Teen charged after OPP officer dragged by ATV

MOUNT FOREST – A 16-year-old faces numerous charges after a police officer trying to make an arrest was dragged by an ATV here.

On Feb. 13 at about 10:30pm, a Wellington County OPP officer observed an ATV with no lights on being driven in what police describe as "an aggressive manner" in the area of Egremont Street in Mount Forest.

"The officer attempted to pull over the ATV, however, the suspect refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed," police stated in a press release.

"The officer discontinued the pursuit for public safety reasons.

"The ATV operator was later observed going through stop signs and driving erratically on several streets within the town."

At about 11:30pm a second OPP officer on foot patrol spotted the suspect ATV operator in the area of Normanby Street in Mount Forest.

"It was reported that the suspect drove directly at the officer," police stated.

"The officer was dragged approximately 100 metres after attempting to arrest the operator."

The officer was not injured, police say and the suspect was later located and arrested.

A 16-year-old from Mount Forest was charged with flight from a peace officer, assaulting a peace officer, dangerous driving, stunt driving, operating a vehicle without insurance and driving a vehicle without a licence.

He is scheduled to appear in Guelph youth court at a later date.