Key Takeaways
- A driver in Vaughan, Ont. was arrested after attempting to steal a vehicle and breaking multiple traffic laws, including speeding, running a red light, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
- The driver, identified as 29-year-old John Derick Saturnino, is facing 32 charges, including driving while under suspension, mischief, and break and enter with intent.
- The incident was captured on video by the York Regional Police’s Air2 helicopter, which showed the driver’s erratic behavior and attempts to evade police.
- Saturnino is also linked to two commercial break-and-enters in Richmond Hill and Toronto, and his driver’s licence had been suspended since 2023.
- The public is asked to contact the police with any information about the incident or Saturnino’s activities.
Introduction to the Incident
A shocking video released by the York Regional Police shows a driver being arrested after a wild chase through the streets of Vaughan, Ont. The driver, who was later identified as 29-year-old John Derick Saturnino, was allegedly attempting to steal a vehicle and breaking multiple traffic laws, including speeding, running a red light, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The incident occurred on November 29, at around 2:40 a.m., near the police headquarters at 2700 Rutherford Rd. The police officers first observed a Dodge Caravan driving erratically and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver fled the scene.
The Police Chase
The York Regional Police’s Air2 helicopter was dispatched to follow the vehicle, and the footage it captured was released to the public. The video shows the driver’s reckless behavior, including driving without headlights, making a left turn from the wrong lane, and running red lights. The officers in the helicopter can be heard commenting on the driver’s actions, with one of them noting that the vehicle has its headlights off. The driver is also seen stopping in front of a home near Dufferin Street and Teston Road, where he attempts to break into a vehicle by hitting the driver’s side window with an object. After failing to get inside, the driver returns to the Dodge and continues driving.
The Arrest
The police officers on the ground attempted to contain the Dodge in the area of Bathurst Street and Autumn Hill Boulevard, but the driver was able to escape. The driver is then seen blowing through another red light, and the police deploy a spike strip on the road, which punctures two of the Dodge’s tires. The vehicle then enters an underground parking garage of an apartment building on Antibes Drive in Toronto, where the police cruisers arrive shortly after. The motorist is seen running away from one police officer, but then gives up, gets on the ground, and is handcuffed.
The Suspect and Charges
The suspect, John Derick Saturnino, is facing a total of 32 charges, including three counts of driving while under suspension and two counts each of mischief under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, break and enter with intent, and driving a motor vehicle while performing a stunt. The police have also linked Saturnino to two commercial break-and-enters, one in Richmond Hill on November 15 and another in Toronto on November 21. His driver’s licence had been suspended since 2023, and the Dodge Caravan he was driving was reported stolen in Toronto on November 27.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The York Regional Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or Saturnino’s activities to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The public’s help is crucial in bringing criminals to justice and preventing further incidents like this from occurring. The video released by the police serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. The police are committed to keeping the community safe and will continue to work tirelessly to apprehend those who break the law.