to position itself and safely stop the fleeing car," the news release stated.
The driver and a 35-year-old woman were arrested and taken back to Barrie Police Headquarters for further investation.
The male is facing drug-related offences, and charges including flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation, impaired driving, two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, driving while under suspension, using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available.
The accused has a bail hearing on July 21.
The female was released unconditionally and is not facing any charges.
