ATV chase closes the Burlington Lift Bridge

The Special Investigations Unit is investigating a crash on Burlington’s Eastport Dr. involving an OPP cruiser and an ATV.

Ontario Provincial Police were called just after 6:00 am Monday morning about an ATV driving on the QEW from Beamsville area all the way to Hamilton-Burlington area.

There were two people on board.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said it was a first for him.

Not only are ATVs not allowed on highways, calls to police suggested the vehicle was driving erratically.

Schmidt says the vehicle crossed the Skyway and went into Burlington. They made it as far as Waterdown road and turned around.

The ATV got off at North Shore Boulevard in Burlington and was driving down Eastport drive when it crashed into a police cruiser that was set up as a blockade near the lift bridge. Officers weren’t inside the vehicle at the time.

Police say the ATV driver, a 35-year-old man, tried to run away. He was captured and taken to hospital.

A 33-year-old woman who police say was the passenger is also in hospital.

The driver is now facing several charges related to this incident.

OPP say the investigation has been taken over by the SIU.

The police watchdog investigates incidents involving police that have resulted in injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.