A Blind River man who was wanted on multiple warrants is behind bars after allegedly trying to punch an OPP officer.
The altercation happened on May 13, when police say they tried to arrest the 28-year-old in Elliot Lake.
The charges against Nathaniel Bates include assaulting a peace officer and possession of crystal meth.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Bates is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Below is the full news release from the Ontario Provincial Police.
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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On May 13, 2024 shortly after 1 p.m., police observed a car being operated by an individual known to police who was found to be prohibited from driving Canada-wide. The car then pulled into a driveway on Axmith Avenue in the City of Elliot Lake and a further query of the prohibited driver revealed there were several outstanding warrants for the driver's arrest.
While officers were making the arrest, the driver refused to comply with lawful commands and became assaultive towards police by attempting to punch one of the officers in the face. The driver was also found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected crystal meth and was breaching multiple release court orders.
As a result, Nathaniel Bates, 28 years of age from Blind River, was charged with:
- Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code (two counts)
- Resist peace officer
- Assault peace officer
- Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court (five counts)
- Possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine
- Driving while under suspension
The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail in Blind River on May 14, 2024, and was remanded into custody.
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