A Sarnia man that was driving around with a dangling licence plate, is now facing charges of drug trafficking and flight from police.
At around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, a Sarnia police officer saw a vehicle on Indian Road that had its rear plate hanging by a bolt. When the officer turned around to pursue the vehicle, the driver sped off, drove through a red light at Confederation Street, and continued northbound on Indian Road.
Police say the vehicle then turned into a parking lot near Devine Street before the driver ran away. A passenger had previously jumped out of the vehicle.
Officers from the Community Policing Branch and COPPS Unit formed a perimeter around the area and located the female passenger hiding behind some bushes. Police then found the male driver hiding in a building on Devine Street.
Police searched the suspect vehicle and located around $2,180 worth of suspected methamphetamine and a small quantity of suspected fentanyl.
Michael Johnathan McManus, 44, is charged with one count each of flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, and driving while under suspension.
Carley Johanna Phair faces one count of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking. The 33-year-old from Wallaceburg was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.
