The quiet of a Monday night in Oshawa shattered around 11 p.m. as a routine traffic stop spiraled into a reckless pursuit, leaving a trail of damaged vehicles and a community on edge.
It began with officers conducting a RIDE initiative at the intersection of Stevenson Road and Gibb Street, focusing on drivers potentially impaired by alcohol or drugs. One driver, after being signaled to pull over, made a split-second decision that would escalate the situation dramatically – he fled.
The initial escape quickly turned dangerous. The fleeing vehicle didn’t just speed away; it collided with another car almost immediately, yet the driver pressed on, accelerating into a high-speed chase that disregarded the safety of others.
Police attempted to intercept the vehicle, but the driver responded with a shocking act of aggression, deliberately ramming two police cruisers. Undeterred, the suspect continued to weave through the streets, driving with a blatant disregard for public safety.
The chase didn’t last forever. Durham Regional Police deployed a K9 Unit and, crucially, a police drone – a Remote Piloted Aircraft System – to track the suspects. This combination of technology and skilled officers proved decisive.
Abandoning the vehicle, the driver and passenger attempted to disappear on foot, hoping to blend into the darkness. Their efforts were futile. The K9 Unit, guided by the aerial perspective of the drone, relentlessly pursued them.
The suspects were quickly located hiding in a residential backyard, their attempt at evasion brought to an abrupt end. Both men were taken into custody without further incident.
Je’von Hamblett-Oxley, 29, now faces a multitude of charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle, failing to stop for police, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was held pending a bail hearing.
Lincoln Richards, 32, was also charged, facing accusations related to possession of controlled substances and cannabis within the vehicle. He was released with conditions.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in the case, specifically requesting any available video footage of the incident. Anyone with details is urged to contact the Durham Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
