Stolen SUV leads police on high-speed chase through Rideau Lakes, Perth area
A stolen vehicle spotted on Highway 15 in Rideau Lakes earlier this week led police on a dangerous pursuit across highways and back roads before getting stuck on an unplowed trail east of Perth.
The incident began on Tuesday, March 11, just before 5 p.m. when officers with the Leeds County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detected a stolen vehicle on Highway 15 in Rideau Lakes. Police say officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high speed.
The vehicle then moved onto back roads, evading additional officers who converged on the area. It was later located in a parking lot in Perth, but fled when an officer approached, police say. Spike belts were then unsuccessfully used on Highway 7, and the vehicle sped away.
The SUV later got stuck on an unplowed trail east of Perth, where it was found by police. At the same time, two suspicious people were reported by residents of the area. A search by Lanark County OPP officers, the Emergency Response Team and the Canine Unit was unable to locate the pair.
On Wednesday, March 12, additional reports of suspicious people were received and officers located and arrested two individuals on Miller Drive near Highway 7.
Clayton Hartsell, 43, of Woodstock, is charged with:
- Obstruct a peace officer
- Flight from a peace officer
- Common nuisance – endanger life
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle
- Operation of a vehicle while prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Driving while under suspension – two counts
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Caitlin Meyer, 41, of Woodstock, is charged with:
- Obstruct a peace officer
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Mischief – interfere with lawful use of property over $5.000
Charges have not been proven in court.
Both accused were held in custody and are scheduled to appear for bail hearings today (Thursday, March 13, 2025).