WESTLOCK – An Edmonton man faces a laundry list of charges for leading police on a Sunday-night chase that began during a traffic stop near Busby and ended close to an hour-and-a-half later near Wabamun beach.
RCMP report that at around 6 p.m., Aug. 15, a vehicle towing a boat travelling southbound on Highway 44 near Highway 651 was stopped for a traffic safety offence by a Westlock RCMP Traffic Unit member.
Police say the driver, a 29-year-old Edmonton man, was detained by police for an infraction, however fled during the stop. A police pursuit began, but ended soon after in the Morinville RCMP area — RCMP say their physical chase was called off after approximately eight minutes. Edmonton Police Air Services were then called to help and Parkland County RCMP responded to where the suspect vehicle was found near Wabamun beach.
Approximately 90 minutes from the start of the incident, Justin Niehaus-Studivan was arrested and placed into police custody. He now faces charges of flight from police, dangerous operation of motor vehicle and two counts of obstruction of justice. He also received an Immediate Roadside Suspension (IRS) for being impaired and faces a speeding ticket.
Niehaus-Studivan is scheduled to appear in Westlock Provincial Court Sept. 22.
