Perth man makes attempt to flee after driving ‘erratically’: OPP
Posted Nov 3, 2025 01:24:14 PM.
Last Updated Nov 4, 2025 12:20:31 PM.
A Perth resident is facing numerous charges after attempting to flee police.
It happened on Oct. 31 around 10:30 a.m. An officer with the Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol on Port Elmsley Road when he saw a vehicle he described as suspicious.
Police said in a press release, the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at high speed. The responding officer said the pick-up truck was being driven “erratically.”
The officer did not pursue the car due to safety concerns, but alerted other officers in the area.
The vehicle was spotted several times before a spike belt could be used to safely stop the vehicle. Police say the truck was found abandoned a short time later.
The OPP Canine Unit was called in for a search. The individual was later located hiding in a field.
Ridge Michael, a 35-year-old Perth man, has now been charged with the following:
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle;
- Flight from a peace officer;
- Two counts of driving while under suspension;
- Driving with liquor readily available;
- Driving a vehicle failing to display two licence plates;
- Using a plate not authorized for a vehicle; and
- Two counts of failure to comply with an undertaking.
