Man arrested for dangerous operation of ATV & flight from police in Spaniard’s Bay #nltraffic

RCMP in Bay Roberts arrested a charged a man after he fled from police on an ATV in Spaniard’s Bay on April 13.

An officer with RCMP Traffic Services East was parked on the side of the road conducting traffic enforcement and observed 43-year-old Michael Efford operating a side-by-side ATV at a high rate of speed on Route 70.

The officer attempted to pull the ATV over, but the driver refused to stop and fled from the police, nearly causing a head-on collision. Other motorists had to pull to the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision.

Due to the dangerous operation of the ATV, police did not pursue the ATV.

A number of reports from the public were then received about an ATV matching this one, stating it was driving in a dangerous manner, prior to being observed by police on Route 70.

The driver of the ATV was identified as Michael Efford. He was located a short time later at his residence by Bay Roberts RCMP.

The accused was arrested and is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, and driving while suspended. Police found the ATV hidden in a nearby wooded area and seized the vehicle.

Efford was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Harbour Grace on June 16.