A man is facing numerous firearms-related charges after a brief police pursuit in Whitby on Saturday night.
On August 31 at 12:30 am, members of Central West Division attempted to stop a vehicle that was operating with no lights on Garrard Road near Rossland Road East in Whitby.
As the officer attempted to stop the grey Hyundai, the vehicle drove away southbound on Garrard Road at a high rate of speed, going through a red light at Rossland Road. The suspect vehicle ended up losing control, mounting the curb and striking a hydro pole which resulted in the loss of hydro to numerous residents in Whitby and Oshawa.
The suspect was trapped in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries. Police located a loaded firearm near the vehicle and the driver was arrested.
Luther Derouche, age 32 of Renfrew Court in Oshawa, is charged with: Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Firearm Knowing Unauthorized; Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Firearm; Careless Storage of a Firearm; Contravene Storage; Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle; Flight from Police; Red Light – Fail to Stop; Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance and Class G1 License Holder Unaccompanied by Qualified Driver.
He was held for a bail hearing.